Fashion trends that group together people for their shared interests result in the formation of subcultures. Subcultures have unique characteristics that help them to be recognized as a subset of fashion. They play a crucial role in shaping college fashion trends, fostering a sense of community for the people who may feel misunderstood by mainstream culture. College campuses promote diversity, and students use their clothing to express themselves and their personalities. Subcultures allow students to be themselves while also connecting with people who share their interests and values.

• Goth Culture

It was in the early 1980s when goth started gaining popularity. Goth culture can be said to have its roots in punk and alternative music scenes. Dark-colored fabrics like velvet, lace, and mesh are frequently used in this subculture. Gothic makeup consists of thick black eyeliner, dark red or black nail paint, and high-contrast hair. Jewelry with motifs like skulls, roses, and skeletons is used to accessorize. This all-black attire, bold and dramatic makeup, and edgy accessories are all characteristics through which goth culture is defined.

• Emo Culture

Emo culture draws inspiration from punk and indie rock music, particularly influenced by the emo music genre prominent in the early 2000s, which emphasized emotional vulnerability. The reappearance of emo fashion and music in the 2010s can be attributed to artists such as Billie Eilish. Emo fashion consists of layered clothing, visibly expressive accessories, and hair dyed in vibrant colors or styled in a fringe. The makeup is focused more on the eyes, accentuating them with a smoky look or thick eyeliner, and pairing them with nude lips. Emo clothing such as band merch and accessories helps students to find and form a connection with other students who share their interests.

• K-pop Culture

K-pop culture, which originated from South Korea’s music industry, has won the hearts of fans all over the world with its catchy tunes, energetic choreography, and bold fashion statements. It rose to prominence in the early 2010s and can be considered to be one of the most popular fashion subcultures today. K-pop fashion is characterized by its range of styles, vibrant hues, and experimental silhouettes, reflecting the culture’s emphasis on visual aesthetics and performance. This subculture’s clothing consists of trench coats, pleated skirts, and dresses mostly preferred in pastel or neutral patterns. K-pop bands like BTS and BlackPink only further popularized this culture.

• Bohemian Culture

Bohemian culture, also known as boho chic, originates from an aesthetic dating back to the late 60s and 70s. Inspired by the hippie culture, bohemian fashion celebrates creativity, freedom of expression, and an informal style. Bohemian fashion is characterized by its casual, bohemian style, which includes flowy fabrics, natural hues, and complex patterns inspired by nature and different cultures. Boho clothing mainly consists of maxi dresses, blouses, and long skirts. Students accessorize by layering handmade or vintage jewelry. Maximalism is prevalent in boho-chic style, so clashing prints, styles, colors, and vivid tones, layered with chunky jewelry are most common. 

• Dark Academia

Dark academia is an aesthetic influenced by academia’s representation in literature and art. This aesthetic is considered to be heavily influenced by the Harry Potter film franchise. History, Greek arts, and gloomy aspects all played a role in the creation of this subculture. It exudes a mysterious vibe that romanticizes the pursuit of knowledge. Dark Academia outfits often include tailored and vintage-inspired clothing such as tweed blazers, turtleneck sweaters, and leather satchels. These outfits layered with scholarly accessories such as Oxford shoes, wool coats, and antique accessories, appeal to the students who are drawn by the allure of the sense of mystery this fashion trend provides.

In addition to shaping fashion trends, subcultures on college campuses also act as a medium to form social connections and improve personal growth. Through their shared interests, students form communities that extend beyond the confines of campus life. These communities provide support and a sense of belonging for students who may feel misunderstood, fostering inclusivity and solidarity among a diverse group of individuals.

Subcultures promote creativity, experimentation, and self-expression, allowing students to explore and appreciate their individuality. Students participate in them for self-discovery and personal development whether it’s through fashion, music, art, or activism. By promoting diversity, authenticity, and originality, subcultures help to develop an inclusive and accepting culture, encouraging empathy and understanding among peers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, subcultures enrich college campuses by bringing diverse perspectives, styles, and identities, influencing fashion trends, and fostering communities of like-minded people. They empower students to express themselves confidently through their fashion. As college campuses evolve into hotspots of inclusion and diversity, subcultures are bound to play a significant role in determining the future of college fashion, enabling students to embrace their own identities and celebrate the beauty of their differences.

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• Mob Wife Aesthetic

Just as the name suggests, the mob wife aesthetic is inspired by female characters from movies and TV series such as ‘The Godfather’ and ‘The Sopranos’ who enact the role of women who are either married or born into mob families. An outfit with this aesthetic is mostly a monochromatic black look with a fur jacket that looks like it belongs to the 80s. This style is completed with shiny pumps, luxury bags, and a lot of gold jewelry. Fur jackets and animal prints are timeless fashion staples that can be used as a statement piece to elevate any outfit. If you enjoy having vintage clothes in your wardrobe and are unafraid to go big, this trend may be it for you.

• Coquette Aesthetic

The coquette is a hyper-feminine aesthetic that incorporates aspects of teenage girlhood in it. Similar to the obsession with pink and frills which are both symbols of girlhood, this aesthetic is also about embracing bows, laces, pastels, and overall just delicate pieces of clothing. The coquette is also often associated with the artist Lana Del Rey due to her songs focusing on exploring girlhood. If wearing lighter shades and accessorizing with dainty jewelry is your style, this might be a great way for you to reminisce about your teen hood and keep up with the ongoing trend at the same time.

• The Cherry Red

Red has always been the ‘It girl’ color even before it came to be part of the viral trends this past year. The craze about the Cherry red is all about including the shade in your outfit to level it up, be it a piece of clothing or an accessory. Cherry red is not a true blood red; instead, it is a shade of burgundy with an undertone of berry. Red is a color associated with confidence and wearing it also may make people perceive you as a bold and confident person. It is a great idea to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe because Red lips, red nails, and red heels are a combination that has always been considered evergreen and iconic.

• Office Siren

The office siren aesthetic is one that has been gaining momentum ever since Miu Miu had their Fall/Winter 2023 Fashion show. This trend is being used as a way to dress fashionably for the office while maintaining the dress code. This aesthetic is said to be inspired by the Y2K street style Fashion. The Bayonetta glasses are also a huge part of it as seen to make the outfit seem smart. Minute changes such as opting for heeled Mary Jane’s instead of sneakers, and wearing pencil skirts and blazers of good fitting are ways you can join this trend. Investing in Fashionable office wear is a way to romanticize this basic task and make you feel good about yourself.

• Cottagecore

Cottagecore is an aesthetic inspired by the romanticized interpretation of traditional English countryside style in the modern day. It is also said to be a continuation of the soft girl aesthetic which consists of outfits that are light and feminine. This aesthetic comprises floral patterns, puff sleeves, and long, flowy dresses. It encourages adopting a simpler lifestyle similar to the one in rural areas. While we may not have the time in today’s world to bake our bread and grow our vegetables, cottagecore fashion is a way to commemorate that lifestyle and look cute at the same time.

Fashion Trends come and go and while keeping up with them is a great way to stay fashionable, it is also important to understand the consequences of fast fashion and the harm it causes to our environment. It is alright to buy items of clothing that are trending but only if they are something that you can style and wear outside of just one rigid outfit representing an aesthetic.

Read: Five Most Common Fashion Blunders That You Should NEVER Make

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