"It’s the summer of 2023, and it's the height of “the Year of the Girl.” Women are donning pink and heading to the movies to see Greta Gerwig’s hit film Barbie. Millions are trading friendship bracelets at Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Era’s Tour. The media and White House have matching female forward visions. Mermaidcore and tomato girl summer are the trends to participate in. But in 2025, things have taken a dark turn, both in fashion and politics. " -- Amara Deanes, 8th Grade
It’s the summer of 2023, and it's the height of “the Year of the Girl.” Women are donning pink and heading to the movies to see Greta Gerwig’s hit film Barbie. Millions are trading friendship bracelets at Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Era’s Tour. The media and White House have matching female forward visions. Mermaidcore and tomato girl summer are the trends to participate in. But in 2025, things have taken a dark turn, both in fashion and politics.
“In 2023, the only way to have fun, it seemed, was by turning away from adult womanhood,” wrote The Cut, “Instead of politics, can I interest you in some blissful, childlike ignorance? [...] Girlhood.” These trends started as a form of escapism. The world was fresh off a global pandemic. This combined with social issues, (LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive health, etc.) sparked a regressive fashion and cultural trend. Being a child sounded much more attractive than womanhood.
“In 2023, the only way to have fun, it seemed, was by turning away from adult womanhood,” wrote The Cut, “Instead of politics, can I interest you in some blissful, childlike ignorance? [...] Girlhood.” These trends started as a form of escapism. The world was fresh off a global pandemic. This combined with social issues, (LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive health, etc.) sparked a regressive fashion and cultural trend. Being a child sounded much more attractive than womanhood.
In this landscape, the whimsy and girlhood is being traded for almost mournful workwear. On the runway, we’re seeing pencil skirts, double-breasted blazers, and kitten heels. This almost emulates the office siren aesthetic of 2024. Greys, blacks, and generally utilitarian colors and styles. So, why did this happen? And what does it look like?
Seventh grade Literary Arts student Violet Regilio thinks the reason for this shift away from bright clothing is overall exhaustion. Trump has admitted to using this “flood the zone” method to pass policies he wants. Consumers are exhausted by the news, and maximalist accessorizing sounds like a big task when life is already difficult. “...they just don’t feel like putting in that much effort into making themselves actually have a bright, nice outfit. Instead they just wear trending stuff that is bland…” said Regilio.
“...Some people use fashion as a way to blend in, just in general,” said 6th grade Literary Arts student, Vanessa Schulte. “It's kinda [like] when people online put a dress on a pretty person, then everyone assumes that dress is pretty. I think in general social media posts are to blame.” Her reasoning for the conservative trend shift is social media influence. This isn’t too surprising. People spend an average of 2 hours and 24 minutes per day on social media. Depending on the user’s interests, they will definitely come across fashion content during that time. Content in general has taken a shift away from the “cores” of 2023.
Seventh grade Literary Arts student Naomi Stallworth agrees. “I have seen a lot of people usually dress how other people in social media say or inspire them to wear.”
Nonetheless, as the new administration tightens its grip on the country, fashion trends are affected. New York Fashion Week (NYFW) occurred in September, where brands debuted their Spring/Summer 2026 looks. The most standout signs of trends aren’t on the runway, but the attendees themselves. Their clothing shows what the most involved, influential people in fashion are wearing.
“We’ll start with Virginia Smith, Vogue’s global head of fashion network—she’s built a foolproof uniform for chic everyday dressing around relaxed tailoring. Seen outside shows, a sleek pair of trousers, a soft knit, pointed boots, and a Balenciaga city bag made up her look,” described Vogue in an article about what their editors wore while attending shows.
Seventh grade Literary Arts student Violet Regilio thinks the reason for this shift away from bright clothing is overall exhaustion. Trump has admitted to using this “flood the zone” method to pass policies he wants. Consumers are exhausted by the news, and maximalist accessorizing sounds like a big task when life is already difficult. “...they just don’t feel like putting in that much effort into making themselves actually have a bright, nice outfit. Instead they just wear trending stuff that is bland…” said Regilio.
