It’s 2024, and with the new year come countless articles, videos, and posts all trying to predict fashion’s next big thing. However, the start of a new year is also a time to reflect on many fashion trends and styles popular in the years past. Whether you loved or loathed them, it’s undeniable that many fashion trends were everywhere in 2023, especially in a social media landscape where they spread like wildfire.
However, with social media comes the acceleration of the trend cycle, and sometimes it feels like styles or articles of clothing can be in one day and out the other.
The Academy Chronicle surveyed BCA students, and asked for their thoughts on some of the biggest trends of 2023, and whether they’re here to stay, or stuck in the past.
Soccer-Inspired clothes
From jerseys to turf shoes to warm-up gear, BCA students have seen soccer-inspired clothing all over their feeds, and even in the halls. However, when asked whether or not they thought the style was here to stay, surveyed students were split nearly 50/50.
Some students thought the trend was simply a microtrend, something so specific and oversaturated that people have become sick of it.
However, others believe that the trend grew organically with current events. “I think that the World Cup absolutely influenced fashion, especially with shoe trends,” said Chloe, a sophomore in ABF. “I’ve seen a lot more shoes like Addidas sambas [traditional turf shoes] on the streets, and even tracksuits.”
Lionel Messi’s move to the US Major League Soccer team Inter Miami also brought many American’s attention to the sport, with Chloe noting that she saw Messi’s pink Inter Miami jersey “everywhere this summer.”
With anticipation of the Olympic Games in Paris in the coming year, there’s no doubt that soccer will be on many BCA student’s minds, even if some are unsure it’ll be in their wardrobes.
Over-the-ear headphones
Once a bulky but necessary tech accessory, headphones have become a fashion statement for many students at BCA. Nearly 92% of students surveyed have noticed over-the-ear headphones being worn as a type of accessory, and over 80% believe that this trend isn’t going anywhere.
The biggest draw to headphones is undoubtedly their practicality; allowing people to listen to music on the go makes them both stylish and useful.
“They’re a good accessory, and I like listening to music during study halls and studying, and they make it much easier,” explained ATCS sophomore Sophia while donning a pair of Sony XM5 headphones.
Interest in headphones also follows a greater trend of people customizing their tech, such as swapping out clear phone cases for patterns and phone chains or using novelty cases for wireless earbuds. The large surface area of over-the-ear headphones allows students to personalize and customize them with stickers, ribbons, or other decorations, creating something uniquely their own.
Although headphones such as the Apple Airpod Max or Sony XM4 can cost over $350, less expensive alternatives have made the trend accessible, and something many students think is here to stay.
Ballet-inspired fashion
In 2023, many dusted off their dancewear to embrace ballet-inspired fashion. The style, dubbed “balletcore” online, is characterized by its incorporation of traditional dance motifs, like ribbon and bows, wrap skirts and tops, and the color pink.
While some dancers at BCA were surprised to see their practice attire worn as street clothing, AVPA sophomore Sofia wasn’t. “Ballet represents this idea of appearing graceful and effortless, and this is something a lot of people want to emulate.”
Although most surveyed students have seen the trend, over two-thirds believe that it won’t continue into 2024. Many students think of ballet-inspired clothes as just another microtrend that will likely fall out of fashion quickly. This is the danger of many social media trends, as they can become oversaturated so quickly that people become sick of seeing them.
However, not all elements of balletcore fashion seem to be on their way out. “I feel like some of the layered clothes that are a part of this style aren’t popular anymore, but bows are here to stay,” said Chloe regarding the aesthetic’s future.
AAST sophomore Nina agreed, noting that in her experience “bows are everywhere.”
As trends continue to change, grow, and evolve, many students have started to realize the importance of having a personal style that is true to themselves. “It’s important to have your ow\n personal style and not blindly follow trends, because you should stay consistent with what you know you like,” explained AAST sophomore Fiona. After all, nothing’s more fashionable than staying true to yourself.
