We all know that fashion trends come and go as quickly as anything else on the internet, yet that doesn’t stop people from getting completely absorbed in what’s popular at that moment. Even more than that, once something starts to go viral, there is no stopping it from spiraling into complete takeover.
The Influence of the Kennedys
The most recent example of this comes after Hulu’s new release, “Love Story,” a series about John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s romance. The internet went crazy for Carolyn’s minimalist style and her subtly confident energy that goes along with it. Within days, every social media platform was flooded with tutorials on how to achieve “CBK core,” videos of people recreating certain outfits, and even many posts about going to the exact stores Carolyn used to shop for accessories. Men are walking the streets of New York in flat caps and berets. Even clothing companies have catered towards these current trends in their branding, ads and even creating their own inspired collections.
Yet, the pinnacle of CBK’s fashion aesthetic is not something new. In fact, “quiet luxury” and “minimalism” have been in the trend cycle for a long time. Just as it seemed to fade, CBK’s icon status brought it back in full force. While this resurgence may not have been an intention of the show’s creators, it has become a serious marketing strategy for both men and women. It’s not just about the style anymore; it’s about the story of romance and tragedy attached to it. Yet, when we think about it more deeply, we don’t actually want that tumultuous lifestyle but maybe instead a way to escape our own realities.
Aesthetic or Identity?
Now, there is nothing wrong with taking inspiration and incorporating something you like into your style. However, the obsession and cult following of trends online has become so dramatic that it begs the question: Are we losing our sense of identity? Because the truth is, this is not the first and last time a trend will be forced upon us so severely, and then replaced by something new in a few months. Everyone buys clothes thinking it will give them a new sense of identity, but when that trend is over, they quietly abandon the aesthetic that they spent so much time claiming was theirs. When will we learn that dressing like someone and buying the same products they buy will not actually make us feel like that person?
Maybe we don’t actually want to dress like CBK. We just want to have a sense of style that tells a story and that is uniquely ours, but that takes time to achieve. It includes trying new things, putting ourselves out of our comfort zones, and taking the time to discover what calls to us. CBK’s style was so specific and thoroughly her own that it still makes headlines 30 years later. That kind of impact is not accidental or fueled by luck.
Just like anything else on the internet, we must stop taking it as gospel truth. If you like colorful statement jewelry, wear it without thinking you’re doing too much or not fitting in. If you’re more comfortable in sweats and a workout set, wear them without thinking you’re not doing enough. Trends will always die, but looking like yourself is timeless.
Do you ever dress for someone else? Let us know what you think @VALLEYMag on Instagram or X!
