Back-to-School Fashion: A 90's fad is back

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As summer winds down and the new school year looms large, students everywhere are gearing up to make a statement with their wardrobe choices. But what does "cool" really mean in 2024? The answer isn't as straightforward as it might seem.

This year’s back-to-school fashion trends are a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, crop tops are making waves.

On the other hand, some style guides suggest that long t-shirts are the current must-have.

And in what might be a surprising twist, JNCO jeans—those wide-legged wonders from the 1990s—are making a nostalgic comeback, lead by TikTok influencers.

Sarah Eichhorn, an Associate Professor of Fashion and Apparel Design at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, notes that social media plays a significant role in setting these trends, and influencers are often inspired by past styles.

“I think we've been out of ideas for a long time, because we just keep going back and back and back,” Eichhorn explains, highlighting how past trends influence current fashion narratives.

While social media and influencers play a pivotal role, it's worth remembering that marketing strategies are deeply intertwined with the notion of what’s “in.” Many parents have observed that their kids' perceptions of cool are heavily influenced by marketing tactics.

So, as you prepare for the school year ahead, focus on what makes you feel great. Embrace the trends that speak to you and remember—true style is about knowing yourself and wearing it with confidence. "We have so many clothes out there today in our closets, landfills too, its really about whatever makes you feel the best, and however you want to express yourself," Eichhorn said.