“...Some people use fashion as a way to blend in, just in general,” said 6th grade Literary Arts student, Vanessa Schulte. “It's kinda [like] when people online put a dress on a pretty person, then everyone assumes that dress is pretty. I think in general social media posts are to blame.” Her reasoning for the conservative trend shift is social media influence. This isn’t too surprising. People spend an average of 2 hours and 24 minutes per day on social media. Depending on the user’s interests, they will definitely come across fashion content during that time. Content in general has taken a shift away from the “cores” of 2023.
Seventh grade Literary Arts student Naomi Stallworth agrees. “I have seen a lot of people usually dress how other people in social media say or inspire them to wear.”
Nonetheless, as the new administration tightens its grip on the country, fashion trends are affected. New York Fashion Week (NYFW) occurred in September, where brands debuted their Spring/Summer 2026 looks. The most standout signs of trends aren’t on the runway, but the attendees themselves. Their clothing shows what the most involved, influential people in fashion are wearing.
“We’ll start with Virginia Smith, Vogue’s global head of fashion network—she’s built a foolproof uniform for chic everyday dressing around relaxed tailoring. Seen outside shows, a sleek pair of trousers, a soft knit, pointed boots, and a Balenciaga city bag made up her look,” described Vogue in an article about what their editors wore while attending shows.
The highlight of this description is the relaxed tailoring. According to Glossy, “Tailoring [...] appeared in 18% of the [Fall 2025 looks], which is 38% higher than in Spring 2025 and 9% higher than in Spring 2021.” This tailoring trend appears when consumer behavior becomes irregular. Right now, consumers aren’t spending exponentially unless it’s necessary. Brands are reaching for something that consumers will come back and buy again and again, no matter the state of the economy.
We see this trend in President Trump’s dressing. The hallmark of his look on the campaign trail was heavy, shoulder padded, Brioni suits paired with a gauche MAGA hat. While comparing Smith’s NYFW outfit seems like a stretch compared to Trump, the basic loose tailoring trend is there.
Despite Trump and Smith’s style parallels, his outfits contain no hint of femininity. This is unlike Smith’s styling of the loose tailoring trend, which consists of pointed boots and a soft sweater. “Trump’s suits are square and oversized, no dandyish touches of silk pocket squares or discreetly nipped waists, certainly no modish short trouser hems,” wrote The Guardian. This further instills Trump’s support of traditional gender roles.
“It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female,” states the executive order set by the Trump administration.
“I think they intend to look more bold and strong. If you're referencing the way they want people to dress I believe they're trying to make people fit the ‘role’ of their gender…” explained Stallworth. This gender divide is represented in the way Republicans portray themselves in the public.
“As female politicians, [senator Katie Britt] and Haley’s fashion choices reveal how women must represent their femininity in an agreeable way with the GOP’s base by simultaneously showing their utility as civil servants and reliability as caring and concerned women,” wrote the Columbia Political Review, “The relationship between female Republicans and their party reflects the broader desire to curb the power and autonomy of American women.”
This femininity is interesting, since it parallels 2023’s girlhood trends. At the time, girlhood was empowerment. Now, womanhood is being used as oppression in the Republican base.
Paired with this conservative dressing is an influence of motherhood on policy making. “As most parents know, when something threatens your children, you fight. Democrats’ out-of-touch policies are threatening the future of this country, and they’ve poked the mama bears,” said Ohio state senator Jane Timken in a statement to the National Journal, “I’m a mom on a mission ready to take back our country and fight for American jobs, stronger borders, and parents’ rights in education so our children’s future is secure.”
This motherly concern for their children, and by extension the American people, is not new. In a GOP rebuttal to former President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, Britt wore a business casual outfit, showing her duality as a mother and politician. In the video, she was standing in a beige kitchen, adding to the concerned-at-home-mother feel.
“Britt’s kitchen setting underscored her position as a concerned Christian mother looking out for her family and, by extension, all Americans. The kitchen helped Britt strike a balance between the two parts of this duality, as she hoped to make the GOP seem accessible to all Americans,” says the Columbia Political Review.
We see this trend in President Trump’s dressing. The hallmark of his look on the campaign trail was heavy, shoulder padded, Brioni suits paired with a gauche MAGA hat. While comparing Smith’s NYFW outfit seems like a stretch compared to Trump, the basic loose tailoring trend is there.
