The night before the first day of school or the first day of the New Year is always the most hectic, finding those shoes that match the jeans perfectly and making sure your outfit is your style. However, 2020 definitely did not hold one of those days. Fashion trends have changed so much over the past 10 years, which calls into question, what is trendy now? As well as, what is the difference from the last school year fashion vs virtual school fashion?
Jackson Garcia, a Sophomore at James Logan High School, shared the changes that were made since quarantine.
“My outfits have changed to be more simple. I used to have to wear jeans a lot and try to dress nice, but now I really just wear shorts and a shirt,” Garcia explained. Eleven months ago many students dressed to impress, or simply just to be themselves. However this wasn’t the same case for many other students.
Unfortunately, when teens feel like they can’t express themselves in their schools, or even within their own homes it can cause social anxiety and sometimes, may even make them feel forced out of their comfort zone.
“When we were at school, I felt like I had no confidence in myself to truly dress how I wanted to. I always felt like I had to go with the trends and dress up in Hollister clothing that sometimes were out of my price range. Ripped jeans make me feel like I am exposing myself more than needed and now I have gotten to dress more comfortably with leggings and a t- shirt”, said a student at Logan who requested anonymity.
The student went more into detail about their true feelings, “I honestly feel like over the past few months I have gotten to dress more freely.” It is amazing when teenagers are finally released out of a social bubble they feel trapped in. Fashion statements are made all around the world each day,
Klarissa Ortiz, a senior at Logan, went on to explain how her outfits changed now that she has been home.
“Online school vs in person school outfits are totally different things for me. I went from a top and basic jeans in class to sweatpants and a hoodie in my room,” Ortiz stated. “I always seem to find myself in oversized hoodies by last period”.
“Black is a main statement piece in all my outfits, it’s the main color that can pretty much match with everything. It can be super classy but also super comfortable on my lazy days.” Ortiz went on to unfold her true styles, “Basic but cute is my go to style, with neutral colors such as brown, tan, black, and white.”
With fast shipping it has made the purchase of clothes way easier than having to go to the mall. Garcia shed light on the topic, “I definitely buy more clothes now, I grew about 5 inches since we left school so some of my shoes and clothes don’t fit as good.” However, sometimes buying clothes can cost more than expected. Ortiz spoke out about how much her outfits normally cost.
“Before, on average my outfits would cost somewhere near $100, pants and shoes would cost around $80 including a top which would cost $20,” Ortiz said. Now with more time to buy clothes, Ortiz spends around $150-$200.
All money has to come from hard work, Kara Sinigayan, a senior at James Logan High School started her own fashion business. She found inspiration from those closest to her.
“My family and friends, without their support I don’t really think that I would be running my own small business. It amazes me on how far I’ve gotten,” Sinigayan said. She brought attention to being stuck at home and how that caused her to think about it, however fashion has always been her favorite.
“Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved fashion. I even started thrifting as young as nine years old,” Sinigayan said. Sinigayan took the opportunity to focus on what she truly wanted to do. “Fashion has always been something that is really important to me because it always changes within me and the world. It represents history and how there are all these different trends.”
Sinigayan shared why starting her own business has been a dream that she has turned into reality.
“My mom owned a small business of her own, baking cupcakes and cakepops. I remember how much fun she had being her own boss and how she got to work the way she wanted,” Sinigayan said. “This had a huge impact on why I started my own clothing business, I loved the thought of how I could have a job and have fun at the same time.”
Making clothes and the unique process of it was something that took practice, Kara shared her process. “I usually just go with the flow. I draw out my design, and think about how many different pieces I need to make to put the product together. It is something that just comes naturally to me, the best part about making clothing is actually finishing the product.”
Designing and sewing together the materials in order to make a masterpiece of Ortiz’s takes around forty-five minutes to an hour to finish one top, but only if they are cut and prepared previously.
“Finishing orders always depend on my schedule and when I am finished with all the orders they should usually be ready within the next week or two,” Sinigayan said.
Like every business, there is always a meaning behind the name. “Bykarapaige” has to do with how everything is prepared, sewn, and all around handmade by me. Every design I launch is named after someone significant in my life. Five tops I’ve designed, two of them are named after both,my grandmothers, one is named after my mom, and two are named after my sister and sister in law.”
Whether you’re buying clothes or making them on your own, your style is unique in every way possible. Trendy is whatever you make it because that is making history, expressing oneself is the key to happiness and never change because whatever may be popular, do what makes you comfortable, not society expectations. Make sure to check out Kara’s fashion line on Instagram @bykarapaige.
