Pink ribbons. Bubble skirts. Adidas sambas. What’s next?

To be the next Hailey Bieber or Travis Scott, many teenagers are filling their closets with the fleeting allure of fast fashion. The continuous cycle of buying a new item and discarding it in just a few months has a firm grip on most teenagers, contributing to fast fashion’s growth of 10.74% in 2024. For girls seeking a casual feminine style, Brandy Melville has been the go-to brand for small and single-size clothing, with a peak revenue of USD$332 million in 2024. For boys, the mix of comfort and streetwear is appealing as they grab a Fear of God Essentials hoodie or a pair of H&M jeans.

One thing is obvious—fast fashion is fun! It is exciting to buy cheap pieces, film fit-checks and receive compliments. However, as the thrill of getting something new wears off, there is a range of hidden costs. Teenagers are burdened with the societal pressure of always having skinny bodies and trendy clothes, with fast fashion emphasizing the appeal of smaller sizes. Instead of cultivating a personal style that suits them, teenagers are more focused on mimicking the unrealistically perfect and continuously changing lives of Instagram influencers.

Beyond the psychological effects, teenagers are also amplifying the amount of trash dumped into landfills and microplastics flooding the ocean. According to Business Insider, fast fashion production accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions. These brands rely on synthetic, non-biodegradable fibers like nylon, which pose significant threats to marine ecosystems and aquatic life.

However, Mila L. (‘28) goes against the throw-away culture of fast fashion by making her own clothes. She values the creative freedom to explore her own style. “Everybody is different. You are not meant to fit clothes; clothes are meant to fit you,” said Mila, “you [also] won’t get scammed by shopping websites. You are the website.”  For Mila, fashion is for celebrating your unique body and not trying to force yourself into the most unrealistic molds of the recent trend. Taking charge of the design process means that the measurements, colors and materials all stem from your personal vision.

Of course, making your own clothes is not the only option for having a sustainable closet. Shopping secondhand or choosing quality over quantity reduces waste and promotes individuality. Sustainable brands such as Uniqlo offer stylish clothes without harming the environment. Ultimately, true style isn’t chasing the next trend or filling your closet with short-lived fashion. It’s about embracing your individuality with brands that align with your values.