Despite Trump and Smith’s style parallels, his outfits contain no hint of femininity. This is unlike Smith’s styling of the loose tailoring trend, which consists of pointed boots and a soft sweater. “Trump’s suits are square and oversized, no dandyish touches of silk pocket squares or discreetly nipped waists, certainly no modish short trouser hems,” wrote The Guardian. This further instills Trump’s support of traditional gender roles.
“It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female,” states the executive order set by the Trump administration.
“I think they intend to look more bold and strong. If you're referencing the way they want people to dress I believe they're trying to make people fit the ‘role’ of their gender…” explained Stallworth. This gender divide is represented in the way Republicans portray themselves in the public.
“As female politicians, [senator Katie Britt] and Haley’s fashion choices reveal how women must represent their femininity in an agreeable way with the GOP’s base by simultaneously showing their utility as civil servants and reliability as caring and concerned women,” wrote the Columbia Political Review, “The relationship between female Republicans and their party reflects the broader desire to curb the power and autonomy of American women.”
This femininity is interesting, since it parallels 2023’s girlhood trends. At the time, girlhood was empowerment. Now, womanhood is being used as oppression in the Republican base.
Paired with this conservative dressing is an influence of motherhood on policy making. “As most parents know, when something threatens your children, you fight. Democrats’ out-of-touch policies are threatening the future of this country, and they’ve poked the mama bears,” said Ohio state senator Jane Timken in a statement to the National Journal, “I’m a mom on a mission ready to take back our country and fight for American jobs, stronger borders, and parents’ rights in education so our children’s future is secure.”
This motherly concern for their children, and by extension the American people, is not new. In a GOP rebuttal to former President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address, Britt wore a business casual outfit, showing her duality as a mother and politician. In the video, she was standing in a beige kitchen, adding to the concerned-at-home-mother feel.
“Britt’s kitchen setting underscored her position as a concerned Christian mother looking out for her family and, by extension, all Americans. The kitchen helped Britt strike a balance between the two parts of this duality, as she hoped to make the GOP seem accessible to all Americans,” says the Columbia Political Review.
Katie Britt in her rebuttal video
“I think that the fashion you wear can show a specific message, and same with your political views. Fashion can also reinforce an image you might want to show, even if it's not necessarily true. That's why I think what politicians wear is important, since it can confirm a message they're trying to send,” explained Alice Stewart, 7th grade Literary Arts student.
But what does the way 35-year old women dress at work have to do with fashion trends? Well, this “traditional woman dressing” isn’t only reserved for older women. There’s an appeal for Gen-Z as well. The rise of the “tradwife” and old money aesthetics emulates Republican dressing.
The old-money aesthetic is trademarked by cable knit sweaters, white button ups, polo shirts, and navy blazers. Some brands associated with the aesthetic are Ralph Lauren and J.Crew. GQ classifies it as “...anything that evokes mid-20th century East Coast elites—think clothing that would be worn to prep schools or Ivy League college quads. Items that are classic, not trendy, and made to last.”
The timelessness of these garments is important. These trends have appeared again and again alongside recessions. Trends become basic and relaxed. Colors like black, grey, and cream tend to return. These are standouts of the old money style. These trends have appeared again and again alongside recessions. The timelessness of these garments is important. People want something that could last them for the next couple years. Buying more and more trendy clothes every season simply isn’t economically viable in this climate.
But what does the way 35-year old women dress at work have to do with fashion trends? Well, this “traditional woman dressing” isn’t only reserved for older women. There’s an appeal for Gen-Z as well. The rise of the “tradwife” and old money aesthetics emulates Republican dressing.
The old-money aesthetic is trademarked by cable knit sweaters, white button ups, polo shirts, and navy blazers. Some brands associated with the aesthetic are Ralph Lauren and J.Crew. GQ classifies it as “...anything that evokes mid-20th century East Coast elites—think clothing that would be worn to prep schools or Ivy League college quads. Items that are classic, not trendy, and made to last.”
The timelessness of these garments is important. These trends have appeared again and again alongside recessions. Trends become basic and relaxed. Colors like black, grey, and cream tend to return. These are standouts of the old money style. These trends have appeared again and again alongside recessions. The timelessness of these garments is important. People want something that could last them for the next couple years. Buying more and more trendy clothes every season simply isn’t economically viable in this climate.
Fashion and beauty can often serve as a recession indicator. Depending on the recession, trends can lean towards minimalism or maximalism. In the past, economic hardship often caused brands to pioneer new designs to keep consumers buying. These designs often leaned more maximalist, like how the 1980s recession spouted neons, big hair, and punk and hip hop styles.
