Ah, the world of TikTok fashion trends, where things are in and out of fashion as quickly as a snapping of your fingers. It's like that famous saying Heidi Klum used to quip on Project Runway, except instead of "day", a trend can be out in seconds.
Truth is, with social media's hand in moving fashion purchases and helping us decide the way we dress, it's little wonder that when something has hit the big time, TikTok's ever-growing band of fashion disciples would've moved on to the next under-the-radar thing by then. Case in point: all the obscure fashion brands that have been pulled into global fame because a group of TikTokers started promoting a dress into viral fame.
So with all that being said, here are the 11 trends TikTok has pronounced as dead, and the stylish substitutes to add to your cart instead.
Out: Barbie pink
Did you sink plenty of cash into new wardrobe staples to accompany you to your fifth visit to watch Barbie in the cinema? Bad news: Barbie pink is kinda done, babes. Instead, say hi to this verdant shade of chartreuse or pear green, which has been seen on celebs all summer including Emily Ratajkowsi and Cardi B.
Satin finish flowy shirt, $59.90, Mango
Out: Square-toed shoes
It was bound to happen: with so many people wearing the hyper-popular square-toed sandal (or some dupe version of it), it was only a matter of time before social media got bored of it. In its place is a shoe silhouette that was all the rage in the mid 2000s – one that sees a hybrid of a pointer silhouette that ends off with a slightly squared front.
GG slingback pump, $1,700, Gucci
Out: Oversized shades
Stash your big-and-black sunglasses in the cupboard for another day, because we've entered slim-and-rectangular shades era! There are plenty of options on the market worth considering – COS x Linda Farrow, Prada, Balenciaga all have some iteration of this – but our pick has to be this viral Loewe style.
Rectangular sunglasses in acetate, $510, Loewe
Out: Coastal Grandma
Coastal...what? Don't panic. Remember last year's costal grandma look, which saw geriatric-worthy knits awash in neutrals? Keep the colour palette, but switch out the pieces for Wild West-inspired details. Think fringing, cowboy boots, denim shirts all awash in calming shades of sand, ivory and beige.
Ribbed top with beads, $49.90, Zara
Out: Feathers
Given that every fast fashion site is now pushing feathers – or whatever they want to call those stringy, sparsely-placed polyester plumes – it's time to find fancy in other places. The 3D rosette is making a comeback, and promises just as much panache without the ticklish feeling.
Floral-appliqué wool mini skirt, $725, Blumarine at Farfetch
Out: LBDs
Okay, let's be real: little black dresses will never truly be out of style. But if your shift dress has been worn one too many times, give it a break and swop in this season's star dress style: the slip.
Contrast lace midi slip dress, $111.27, Topshop at ASOS
Out: All other shorts
The Frankie Store-isation of TikTok is still underway. Last year, Frankie Store put out a batch of shorts resembling men's boxer shorts, and those flew off the rack at hyperspeed. As summer temperatures continue to climb – hello global boiling! – the lightweight ease and comfort for boxer shorts feel perfect for the now.
Relaxed stripe shorts, $69, Beyond The Vines
Out: Yellow-tone Gold
Sorry, warm skin tones, blame TikTok because they've had enough of gold. Now, don't melt down your gold pieces just yet, because it will come back into style again. But for now, start stocking up on your favourite silver pieces for the next six months.
Elsa Peretti High Tide sterling silver earrings, $1,600, Tiffany & Co.
Out: Carrying any other bag in a crossbody style (especially when it's not when to be worn crossbody)
This one's a no brainer, after the mega success of Uniqlo's viral dumpling bag that had TikTokers lapping it up in every colour. If you're hoping to hop on the trend without going down the Uniqlo road, this might be a style worth considering.
Demi-Lune pouch bag, €490 (S$730), A.P.C.
Out: Big and puffy for evening
Unlike TikTok in 2021 – where suffocating yards of tulle and eye-searing neons ruled the day – the #fashiontok scene of today is very much on board with the quiet luxury trend. This one-shouldered mini ticks all the right boxes: elegantly cut, matte sequins don't demand flashiness, and perfect for an evening out.
One-shoulder sequined tulle mini dress, US$250 (S$340), Frankie Shop at Net-A-Porter
Out: Skinny pants
Yay for comfort! TikTokers have always been in love with their wide-legged pants pooling around their ankles, and that passion remains today. Our pick is this embroidered pair of trousers – just dressy enough without sacrificing comfort. A win for everyone!
Embroidered pull-on trousers, $84.95, H&M