Is Fashion Just a Race for Attention Now?
Once upon a time, fashion was about self-expression.
It was personal, reflective, and rooted in style choices that made you feel good.
Now?
It feels like a never-ending competition, where standing out often means blending in with the next viral trend.
The question is:
Is fashion still about personal style or just about being seen?
When Fashion Becomes Performative
Social media has turned style into something to be constantly validated.
- Outfit of the Day (#OOTD)
- Trend challenges
- The pressure to look “aesthetic”
Instead of wearing what genuinely fits our lives, we often choose what fits the algorithm.
We don’t just dress for ourselves, we dress for the scroll.
As Vogue Business highlights, platforms like TikTok and Instagram have reshaped fashion consumption, pushing brands to create visually appealing, camera-ready designs that thrive on digital platforms.
Is Attention the New Aesthetic?
Fashion cycles used to last years.
Now, it feels like a few weeks.
The speed of change has made fashion feel less intentional and more reactive.
What happens when style becomes a race for likes?
- The rise of statement pieces that don’t suit everyday life
- The pressure to constantly update your look
- Feeling outdated within a month or even a week
And in the rush to stand out, a lot of personal identity gets lost.
Fashion becomes less about feeling good and more about being noticed.
Finding Your Style Without the Noise
If you’re tired of chasing the latest aesthetic, here’s how to slow down:
- Follow Your Fit: Choose pieces that feel good, not just look good
- Quality Over Hype: Invest in items that align with your lifestyle
- Tailor Your Wardrobe: Customise what you own to suit your body and taste
- Wear What Feels Like You: Trends can be fun, but they shouldn’t replace your sense of self
Personal style isn’t a contest.
It’s about what makes you feel comfortable, confident, and authentic, regardless of what’s trending.
Fashion shouldn’t feel like a race.
It shouldn’t feel like a performance.
And it definitely shouldn’t make you question your own preferences.
When your wardrobe feels like it’s more about attention than intention, maybe it’s time to hit pause.
Because style is supposed to be personal not just public.
