Humans have always been a pack species. They are wired to lead, follow, communicate, and engage with other humans. This shows through in social media, community clubs and teams, friend groups, and trends.
Trends are shifts in overall behavior, systems, and society. As teenagers, we often see them in styles and clothing. These trends are shaped by influences from media, societies expectations, the environment, political and social movements, and large companies. Trends also change with time. Some notable style eras include the hippie 70s, the Victorian era, and the Y2K 2000s. While you can still find those interested in fashion from these eras, 2026’s style as a whole is completely different. Moreover, different ages have different trends, many of which were shaped from previous eras they had been exposed to.
So what are today’s trends for teenagers? In a survey taken by West Salem High Schoolers residing in the far northern sector, students are asked to label the overall style trends in one words. Common answers were “casual,” “comfortable,” “basic,” “nostalgic,” and “tired.” West Salem freshmen, Caleb Herrera says, “I see lots of sweatshirts and shorts every day for the girls, and t-shirts and pants for the boys. Overall, there are lots and lots of sweatshirts.” Additionally, West Salem teacher, Becky Clark says, “I see a lot of hoodies, Heydudes, athletic and member wear, t-shirts, leggings, and dresses with spaghetti straps.” Sweatshirts, sandals with socks, and cropped tops are popular in today’s teens.
However, not everyone follows the trends as closely. While everyone clumps to specific styles, most branch out slightly into their own, and some disregard trends completely. Junior Juley Schan from Onalaska High School, who is known for her bold outfits, says, “I like creating new looks so people can always pick me out in a crowd. Because if you look like everyone else, then you might as well be everyone else.” She also confirmed that, “Yes, Onalaska teenagers look the same as West Salem teenagers. I go to my West Salem cousin’s games, and you can’t tell who goes where in the crowd.”
Trends are constantly shifting, and everyone perceives them slightly different. A downside of trends is the pressure to follow them, and the backlash some face for not following. Schan says that, “I get a lot of weird looks and a lot of judgement for the way I dress. They don’t feel comfortable with my self-expression.”
Clothing is a way to express yourself, whether you dress like Caleb, “Baggy sweatshirt and shorts.” or like freshmen Zoe Wallace, “Fishnets, denim shorts, green criss-cross wrap, black top, armwarmers, and my necklace.” Clark mentions, “I have a lot of appreciation for the variety of fashion in our school.”
Humans will always have and follow trends. As today’s teenagers get older, they will see more and more eras of fashion, and one day the 2020s will be as wild looking or nostalgic as the 50s.