LIFESTYLE - No Such Thing as 'In-Fashion'
Holly Fleck
The coronavirus pandemic has reshaped the fashion industry as online retail became more popular and the term ‘in-fashion’ was axed.
21-year-old, Amy Wilson, uses social media outlets to keep up with the latest trends. (@amywilson112_)
As clothing shops hosting a wide range of fashion inspiration was stripped from us throughout the pandemic, Amy Wilson, a 21-year-old fashion blogger stated an “online approach for inspiration” was necessary.
Speaking of the platforms that she sought inspiration from, Amy says she has been, “using social media outlets such as Instagram and TikTok to keep up to date with the latest trends.
By using online shopping apps, they keep you up to date on the ever-changing styles coming into the new seasons”.
Although there may be concern over shops moving permanently online, the 21- year-old believes “some shops may actually perform better when moving online, being able to reach a wider audience, posting good quality content including videos and images will seriously boost engagement and interest into the online business”.
Online platforms such as Instagram and TikTok provide users with a vast range of individuals promoting their style; regardless of what society deems as ‘in-fashion’. Amy has noticed “that social media has become lot more accepting of the amount of different styles people follow”.
The fashion blogger adds that, “nowadays you can wear what you want regardless of it being determined as ‘in-fashion’ or not. Personally, I love to see people being confident and expressing their style”.
Despite the closure of retailers due to the pandemic’s impact, there has been a notable rise in small clothing businesses. A SHL Blog survey revealed that the clothing sector within the United Kingdom has seen a rise in new business creations in 2020 by 55 per cent.
Amy believes that today, you can wear what you want, regardless of what society deems as “in-fashion.” (@amywilson112_)
With many of these businesses specialising in selling desirable vintage clothing items, Amy states this desire for unique pieces has provided “the perfect opportunity for small local brands to flourish and capture the market as the demand is high”.
For those who have a passion for fashion and would like to get involved with the industry, Amy advises, “if you are true to yourself and only post stuff you genuinely like you will feel more confident and your page will come across more authentic”.
Admitting that, “receiving harsh comments is unfortunately part of putting yourself out there as everyone has differing opinions... I deal with this by deleting them and not rising to it”.
As well as this, Amy voices, “I have realised that it doesn’t matter at all what people think, people will always have an opinion on what you’re doing but if you enjoy it who cares what they think”.
You can keep up to date with Amy’s fashion-forward looks by following her Instagram account, @amywilson122_
Holly Fleck is a Journalism student at Ulster University