Has Social Media Killed Personal Style? The Impact of Trends on Fashion Identity

With platforms like TikTok and Instagram dominating our daily feeds, it’s impossible to ignore the growing influence social media has on fashion trends. What was once an expression of personal style has now become a race to keep up with the latest viral trend—whether it’s a pair of Balenciaga City Bags or the infamous quilted puffer jacket. It seems like we can’t walk around places like SoHo without spotting the same high-end accessories and outerwear everywhere we look. But this begs the question: has social media taken over how we view our closets, and is it even possible to truly express personal style anymore?

Social media has completely reshaped the way we approach fashion. With influencers, celebrities, and everyday users showcasing their outfits on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, it's no longer about creating a personal wardrobe that reflects *you*. Instead, it’s about the latest “it” pieces, the ones everyone’s talking about and posting in their stories. Think about it: how many times have you seen the same viral quilted puffer jacket, a Balenciaga bag, or a pair of chunky sneakers from the latest TikTok fashion challenge? It’s not just about individual expression anymore—it’s about fitting in with the trend of the moment.

The speed at which trends emerge and dominate is insane. Just look at fit-check videos, where people show off their outfits for the day. If a video gets enough traction, it won’t be long before everyone’s copying the look and rushing to buy the same pieces. The viral nature of these trends creates a uniformity where, all of a sudden, your once “unique” jacket or shoes are now just another item in the never-ending cycle of trendy pieces.

The question arises: can anyone really be unique in their style anymore? With fashion being dictated by social media algorithms, there's an overwhelming pressure to conform to what’s trending. While trends have always existed, what’s different now is how fast they move and how widely they are accessible. The democratization of fashion through social media means that once a piece gains popularity, it’s almost impossible to avoid seeing it everywhere. You may have bought that quilted jacket because it seemed like a fun, unique addition to your wardrobe, only to realize a few weeks later that it’s now the uniform of every influencer and fashion-conscious person you know.

It’s easy to get lost in this cycle, constantly trying to keep up with the next big thing. The question is, does this trend-driven culture diminish our ability to express individuality through fashion? If everyone is wearing the same pieces, how can we be sure our style is truly our own? It’s as if we’re all playing the same game of fashion, following the same rules, and trying to outdo one another by getting the next piece that will define the moment.

Despite the dominance of viral trends, there is still hope for personal style to shine through. Even though social media has made it easier than ever to adopt a uniform look, it also provides a platform for creative self-expression. Users are mixing and matching trends, creating personal spins on viral items, and using fashion as a way to show off their personalities. The challenge is learning how to balance the influence of social media with your own sense of style.

For instance, many fashion-forward individuals have learned to use trends as a jumping-off point, incorporating them into their existing wardrobes in a way that feels true to them. They may pair that trendy quilted jacket with a vintage skirt or add a pop of color to their otherwise neutral ensemble. It’s about taking something that’s “in” and making it your own—transforming a trend into a personal statement rather than just another recycled outfit.

At the end of the day, it’s impossible to escape the fact that trends, fueled by social media, have reshaped how we approach fashion. The pressure to conform can be overwhelming, and it often feels like the days of truly unique, one-of-a-kind style are behind us. But that doesn’t mean individuality is entirely lost. The key is finding ways to express your personality through pieces that speak to you, even if they’re part of a larger trend.

As long as social media continues to influence fashion, trends will always have their place. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to make them our own. Perhaps the trick isn’t about avoiding trends altogether but embracing them in a way that reflects our unique selves—after all, personal style is still about how we make the pieces work for us, no matter how many others are wearing the same thing.

- Tati