Teenagers and young adults in the San Jose area are speaking out against the popularity of microtrend fashion culture for the environmental repercussions and expense of keeping up with it all. 

“I hate microtrends because it’s just overconsumption,” said 15-year-old Naman Dhanoa.

The term “microtrend” holds similar meaning to a “fad” or “craze,” distinguished by a short span of popularity, as well as where it all comes from: the algorithm. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok learn what is popular and feed the latest styles into users’ recommended content, influencing people quickly.

In an unscientific online Instagram survey of 17 East San Jose high school students, quoted in this story, most criticized the damage microtrend culture has spurred. These short-lived crazes are expensive to keep up with and the clothes eventually end up in landfills.

“They can lead to bullying and promote overconsumption.” 

— Grace Cruz, San Jose high school student

“I don’t like microtrends,” said Grace Cruz, age 15. “They can lead to bullying and promote overconsumption.” 

Andrey Larin, age 15, said  microtrends “can help people find their identity but also promote the idea of buying and throwing away.”

Mixed views on microtrend fashion

Fashion trends used to last entire seasons or even years. Microtrends have reduced the fashion cycles into months or even weeks. These trends seem to revolve around specific styles or “aesthetics,” like  “coquette,” “pilates princess” and “tomato girl.” These styles often have specific pieces that are considered to “make the outfit,” like bandanas, chunky bags and bucket hats.

Evania Tran, an incoming sophomore at Evergreen Valley High School, said she thinks microtrends spark in competition between people trying to be the most unique and start new trends rapidly. 

Anh Tran, 16, said  microtrends are a “waste of money, yet good for business.” 

Paulina, 23, who was interviewed at Westfield Oakridge mall, said she doesn’t follow microtrends. 

“Every two years I feel like I want to get rid of or stop wearing certain things,” she said.

But there are devoted microtrend supporters.

“I think they’re super fun,” said Sasha, 23. “It’s super fun keeping up with them.” 

Sasha said that in the past year he has bought 20 or more shirts, five to six pairs of pants and three pairs of shoes. But he also said he usually wears older clothes from his wardrobe.

Embracing personal style over trends

Content creators like @lottielashley and @heidiunhinged on Instagram promote awareness around fast fashion and overconsumption.

Others post videos like “What I Will Not be Buying in 2026” or “Fashion Trends I Will Not be Participating In.” 

“Price is going up; quality going down.”

— Claire Beluga, Instagram content creator

In a similar video from Instagram user @clairexplains, content creator Claire Beluga said, “we are being robbed.” She goes on to say, “Price is going up; quality going down,” which is a popular opinion among many.

Those pushing back on microtrends urge their peers to think for themselves.

“Express yourself,” said Paulina, “Wear whatever you want and don’t care about what other people say. Wear whatever’s comfortable and matches your style.”

San Jose resident Jessica said, “Following trends is fine obviously, but more important is just looking at what you want to wear. Follow your own sense of style.”

Quinn Rickett is a member of the class of 2029 at Silver Creek High School in San Jose.

Editor’s note: This story is part of the annual Mosaic Journalism Program for Bay Area high school students, an intensive course in journalism. Students in the program report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.