I find it strange that people blame TikTok for the increased conformity in today’s society. People wanting the same shoes or clothes because it’s a trend or fad did NOT start on social media platforms.
Looking back to the 20th century, we can see a popular style affiliated with each decade: ’20s, flapper; ’30s, art deco; ’40s, kitty foyle dresses; ’50s, poodle skirts and polkadots; ’60s, vibrant colors; ’70s, disco pants; ’80s, shoulder pads and neon leg warmers; ’90s, plaid skirts. Every decade had a stereotypical style.
People tend to get inspiration for their style and outfits from TikTok. Or Instagram. Or anything they see on the street. Some view ‘copying’ outfits as not having your own fashion sense and instead just simply being a copycat, but I like getting outfit inspiration from others. I don’t see it as conforming to societal clothing norms; however, many people think so.
In 7th grade, I started public school and had no sense of style since I had been wearing uniforms my whole life. My mom and I went out and bought a whole new wardrobe, and right after school started…I wore none of it. I stuck to leggings and sweaters or T-shirts almost every day. I looked around Stephen F Austin Middle School and felt like an outcast wearing a pantsuit on the first day of school.
Not only did my clothes conform to those of the people around me, but so did my personality. I had a big problem changing how I acted around certain people. In the span of two years, I became a ‘mean girl,’ ‘nice girl,’ ‘ghetto girl,’ and even a ‘tomboy. ‘ I was convinced that how my friends acted was how I should act.
As a sophomore, I’ve learned that I can be myself and dress however I want (although I will never wear a pantsuit again; I do no know what 12-year-old me was thinking). I get inspiration for my outfit choices from the internet or people around me, but I’m not copying the whole dadgum thing. Just maybe a hairstyle or a pair of shoes. Shifting style that identifies a decade are where trends come from
Conformity shouldn’t be categorized as good or bad; it can be both. If you view conformity as not being original or who you truly are, that’s valid. But if you view it as imitating the person you want to be and it truly makes you feel like you, that is 1000% okay.
Don’t let social media influencers tell you what you must wear to be cool. Dress, act, eat, and live however you are the most comfortable. In 2025, there are so many different types of beautiful people, and if you’re worried about fitting in and the need to conform with others, I’m sure you’ll find your group soon. All that matters is that you’re being your wonderfully made, authentic self.
