How the pandemic refashioned Samo clothing trends
Indigo Craane, Staff Writer
While some Samo students stayed in pajamas during quarantine, others avidly kept up with social media fashion trends. TikTok was especially influential when it came to these trends during the pandemic. Unlike other social media platforms, fast-paced trends were the heartbeat behind the app. It created an outlet for people to show the process behind their evolving style using 15-second videos. Serving as both quick entertainment and inspiration, Samo students turned to TikTok and other social media apps to develop their personal style during the lockdown.
Throughout the pandemic, there was a recognizable emphasis on reaching for more ethical and sustainable clothing. All over social media, influencers and students alike were exposing the truth behind the fashion industry—environmental damage, animal cruelty and exploitive labor are just a few examples of the many dangers. As a result, students like Egan Waktole (’23) started taking the extra step in avoiding fast fashion and working towards more sustainable methods such as thrifting.
“I was shocked when I saw the process behind fast fashion all over Instagram. It made me really think about where my dollar was going. And besides, I find thrifting so much better over going to the Promenade,” Waktole said.
Between 2020 and 2021, there was also a subtle shift from the influence of the 90s to the 2000s. Tank tops turned into corset tops, baggy jeans turned into boot-cut jeans and your everyday backpack turned into a tote bag. In 2020, it was plain-colored Jansport backpacks that were traditionally adorned by students, but over quarantine, there was no use for school bags; tote bags began to take their hold upon the shoulders of students instead. Though they may have gained in popularity due to the look, some have differing opinions about it.
“Using a tote bag for school isn’t really the most functional because everything gets lost and tangled, but I think it’s cute,” Sydney Seifer (’23) said.
Alongside the evolution of bags, makeup trends underwent various changes over the last couple of years. In early 2020, subtle dainty makeup was the most popular style. After all, it was made to be simple, functional and done in minutes. But with COVID-19 hitting, there was more time to explore makeup styles that students would have never tried before, specifically eye makeup. With masks on, students had only their eyes to express who they were. What better way than to show it through eyeliner or eyeshadow? Everywhere, you can see students with their own unique makeup style; makeup is said to be a form of self-expression after all!
The fashion trends that sprouted during the pandemic have influenced Samo students’ personal style in major ways. Whether it be through makeup, clothing choice or even bag choice, it’s evident that students experienced huge transformations during quarantine.
Photo by Ella Rose