Teenagers and young adults in the San Jose area are speaking out against the popularity of microtrend fashion culture for the environmental repercussions and expense of keeping up with it all.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI hate microtrends because it\u2019s just overconsumption,\u201d said 15-year-old Naman Dhanoa.<\/p>\n
The term \u201cmicrotrend\u201d holds similar meaning to a \u201cfad\u201d or \u201ccraze,\u201d distinguished by a short span of popularity, as well as where it all comes from: the algorithm. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok learn what is popular and feed the latest styles into users\u2019 recommended content, influencing people quickly.<\/p>\n
In an unscientific online Instagram survey of 17 East San Jose high school students, quoted in this story, most criticized the damage microtrend culture has spurred. These short-lived crazes are expensive to keep up with and the clothes eventually end up in landfills.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey can lead to bullying and promote overconsumption.\u201d\u00a0 <\/p>\n
\u2014 Grace Cruz, San Jose high school student<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t like microtrends,\u201d said Grace Cruz, age 15. \u201cThey can lead to bullying and promote overconsumption.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Andrey Larin, age 15, said\u00a0 microtrends \u201ccan help people find their identity but also promote the idea of buying and throwing away.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mixed views on microtrend fashion<\/p>\n
Fashion trends used to last entire seasons or even years. Microtrends have reduced the fashion cycles into months or even weeks. These trends seem to revolve around specific styles or \u201caesthetics,\u201d like\u00a0 \u201ccoquette,\u201d \u201cpilates princess\u201d and \u201ctomato girl.\u201d These styles often have specific pieces that are considered to \u201cmake the outfit,\u201d like bandanas, chunky bags and bucket hats.<\/p>\n
Evania Tran, an incoming sophomore at Evergreen Valley High School, said she thinks microtrends spark in competition between people trying to be the most unique and start new trends rapidly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Anh Tran, 16, said\u00a0 microtrends are a \u201cwaste of money, yet good for business.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Paulina, 23, who was interviewed at Westfield Oakridge mall, said she doesn\u2019t follow microtrends.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery two years I feel like I want to get rid of or stop wearing certain things,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
But there are devoted microtrend supporters.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think they\u2019re super fun,\u201d said Sasha, 23. \u201cIt\u2019s super fun keeping up with them.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sasha said that in the past year he has bought 20 or more shirts, five to six pairs of pants and three pairs of shoes. But he also said he usually wears older clothes from his wardrobe.<\/p>\n
Embracing personal style over trends<\/p>\n
Content creators like @lottielashley<\/a> and @heidiunhinged<\/a> on Instagram promote awareness around fast fashion and overconsumption.<\/p>\n Others post videos like \u201cWhat I Will Not be Buying in 2026\u201d or \u201cFashion Trends I Will Not be Participating In.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cPrice is going up; quality going down.\u201d <\/p>\n \u2014 Claire Beluga, Instagram content creator<\/p>\n In a similar video from Instagram user @clairexplains<\/a>, content creator Claire Beluga said, \u201cwe are being robbed.\u201d She goes on to say, \u201cPrice is going up; quality going down,\u201d which is a popular opinion among many.<\/p>\n Those pushing back on microtrends urge their peers to think for themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cExpress yourself,\u201d said Paulina, \u201cWear whatever you want and don\u2019t care about what other people say. Wear whatever\u2019s comfortable and matches your style.\u201d<\/p>\n San Jose resident Jessica said, \u201cFollowing trends is fine obviously, but more important is just looking at what you want to wear. Follow your own sense of style.\u201d<\/p>\n Quinn Rickett is a member of the class of 2029 at Silver Creek High School in San Jose.<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s note: This story is part of the annual Mosaic Journalism Program<\/a> for Bay Area high school students, an intensive course in journalism. Students in the program report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.<\/p>\n \n \t