Trends are constantly evolving and changing, but do they truly ever die out? Current obsessions with the teen demographic include jorts, denim skirts, Adidas Sambas, cheetah print garments and cut-neckline tops. While students want to dress fashionably, they must also abide by the dress code regulations here on campus. So what have ‘Iolani students been wearing to school recently?
Thanks to social media, trends have soared because of posts centered around unboxings, hauls, and OOTDSs (outfit of the day), all content that showcases users’ outfits. With Pinterest being a main platform for fashion and aesthetic influence, TikTok also seems to be a central hub of outfit inspiration. With #haul racking up more than 16 million posts on TikTok alone, it’s no surprise that a large majority of young adults rely on their media feeds for fashion guidance.
Within the last few years, a large majority of trends reflect movements from the late 90s and early 2000s, aiming to achieve a Y2K feel. The revival of chunky belts, low-rise jeans, ballet flats and even undershirts all resemble trends of past eras. Brands like Stüssy, which initially gained popularity in the 80s, have also made a comeback due to the interest in vintage clothing. A significant portion of these vintage garments are often found in thrift shops, which not only enhances one’s outfit, but also benefits the environment and its pollution levels.
Specific to local fashion here in the islands, certain brands, prints and styles have grown in popularity. Things like Mahina and Billabong jumpers, Aloha Collection tote bags, Fighting Eel tops and dresses and practically anything palaka print have been on the incline.
Honing in on the ‘Iolani community, pieces like Aritzia bodysuits, baggy jorts, Reef sandals, and Birkenstocks can be seen all around campus this school year. Miles Brand ’27, whose hobbies are surfing and going to the beach, says, “My style mostly revolves around comfort. Everything and anything I wear is mainly because I think it’s comfortable.” He describes his outfits as a happy medium between street style and comfort and admits that he gets his outfit inspiration from TikTok and Instagram. Miles continues, “A bunch of my clothes are thrifted. I got into thrifting to save money because clothing isn’t at the top of my priority list and I have other things that I want to save up for and spend money on. It’s beneficial for me because I can find super cool and unique pieces that retail stores just don’t make anymore.” Accessory wise, he finds carabiner keychains are a simple touch that enhances outfits, giving credit to the trend #UtahFitCheck for sparking the movement. When asked his opinion on what the next obsession will be, Miles predicts, “I think ASIC shoes will be massive, particularly their wrestling shoes. They have a really cool look to them that I think a bunch of people would find appealing.”
How do students create their styles? When asked how she decides what clothes look best on her, Asialyn Horita ’25, an ‘Iolani Varsity cheerleader, says, “I tend to wear clothes that are comfortable and within my color wheel. For example, because I have brown hair and brown eyes, I aim to wear blues, purples, and deep greens to accentuate my features.” She explains that while one outfit may look good on one person, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll look the same way on her, alluding to the fact that not all trends are for everyone. In Asia’s opinion, an example of this is skinny jeans. She says, “I think they’re exclusively flattering in the sense that they don’t compliment everyone in the same ways. I think it’s a trend that is best left in the past.” On the flip side, a trend she’s been liking recently is barrel jeans, explaining that she finds them cute and a little different than your everyday wear.
What do the teachers think about the recent fashion trends on campus? Dr. Ngan-Ha Ta, director of Global and Language Initiatives, has been noticing that in the last couple of years wide-leg baggy pants have been in as well as sandals and shoes, like Crocs and Birkenstocks, without back straps now that the dress code rules on footwear have been altered. Dr. Ta says, “As for shoes, when I was in highschool we wore Sketchers and Vans, so it’s interesting to see the shift in footwear.” While she notices the change, she’s not necessarily the biggest fan of Crocs, believing that they ruin cute outfits.
While it can be tricky at times to find clothing that you like and adheres the dress code rules here on campus, finding clothes that are unique can also challenge you to think outside of the box, or outside the trending page on TikTok. So be the trend starter! Curate outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident while inspiring others around you.
