Microtrends have always been something that lives within the world of fashion, but social media has sped up the lives of these trends. Influencers create "get ready with me" and "outfit of the day" content, thus exposing their audiences to certain styles that then quickly gain popularity.

"I try to avoid them, but obviously I sometimes don’t clock it right away," experience architecture and graphic design senior Jenny Nguyen said. "But I am trying to build my own sense of style, in doing, so I tend to copy someone else’s but add a little twist to make it more personal to myself."

Many college students are in pursuit of finding their own personal sense of style. In their attempt to pursue this, they risk falling into the microtrend trap while searching for inspiration on platforms like Pinterest and TikTok. There is no major tell when deciphering if the newest popular accessory is a microtrend, although there are small signs. 

Recently there have been a lot of throwback fashion trends that reminisce on items from the 80s, 90s and 2000s. Most recently low-rise jeans and mini skirts are making a comeback into closets everywhere. Items that surround the basics like jean cuts and skirts will always be considered macrotrends because they will circle back into fashion every few years. 

"I can see how long-lasting trends come back into style in cycles," pre-nursing freshman Elle Catterson said. "Like how baggy jeans and low-rise jeans were popular in the 2000s and they made a comeback after the skinny jeans."

Being able to spot long-lasting trends isn’t enough to stop it from becoming a microtrend. Many microtrends are characterized by their mass production. A company will create an original product that will begin trending and suddenly there will be low-quality duplicates and knockoffs in other mass-produced clothing stores. Brands like Forever 21 and Shein are known for this reproduction. 

When a popular trend is starting to turn into a fast-fashion item, feelings of annoyance and simply being over it take over. Making room for another microtrend to step into the top spot, which is why this harmful cycle is hard to break free from. 

"A big thing I notice is how desperate these companies are to print these trends on anything and everything," Marshall said. "You would never expect a bow to be on a water bottle, but it’s there because people are liking it."

Within the past year bows have been seen everywhere from sweaters to pillows. They gained their popularity in the early summer months, and are now being labeled as "cheugy," or out of date.

The bow trend isn’t the only thing from the past year that is defined as a microtrend. Things like barrel jeans, bubble skirts and cowboy boots all had their moment in the spotlight for a short time, only to be forgotten within weeks. 

"I don’t necessarily like to seek them out, but I do tend to come across them, and I honestly don’t mind them," Catterson said. "I think it’s cute how everyone takes one thing and styles it their own way, or does what they want with it."

Although they tend to be talked about in a negative way, microtrends aren’t always viewed that way by everyone. Inherently, being able to incorporate these small styles into one's everyday fashion is a great way to stay up to date with the trends. 

Building a strong closet with a lot of basics will allow the wearer to build upon their outfits and let their personal style show through. Layering trendy items like charm necklaces or chunky jewelry on top of plain sweats, and/or shirts helps maintain a long-lasting, on trend, closet. 

"Everyone has a different body type, so you’re obviously going to do what fits your body type," Nguyen said. "You don’t have to be a trend setter or like a trend follower, just do whatever makes you happy."

The key to creating a macrotrend closet is being able to collect pieces you know will become staples within daily life. Breaking free from the microtrend cycle will allow personal style to shine through and create a more exciting wardrobe.