Our take on: 2020's trends

Disclaimer: The following are just our opinions, and you should not take any criticisms to heart. As a matter of fact, sticking with a look in the face of disagreement speaks to a genuine sense of style. Feel free to comment your own takes on these pieces!

E-girl Hair

‘E-girl hair’ has definitely been the biggest hair trend of 2020, and stems from the Y2K flavour that has infected the fashion world of late. From Tiktok influencers to Kylie Jenner, it seems like this style is here to stay. If you’re unfamiliar, this hair trend entails dying the two strips of hair that frame the face a lighter colour, usually blonde, but sometimes pink or even green. 

• I: I, for one, am a massive fan of this hair. A lighter colour framing the face is universally flattering and waaaaay cheaper than getting a full head of highlights at the salon. Since lockdown, like many others, I’ve thought about reaching for the box bleach and doing it DIY. I’ve managed to resist but I have a feeling there are going to be a LOT of unimpressed hairdressers once lockdown lifts. 

• C: I agree with Izzy on this one. “E-girl” trends are going to be ridiculed for their TikTok origins and infectious popularity no matter what, but this is a case where I think we should let people enjoy things and normalize aesthetics that aren’t so...bland. At the same time, I fully think we as a culture are going to look back at this in five years and shake our heads.

The Teeny Tiny Bag

This has been an enduring trend for the past 12 months, and an extensive history of the tiny bag can be found here. However, let’s attribute the start of this  trend to the release of Jacquemus finger bag in February 2019. Since then you can find a teeny tiny bag gracing the shoulders of women from St Andrews fashion fiends to Bella Hadid. 

• I: The tiny bag gets a lot of flack, mainly from people who claim that “you can’t fit anything in it”. Personally for me, it's the perfect size for a night out or a day trip and instantly makes me look like I have my shit together. I would say that if you’re wanting to hop on this trend, search for ‘mini-handbag’ on eBay or Depop rather than buying a new one for a more authentic look. 

• C: I am not mad at the tiny bag, although they necessitate an even tinier wallet. I’m not going to pretend this is some kind of fashion revolution, but it’s fun and lets people know that you consider yourself a diva. I will say, however, that I took one on a night out and it kept stubbornly falling down my shoulder, but I’d already conditioned myself into thinking my look wasn’t complete without it. An epic tragedy, truly.

Veja 'Campo' Sneakers

Veja is a French sneaker brand that was established in 2004, and of late their ‘Campo’ model of trainer has soared in popularity. A simple white tennis-shoe with the V-logo in various colours, this is a wardrobe staple for many. 

• I: You can’t walk two feet in St Andrews main library without seeing at least five pairs of these, and I hate that for the St Andrews student population. If you want to wear a white tennis shoe, why not the Superga platforms or the classic Nike Airforce 1s? These are both visually unappealing and lacking originality in design. Do better. 

• C: Sadly, I agree. I feel like wearing a Veja sneaker as your main shoe is like calling The Office your favorite TV show. If your image is very preppy and “clean” I can recommend them, but not really for anyone else. 

Padlock Necklaces and Extreme Chain Layering

Self-explanatory. Thick, chunky necklaces on silver chains with padlocks, safety pins, dog tags, and bike chain links. 

• I: You look like a chained-up bike. Sometimes less is more. 

• C: I like them! It’s an easy way to add a bit of “edge” or intrigue to basic outfits. Chain layering says: I’m either not straight or wish I weren’t for clout.

TikTok Coffee

Originating on the treasure trove of all social media platforms that is Tiktok, the Dalgona coffee has now blown up so much that it’s hit mainstream media. This frothy coffee involves pouring a whipped coffee/sugar/water mixture over milk and ice cubes, resulting in an ‘insta-worthy’ beverage. Since lockdown has begun, many people have been missing their daily coffee run, and this easy recipe scratches that itch whilst appealing to the Gen-Z aesthetic. 

• I: I made this coffee and thought I was having a heart attack. So. Much. Caffeine. That being said, as a coffee-hater I actually enjoyed drinking this, and pretty things make lockdown life a little less bleak. If you are an iced coffee fan I would definitely recommend at least trying this.

• C: Izzy is sensitive to caffeine and I haven’t tried making one yet, although her review makes me want to. Coffee dessert? What could be bad?

Afghan Coats

A suede jacket with (usually faux) fur trim around the neck and sometimes the cuffs and/or hem. Can be any length, but usually on the longer side, and  almost always with a button closure. These have a decidedly vintage vibe--think 1970s rock groupie. 

• I: I don’t care that this is the most ’rah’ object you could possibly own, sometimes I just want to look like Raven Baxter, and the Afghan coat fulfils this dream. Also, a real Afghan is so high quality and such an investment piece for your wardrobe, it could never be a bad purchase.  

• C: As an afghan owner, I’m inclined to sing their praises, and the Raven inspiration is definitely a plus. However, I do think they are somewhat “trendy” rather than classic, and destined to go in and out of style over the years.