For years, the question “What’s ‘in’ these days?” haunted fashion enthusiasts and professionals alike. The pressure to keep up with fleeting trends created anxiety and a constant chase for the next “it” item. As a former fashion editor, I experienced firsthand the paralysis of choice in a world saturated with microtrends, each vying for fleeting dominance. This relentless cycle, amplified by social media platforms like TikTok, has led to a state of aesthetic overload where everything and nothing is trending simultaneously.
The internet, particularly platforms driven by algorithms and fleeting viral moments, accelerates the trend cycle to an unsustainable pace. Amateur trend forecasters dictate fleeting rules, declaring garments “out” one moment, only to reverse course within months. This creates confusion and ultimately undermines personal style. In this chaotic landscape, the answer for the discerning individual might be to consciously step away from the trend game and embrace the power of Basic Fashion.
If you’ve been around long enough to have watched Gossip Girl when it originally aired, you’ll know that the term “basic” was once used as an insult.
The term “basic,” once a derogatory label, is ripe for re-evaluation. Historically, “basic” was used to dismiss those with mainstream tastes, individuals who enjoyed popular culture without irony or a need for contrarianism. They were contrasted with the “hipster” archetype, who valued niche and obscure aesthetics. Confessing to “basic” preferences was once a fashion faux pas.
Many, myself included, have strived to avoid being perceived as basic, often equating it with being unoriginal or lacking in style. The pursuit of niche aesthetics can be expensive and time-consuming, driven by a desire for aesthetic validation. However, this constant curation can become exhausting, especially when the comfort and ease of basic pieces beckon.
Today, the definition of “basic” has evolved beyond outdated stereotypes. It no longer signifies a singular, homogenous look. Basic fashion can encompass a range of styles, from minimalist linen ensembles to classic black turtlenecks and pencil skirts. While visually distinct, these styles share a common thread: simplicity and a focus on foundational pieces. “Basic” now represents not just an aesthetic, but a mindset – one that is unfussy, direct, and confident in its understated elegance. Brands like Everlane exemplify this modern approach to basic fashion, offering simplified pieces that subtly nod to current trends without being dictated by them.
The rise of the #deinfluencing movement on TikTok reflects this shift towards a more conscious and less trend-obsessed approach to fashion. Originating as a reaction against excessive consumerism and influencer culture, #deinfluencing encourages a critical perspective on trends and purchasing habits. It questions the compulsion to acquire fleetingly popular items simply because they are trending.
@oldloserinbrooklyn De-influencing, anti haul, and revisiting a trend forecast. “De influencing” to me is about arming folks with knowledge, and trying to facilitate conversation, ideas and critical thinking when it comes to personal style, consumption, cultural context, and fashion trends. #deinfluencing #antihaul #fashion #beautyindustry #fashiontrends #trendcycle ♬ original sound – Mandy Lee
Embracing basic fashion aligns perfectly with the principles of de-influencing. By stripping away the negative connotations associated with “basic,” we can appreciate it as a liberating choice. It’s about finding comfort and confidence in personal style, regardless of mainstream trends. Basic fashion becomes an act of self-acceptance and a rejection of the pressure to constantly reinvent oneself according to fleeting trends.
Furthermore, fashion’s cyclical nature often elevates formerly “basic” or “cheugy” items back into the realm of cool. Nostalgia plays a powerful role in trend revivals, granting unexpected desirability to items once considered commonplace. Uggs, rosettes, and babydoll tops are prime examples of basics that have experienced renewed popularity. The fashion archive is vast, and what was once deemed basic can easily become the next coveted trend.
Consider leggings, perhaps the quintessential basic garment. Initially relegated to workout wear or casual loungewear, leggings have become a wardrobe staple for many. Choosing to wear leggings, even in settings beyond the gym, can be seen as an embrace of basic comfort and practicality. In a world obsessed with constant novelty, opting for basic fashion can be a liberating act. It’s about prioritizing personal comfort and timeless style over the relentless pursuit of trends, finding freedom in simplicity and confidence in embracing a basic aesthetic.
