From Pinterest to the Hallways: How Social Media Influences Blake’s Student Fashion Picks

Fashion. Students at Blake are passionate about what they wear. Whether expressing their personalities, reflecting their moods, or embracing a particular aesthetic, students use fashion to spotlight who they are. The phrase “if you look good, you feel good” is alive and well at this Arts school. 

But where does the inspiration for these outfits come from? Many students turn to social media apps like Tiktok, Pinterest, and Instagram for inspiration. Some even check Pinterest the night before or the morning of school to recreate outfits piece by piece. Aryanna Sears, a junior at Blake, says she uses Pinterest every morning to find an outfit for school. She is one of many students who turn to social media to decide what to wear.

Platforms such as Tiktok and Pinterest introduce their users to new fashion trends which are often popularized by celebrities and major social media influencers. But how do these online trends become prominent in our school?

AP Psychology Teacher Ms.Hajjar explained three psychological factors that influence students to participate in the fashion trends that they see online: informational social influence, normative social influence, and the mere exposure effect.

She explained Informational Social Influence as when individuals adopt certain items such as comfortable sweatshirts, because they perceive others possess useful information about the product’s quality or utility. 

On the other hand, Normative Social Influence is the desire to conform to social expectations and to fit in a specific group. As Ms.Hajjar explained, “You might not even know that you are conforming to it.

The major influence identified was the “Mere Exposure Effect,” which suggests that people tend to develop a preference for things they encounter repeatedly. The more students see a particular style online or around school, the more they like it, Ms. Hajjar connected. This affected her own experience playing pickleball, explaining how seeing the shoes her fellow players wear influenced her shoe picks.

She described Blake as the “most creative, trendy, school with tons of fashion trends” then noted that she always knows what to buy her kids for Christmas because she sees “everything first hand here before anywhere else.“

BHS Student Styles: From Y2K to Business Casual

Over the summer, several fashion trends popularized on TikTok and Pinterest made their way into Blake’s hallways. Two particularly noticeable styles are the rival of early 2000s fashion commonly known as Y2K, and the growing popularity of professional/business-causal outfits.

The Y2K aesthetic has brought back the pieces such as capris, gauchos, jorts (denim shorts), and flare or bell bell-bottom leggings and jeans. For tops, it has brought out more halter and lace cami tops.

Professional fashion has also become more visible. Many female students have been spotted carrying shoulder bags and purses instead of traditional backpacks. Brands such as Glamholic, Coach, and Michael Kors have made a big appearance at school. Oftentimes these outfits are paired with everyday wear clothes or professional wear. These accessories add a sophisticated element to a student’s look.

Debate Over Trendy Footwear

Some trends get widespread approval while others spark debate. One example of that this summer has been toe shoes. Specifically Vibram’s FiveFingers toe shoes. It has generated a lot of negative attention.

Ethan Crawford, a junior at Blake shared his opinion stating, “those shoes are ugly, they’re not real shoes.” 

Despite criticism like this, some students are wearing these toe shoes but have expressed being bullied for it due to its novelty. 

Other footwear had found a more comfortable place in Blake. Ballerina flats and professional flats have become common choices at Blake, in both everyday outfits as well as business-causal looks.

Sneakers resembling bowling have also become very popular. Most commonly seen brands are Adidas Sambas and Puma Speedcats. Timberlands as referred to as Timbs have also been a very popular sight.

Patterns, Pastels, and Personal Style 

Footwear isn’t the only place experiencing revival. Patterns such as polka dots, cheetah print, and argyle have made a comeback specifically in summer and spring fashion trends.

The popular colors of today are pastel colors like butter yellow, light pink, and mint. Most times these are seen in matching sets.

What’s Next for for Blake’s Fall Fashion

As Blake moves further into the fall season, several trends become more noticeable. Fur boots, leather jackets with fur, and animal prints such as cheetah and leopard print are making a comeback in student choices for clothes.

Cow print is another trend to watch although it has not become widespread at Blake. It has made a big appearance online but is mainly seen on college students and people in their early 20s.