The quiet luxury dressing of middle-class people contrasts the way the most famous billionaires dress. The people we think of when we hear “rich” tend to get their riches from “new money” also known as nouveau riche. In other words, their money is not generational. The difference is apparent when you look at the way they dress and the way they spend money.
“The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, perhaps best encapsulates the divide between the so-called ‘old money’ and ‘new money.’ While new money — such as Gatsby’s — might conjure images of flashiness, frivolity and overspending, old money — that of Daisy and Tom Buchanan — is often associated with more subdued and conservative ways of spending and showing it,” explains Yahoo!Finance.
Despite the way it may seem, judging by his loud golden phone aesthetic, Trump inherited his real estate empire from his father. This makes him old money. But his million dollar start did not last long. His wealth has fluctuated over the years. According to the BBC, he started developing his brand in the 80s to keep his income flowing. He also began licensing his name to companies. This is where the majority of his wealth and image comes from. Even though he doesn’t exactly dress like it, Trump is generally new money. This is slightly different from the way Republicans dress, which is very quiet, conservative, and generally old money. Despite this, trends don’t perfectly mirror these ways of dressing.
“Historical references like Marie Antoinette and the Jazz Age are influencing silhouettes with full skirts, fringe, and drop waists, while uniform dressing and aprons are being reimagined for modern life. Overall, it’s a season that celebrates individuality, comfort, and imagination — fashion as both expression and escape…” said Stephanie Verrieres, OSA Fashion Department Chair. Verrieres’ trend report is extremely different from the trends we’re seeing in Republicans and their base. Students are also embracing individuality.
“Most of the time, I don't participate in fashion trends. I sort of take the ideas I like (e.g. too many chunky bracelets) and discard the rest,”said Stewart, “I feel like they're not necessarily a bad thing, I just don't want to get any clothes that I'll never wear again.”
“I do not like to participate in fashion trends, because I just like to dress how I want to instead of following the crowd,” explained Stallworth.
No matter what, there will always be trends going around. Politics, economics, and social media are all factors in what trends are. In the end, fashion and politics are permanently intertwined.
The quiet luxury dressing of middle-class people contrasts the way the most famous billionaires dress. The people we think of when we hear “rich” tend to get their riches from “new money” also known as nouveau riche. In other words, their money is not generational. The difference is apparent when you look at the way they dress and the way they spend money.
“The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, perhaps best encapsulates the divide between the so-called ‘old money’ and ‘new money.’ While new money — such as Gatsby’s — might conjure images of flashiness, frivolity and overspending, old money — that of Daisy and Tom Buchanan — is often associated with more subdued and conservative ways of spending and showing it,” explains Yahoo!Finance.
Despite the way it may seem, judging by his loud golden phone aesthetic, Trump inherited his real estate empire from his father. This makes him old money. But his million dollar start did not last long. His wealth has fluctuated over the years. According to the BBC, he started developing his brand in the 80s to keep his income flowing. He also began licensing his name to companies. This is where the majority of his wealth and image comes from. Even though he doesn’t exactly dress like it, Trump is generally new money. This is slightly different from the way Republicans dress, which is very quiet, conservative, and generally old money. Despite this, trends don’t perfectly mirror these ways of dressing.
“Historical references like Marie Antoinette and the Jazz Age are influencing silhouettes with full skirts, fringe, and drop waists, while uniform dressing and aprons are being reimagined for modern life. Overall, it’s a season that celebrates individuality, comfort, and imagination — fashion as both expression and escape…” said Stephanie Verrieres, OSA Fashion Department Chair. Verrieres’ trend report is extremely different from the trends we’re seeing in Republicans and their base. Students are also embracing individuality.
“Most of the time, I don't participate in fashion trends. I sort of take the ideas I like (e.g. too many chunky bracelets) and discard the rest,”said Stewart, “I feel like they're not necessarily a bad thing, I just don't want to get any clothes that I'll never wear again.”
“I do not like to participate in fashion trends, because I just like to dress how I want to instead of following the crowd,” explained Stallworth.
No matter what, there will always be trends going around. Politics, economics, and social media are all factors in what trends are. In the end, fashion and politics are permanently intertwined.
