Not only was 2020 a crazy year politically, socially and culturally, but in the fashion department, the year led to some unprecedented change in trends and styles. After a survey was sent to the Harvard Westlake (HW) Middle School students and the results were tallied, here’s a complete rewind of the trends and styles of 2020.
The Most Popular Style to Wear: Basic
Basic was voted the most popular style to wear. Voted second was athleisure, followed by a three way tie between Y2K, streetwear and indie, which found a recent increase in 2020, while the basic style and athleisure has been popular for several years now.
A Fashion Trend and Style that Used to Be Popular in Early 2020, but Died: Tie-dye and the “VSCO” style
The trend of tie dyeing and wearing tie dye clothing was very popular during the first half of 2020. Back when quarantine first hit, tie-dye was the ultimate must have. Comfortable, fun and DIY, it was everywhere. Also, a fashion style that used to be popular but isn’t now is the “VSCO” style. With scrunchies, hydroflasks and vans, the “VSCO” style reached its peak in the Summer of 2019, but has since died down.
Favorite Trend of 2020: Tie Dye and Sweat Suits
While tie-dye was a popular fashion trend during the first half of 2020 but not the second, it was also voted as the favorite trend of 2020. Along with tie-dye clothing, sweat sets were also voted as the favorite trend- which makes sense considering we have been in quarantine for most of 2020, therefore, there is no need for formal attire. “My favorite trend of 2020 would be matching sweat suits because it is the perfect thing to wear while doing online school and for staying warm and comfy,” Logan Binder ‘24 said.
The Most Popular Color for Clothing: Brown
Yes, that’s right. Brown clothing has seen a steep rise in popularity in the fall of 2020. From brown pants, to brown shirts, to brown sweaters and jackets, you name it; brown is the color to have. Sage was also voted one of the most popular colors in 2020. Overall, earth tones seem to be the most popular colors for clothing in 2020.
The Fashion Trend/Style Most Wanted for 2021: Y2K and Early 2000s Tracksuits
The 2000s are back in business. Early 2000s tracksuits, like Juicy Couture, were voted most wanted to see in 2021. Along with that, the entire style of Y2K was voted most wanted in 2021. “I’m looking forward to seeing the increase in popularity for Y2K fashion,” Sabrina Liu ‘24 said. “I grew up watching shows and movies from that time and I love the actors’ outfits, with all the saddle bags, low-rise jeans, pleated skirts, detailed camis and overwhelming amounts of accessories.”
The Most Popular Accessory of 2020: Claw Clips
Originally popular in the 1990s, claw clips have made a comeback in 2020. Easy to use, and they provide that “messy, but sophisticated” look. “I personally really like claw clips, because they’re convenient and look cute!” Illi Kreiz ‘24 said.
“My favorite accessories would have to be claw clips because you can get an effortlessly messy bun in just a few seconds,” Binder also said.
As we begin a new year, I’m sure everyone is surely looking forward to the new fashion trends and styles to come. Whether we elevate the sweatpants and sweatshirts trend, or we rock a completely “new street style” look, who knows what 2021 will bring?
