to wonder if there is really such a thing as fashion anymore

I was looking through old photos at the weekend. Lots of photos of me wearing waist high stone wash jeans with seams down the front, polo shirt tucked in with a thick leather belt, dangly earrings down to my shoulders, white trainers with big logos and a strangely oversized tongue (on the trainers, not on me 😜).

At the time I thought I was just wearing what I wanted to and expressing myself, not following a trend. But in hindsight it was so VERY 90s that it was definitely “in” at the time.

If there was no such thing as fashion now, it could just as easily be worn today, no? Any yet … I think it might attract a few giggles and second glances.

Therefore I conclude that yes, there is still such a thing as fashion, but we don’t recognise it because we are immersed in it.

You could be looking at photos of today in 30 years time and you could probably place it to within 5 years.

I think we just have groups like we always have done - in the 60s, we had mods and hippies.

Or we might call it an “aesthetic” nowadays.

I think the internet is creating its own tribes and source of inspiration - which means that out and about, it all looks quite eclectic. You don’t have to dress like your neighbours or colleagues now because you get inspiration from someone you follow online.

But if you went to a common interest event like a gig/ store event, suddenly everyone looks the same again.

I’ve always liked wearing the same old comfy clothes skirts tops jeans dresses etc I don’t really tend to buy new anymore last year or so I’ve been buying off of vinted more.
I also actively avoid fast fashion like shien, primark and Temu can’t stand crap clothing quality and I will openly admit I prefer supermarket clothing over likes of those shops quality is good and I have items years old and still in good condition.

I think in the past you were more aware of what was a current trend because you were young and trends tend to be watched and followed more by the young

Back in the day when women in particular got older and had dc they adopted a mum uniform. Then when they got to 40 they cut their hair and adopted a middle age uniform and so on.

but now people tend to find a look they like and carry on with it as they age. Some really successfully and get develop a style that suits them. Others perhaps not so successfully and they just look dated and stuck in a rut. But it does lead to a street view of many looks.

All I can say as an oldie is, if I like the look, fabric, and shape (on me) of an item I'll wear it, and I don't give a damn about whether it is fashionable or not. Maybe it is I don't know! I'll shop in any shop that will give me what I will feel good in, from Primark up to well.... whatever I can afford for say a special occasion.

The Pashmina effect I call it. I see on this board the horror of anyone even contemplating the use of a pashmina or wrap for a wedding cover up. Sometimes they are the most suitable and often beautiful additions to a wedding outfit. Instead we get - try this blazer, that cardigan, this overshirt, that long coat, most of which are absolutely awful and detract so much from the outfit itself. But I digress.

Fashion is for young people, as pp said, follow the herd. It's hard to find a person under 18 who doesn't have long straightened hair, oversized tops and various iterations of jeans, leggings, sports wear, short shorts etc.

Fashion to me is looking and feeling good about what you're wearing. We are not all built the same so to be an individual is a good thing, whether that conforms to society's view of fashionable or not. Who the F cares really?

I think “fashion” has just become grouped by “aesthetic” now. For example, I’m 26 and I think a lot of people would say I’m in the “clean girl” aesthetic - but it’s more of an entirety than just clothes. So hair, makeup, clothes, shoes, etc.

I hope "fashion" is going and people will choose what they like and reject what they do not. I appreciate it is a big bit of the economy but it is also responsible for pollution and waste

I think if you look at groups of teenagers they mostly have a similar “look” depending on area, financial bracket etc.

But I do agree adults’ clothing is much more varied than it used to be in my Mum’s or Grandmothers’ day.

Hopefully not