Top 10 TikTok Fashion Trends Of 2020
A list of TikTok’s best trends and where to shop for them
Written by Emily Fleming, Fashion Staff Writer
In a short amount of time, TikTok has become one of the most popular social platforms offered in 2020 and for many people, it’s been a staple of entertainment. However, it is more than short-form funny videos. TikTok has created many fashion trends, even allowing users to utilize their platform to promote their small businesses and creative sides while offering inspiration for others. Here are 10 of the best TikTok fashion trends from 2020.
1. Y2K
Early 2000’s fashion has come back in a big way on TikTok. This trend consists of colored eyeliner, cropped tank tops in bright colors like hot pink, low-rise jeans, flared yoga pants, claw hair clips, tracksuits, and nail art. Two OG 90’s/Y2K brands are Juicy Couture and Von Dutch. Brands like Skims and Amazon offer a more modern take on Y2K clothing, especially as it has come back in style recently. Another great place for both vintage and newer Y2K inspired clothing is Depop, especially if you are on a budget!
2. Leather
Leather blazers and oversized jackets are in full swing for the fall and winter seasons. These are a staple wardrobe piece, because they can easily be dressed up or dressed down. Faux leather pants are also becoming big, especially in colors like olive, brown, gray, and beige. Places to shop leather jackets online: Steele, Prettylittlething, and Subdued. Places to shop leather jackets online or in store: Aritzia and Zara. For vintage or less expensive options, check out thrift stores (especially men’s sections)!
3. Funky Pants
Funky pants cover anything from fun prints to different cuts and fabrics. Printed pants have been all over TikTok, especially zebra and cow print. Additionally, multicolored patchwork, corduroy, wide leg trousers, dad jeans, flared jeans or leggings have also been trending. On the other hand, the spring and summer seasons brought a creative side to this funky pants trend. Experimenting with denim, like painting and embroidering thrifted jeans, gave us a way to make pieces our own without breaking our bank! While this is a broad trend, there are many brands that carry these unique pants, some places to check out are: Motel rocks, I Am Gia, Jaded London, Verge Girl, and Bershka.
4. Brown
The color brown has been everywhere for fall, especially paired with the colors white and beige. From brown leather pants to brown dresses and tops, it’s a color that paired with other neutrals, immediately makes you look chic and put together. Chunky gold jewelry is also a common pairing with neutral colored outfits and can bring the whole look together. Add some square shaped sunglasses, and you have the trendy TikTok look down! Places to shop brown colored pieces: Prettylittlething, Aritzia, Verge Girl, Princess Polly, Shopbop, and Steele.
5. Sweater Vests
Sweater vests are an old school, versatile basic that makes layering for the fall and winter easy. On TikTok, many girls can be seen styling them over a collared shirt and blue jeans or a pleated skirt. Depending on the color and design they can be layered over just about anything! Prints that are popular are argyle, checkered, hounds tooth, and cable knit. Places to shop sweater vests new: Amazon, Storets, Shopbop, Walmart, Zara. Places to shop sweater vests vintage or on a budget: Thrift stores, Etsy, and Depop.
6. Inverted Stitching
A unique trend has emerged from TikTok is inverted stitching, mainly consisting of upcycled tops with funky designs and visible multicolored stitching. These tops are a statement and can be styled with black or blue jeans, a leather jacket, or a neutral colored skirt. You can find these inverted stitching tops on websites like Verge Girl, Etsy, and from emerging designers on TikTok such as @annamolinstinct (she sells on Depop and her Instagram is @instinct.brand), and @wolffhailey (she sells on her website which is linked in her Instagram, @meye.sol).
7. Silk Dresses
A timeless classic, silk slip dresses are beautiful to look at and feel great on. Ranging from emerald green to white to black and every color in between, these dresses can bring confidence and class to your closet. They can be dressed up with knee length boots or doc martens and sheer tights, or dressed down with a leather jacket and sneakers. Places to shop silk dresses: Aritzia, Motel Rocks, ASOS, Princess Polly, Vince, and Reformation (my favorite sustainable brand).
8. Corset Tops
Recently corset tops have been all over TikTok, taking vintage to the next level. Corset tops can be styled with blue jeans for a simple yet classy look, or you can opt for half corsets that can be layered over a dress. You can also wear a cropped sweater over a corset for winter. Corsets, especially vintage ones, are stiff and made to accentuate a woman’s curves. Laced corsets first gained popularity during the Victorian era, and have made a comeback as an outer garment. Places to shop corset tops new: Amazon, Steele, Urban Outfitters, and Reformation. Places to shop vintage corsets: Depop, thrift stores, and Etsy.
9. Pastel
Pastel everything was all the rage in spring and summer, but even as the colder seasons approach, the trend is still going strong. Some examples are monochrome pastel sweat sets, trousers, cropped cardigans, and more in colors like lavender, seafoam, baby pink and baby blue. Sets are easy to style and often a pair of white sneakers is all you need to look put together. Pairing different pastel colors together can also create a beautifully light, cohesive look. Some examples are white and baby pink, light blue and beige, light green and light pink, or light green and brown. Places to shop pastel: Verge Girl, Princess Polly, Reformation, Storets, Jaded London, House of Sunny, Pangaia, Saski, Boys Lie, and Etsy.
10. Vintage
The best TikTok trend, in my opinion, is the rise of awareness against fast fashion and the push towards shopping more sustainably. While sustainable brands are great, their prices tend to be higher and sometimes unrealistic for students. Thus thrifting is an amazing option, since old trends are coming back into style and unique pieces can be found at places like Goodwill and Plato’s Closet. I have had a ton of success finding stylish sneakers, leather jackets, puffer jackets, and more at thrift stores. A few brands to check out on Instagram for more vintage pieces are @tanisvintageclothing, @domno.vintage, and @padayvintage_. In addition, websites like Grailed, Depop, and Etsy make upcycled and secondhand pieces easy to acquire, and many up-and-coming artists have gained popularity from TikTok and sell their pieces through those websites.