Stylistic chaos: how fashion is challenging minimalism

Historical allusions are not just to make it clear that the trend is not new. Also to show (again) that fashion is not an isolated case: "Trends reflect both the economic and cultural environments of our society as well as our social values," says Jaehee Jung, a doctor from the University of Delaware specializing in psychology of fashion and consumer behavior. "The swings of the fashion pendulum can be more frequent and create this chaotic fashion trend, in which normal trends are interrupted by economic and cultural phenomena," he maintains for Vogue Spain, speaking of their close correlation. This is the absolute case of the panorama generated by the Covid: “During the pandemic, consumers had to refrain from showing their individual styles to others. His desire to express himself is now reflected in the trends of maximalism and excess”, he determines.

In this point lies one of the keys that give meaning to this type of outfits: a need for self-expression and individuality that becomes especially noteworthy when we talk about the youngest. “Due to the pandemic, my style has been reborn” confessed the tiktoker Adrienne Reau, speaking precisely of a “creative renaissance” defined by looks as colorful as they are chaotic. His were some of the statements that Isabel Sloane collected in a report in the North American Harpers Bazaar, talking about how generation Z has done away with basic black.

Stylistic chaos: how fashion is setting in check to minimalism

Although the analysis focused more on the post-pandemic triumph of bright colors, it emphasized these new times marked by a need to try new things. “Compared to millennials, Gen Z people tend to stand out on social media as being more authentic and spontaneous,” Depop noted in a study he did with Bain on how younger people are helping to transform business. “Similarly, Gen Z fashion is distinguished by being experimental and hybrid. Its members gravitate towards mixes, uniting vintage with streetwear. Although they still look to fashion brands for trends and inspiration, they choose to do their own styling.” Ultimately, for TikTok, maximalism has overwhelming logic: how can you stand out on the platform in a black dress? Having a few seconds to show many looks forces you to take out the heavy artillery if you want to stand out. Bright colors, such as wacky mixes, represent much more effective strategies for achieving that purpose.