Let’s face it: the reality of Gen Z culture today means that the majority of us are getting the latest style trends from social media and social media only. More specifically, TikTok has been dominating the style game, and Gen Z has been giving us the latest tips and tricks on current fashion and style trends. So, if you’re a bit behind on the times like I am and you’re looking for what’s “in” right now, here are the five biggest TikTok trends of 2021 so far.
- Curtain bangs
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TikTok is definitely the place to go for new up-and-coming hairstyles. ’90s and 2000s fashion is back in style, and so are the haircuts. Curtain bangs are the latest hair trend, where the front pieces of hair are cut to create side bangs that can be clipped up or laid out like bangs. I will admit, I am a victim of this one. Last week, I got curtain bangs, and I could not be happier. I love the ’90s look, and curtain bangs are the perfect cut to try if you think you might want bangs but you’re not sure. They’re incredibly manageable and super fun, and you’ll look like a ’90s/2000s fashion icon with your curtain bangs and thrifted clothes.
- Thrifted clothes
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Speaking of thrifted clothes, thrifting is the way to go when it comes to fashion today. Not only is thrifting cheaper than normal shopping, but it is also extremely trendy and chic since older fashion trends have resurfaced. Thrifting is a way to give back and buy used clothes so that they don’t go to waste — it is so much better for the environment than running to buy a similar version at a fast fashion retailer. Popular TikTokers and YouTubers like Emma Chamberlain are basically ambassadors of the thrifting trend, and many people look to their videos for inspo. So go find your closest Goodwill or local thrift shop to get some amazing vintage finds!
- Wide-leg, loose jeans
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Attention millennials, skinny jeans are not in anymore. TikTok is full of videos making fun of millennials for still wearing skinny jeans and ankle boots — the new style is wide-leg, baggy jeans with white sneakers or black boots. In particular, Zara jeans are very popular for their high-waisted, tight fit around the butt and loose fit around the ankles. I will admit, I own many pairs of Zara jeans, and I wear them pretty much every day. I swear by them. They’re just so comfortable and stylish at the same time, so what’s not to like?
- ’90s sunglasses
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As I said before, ’90s/2000s trends are back and better than ever. So, along with the hairstyles and clothes that are back in style from those decades, so are the sunglasses. YouTuber Emma Chamberlain has an affection for ’90s sunglasses, which has caused many of her followers to buy and wear them as well. ’90s sunglasses are narrow and chic, and they are definitely a desirable look among Gen Z’ers on TikTok right now.
- Oversized hoodies (with tennis skirts)
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I have always been a sucker for oversized hoodies, but before now, I have not really worn them outside of the house. However, now that oversized hoodies are very much a style trend, I wear them out all the time. Graphic t-shirts and sweatshirts are very in, so a lot of people have oversized hoodies with things like skateboarding skeletons on them or vintage Nike sweatshirts (thrifting is very big for hoodies, too). If it’s cold, a lot of people also throw a tight turtleneck under their oversized hoodie to make the look more stylish and put together. To dress it up a little, many Gen Z’ers wear tennis skirts with their oversized hoodies: another very popular look at the moment.
Although I am technically part of Gen Z, I am still learning all of these TikTok trends as everyone else is. The best we can do is keep up before they go out of style. So, hopefully, this list of the latest trends helps!