From ‘Quiet Luxury’ to ‘Mob Wife’: How Social Media is Shifting Style

How has social media changed our relationship with our clothing?

The pervasive influence of social media extends into every corner of our lives, impacting how we communicate, consume information, and, notably, how we perceive and participate in the world of fashion.

The symbiotic relationship between social media and fashion has undergone a transformative evolution. What was once a unidirectional flow of information has become a dynamic, interactive exchange between consumers, influencers, and brands.

Quiet Luxury, -cores, and the Tiktokification of trends

Quiet luxury and old money together became some of the most prevalent ‘trends’ of 2023, from Gwenyth Paltrow’s infamous ski accident court case to Sofia Richie’s wedding, to the overwhelming success of Succession’s final season. One of the refreshing things about these, as opposed to other micro-trends dominating tiktok, was that they seemed inherently ‘anti-trend’. Until they met their own opposing forces. In the start of 2024, we’ve seen a stark rise in interest for the ‘mob wife’ aesthetic. The thing is, quiet luxury is just minimalism by another name. And ‘mob wife’ is just maximalism. With fashion, the pendulum always swings back and forth, but only in so many directions. This is why at Impostor we always emphasize developing a sense of style that is consistent to you; not subject to trends, not ‘timeless’ by some arbitrary metric of what is minimal and bland, but because your style is based on pieces you cherish and will wear for years to come. 

Social media’s overall influence on trends

One of the most striking impacts of social media on fashion is the sheer speed at which ‘trends’ now form, are disseminated, and subsequently deemed passé. The notion of trends being set for the following season at fashion weeks in European capitals seems a relic of a bygone era. While these shows go on, they are no longer gate kept – anyone following those in attendance can witness the shows live-streamed. 

Social media has also birthed, or at least amplified, a new breed of influencers and fashion bloggers who wield significant power. These individuals shape trends themselves, collaborating with brands and connecting directly with their followers, creating a more personalized and relatable form of fashion inspiration.

The viral nature of social media has accelerated the pace at which trends emerge and fade away. Consumers find themselves influenced by viral fashion moments, impacting their choices and purchases, and contributing to the phenomenon of fast fashion. This is seen particularly in the realm of Tiktok, where there is a new ‘core’ aesthetic rolled out every week. 

Many brands are accused of intentionally baiting virality, regardless of the nature of the response (e.g. a certain $925 towel ‘skirt’). And smaller brands that do legitimately achieve their sought-after viral moment through producing a popular unique piece are then subject to the algorithms of the fast-fashion giants that scoop up anything gaining in popularity to be copied. 

Viral trends are inevitably short-lived, as oversaturation leads to boredom and then on to the next new thing. This means the garments that fit into them are discarded at a rate even more alarming than the average (after only 7 wears!). Because of these items' accessibility through fast fashion giants, we overconsume them without giving it too much thought and discard them with even less. 

We want to recognize that there is certainly value in stylistic experimentation, and that fashion is far from frivolous but a legitimate vehicle for self-actualization and expression. When it comes to micro-trends, we simply want to encourage more reflection of whether they truly resonate, why, and whether they can be built into a continuous sense of style – how much can a style really be about identity when it is so easily cast away?

Body image and fashion

The pervasive nature of beauty standards on social media has a profound impact on how individuals perceive their bodies. The constant exposure to idealized images can contribute to unrealistic expectations and body dissatisfaction. Influencers and celebrities should be held accountable for being transparent about procedures had, and honest about the risks entailed in any they promote. The wild proliferation of surgeries to boost curves in recent years followed by a rapid shift to weight loss as a new breed of drugs becomes available suggests a disturbing trend cycling of the very bodies we live in. 

Amidst the challenges, social media has also been a catalyst for positive change. Body positivity movements have gained momentum, challenging traditional beauty norms and promoting self-love and acceptance. The democratization of fashion, and who gets to have a say in it, is unquestionably a good thing and one we hope will continue to push the industry forward. As users showcase their unique styles, fashion becomes a reflection of individuality rather than an exclusive domain dictated by the elite.

Comparison is the thief of joy

Social media comparison isn't just a harmless habit; it leaves a significant impact on individuals and society. The constant exposure to seemingly perfect lives can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression. Moreover, it strains relationships and fosters a culture of perfectionism where authenticity takes a back seat.

Beyond body image, social media confronts us with an endless barrage of curated highlight reels from both people we know and those we never will. This leads to unceasing social comparison and has been shown to have very real consequences for our mental health. While upward social comparison has always been a feature of human interaction, social media has scaled it up at an unprecedented rate. As author Morgan Housel often says, “we used to keep up with the Joneses, now we keep up with the Kardashians”. While the prices of nearly everything in our lives are rapidly rising, incommensurately with incomes, fashion is actually getting cheaper. At least on the average. This has allowed those seeking some aspect of the lives of the rich and famous to buy copies of their clothes almost instantaneously. These copies, unfortunately, are often poorly made in atrocious conditions - fuelling an entire meme genre of 'online vs in-person'.  

To break free from the comparison trap, it's essential to approach social media mindfully. Setting realistic expectations, embracing individuality, and limiting social media use are key strategies to foster a healthier online experience.

While social media can fuel comparison, it also serves as a platform for building communities and encouraging self-expression. Recognizing and leveraging these positive aspects can help balance the negative effects.

Social media and sustainability in fashion

Social media has become a powerful tool for raising awareness about sustainable fashion practices. Influencers and brands use their platforms to educate consumers about the environmental impact of their choices, and audiences are quick to criticize and call-out instances of hypocrisy or ‘greenwashing’ on the part of brands. 

Social media platforms heavily influence consumer preferences. Users are exposed to a myriad of styles and products daily, shaping their tastes and preferences. The sheer onslaught in the number of products and brands people are now faced with is unprecedented, and impulse buying decisions have never been easier to make. The problem is, many of the sites encouraging the most impulsive purchases and offering the lowest prices will have the most abhorrent sustainability practices.

The problem always remains – sustainable fashion is almost always more expensive to produce. Sadly, even thrifting is more expensive these days than ultra-low cost fast fashion brands, especially when just considering the number of outfits to be photographed rather than the cost per wear of a quality item. 

From reshaping consumer preferences to holding brands accountable, these platforms play a crucial role in shaping the industry's future. Let's embrace a fashion future that is not only stylish in a way that is true to ourselves over trends but, in turn, all the more environmentally conscious.