A Glimpse Into Fashion Without TikTok
A Glimpse Into Fashion Without TikTok
By Olivia Blackwell — May 23, 2025
In the midst of the TikTok ban chaos, we are left reflecting on how the viral app has impacted the fashion world. TikTok rose alongside fast fashion and saw a huge boom in users during the pandemic. If you were scrolling in 2020, chances were you probably saw a “haul” video with piles of clothes bought in bulk from online retailers and delivered to people’s doorsteps; all so they were ready for the next trendy look.
Image Credit: Dupe Photos
10 years ago, Instagram was at the forefront of social media platforms when it came to fashion influencing. In today’s social media climate, TikTok has heavily changed the way we think about and create our wardrobes. Throughout our day, we don’t only see people in person out and about. We can practically see what anyone is wearing in any part of the world anytime we want. TikTok has made fashion feel accessible to almost everyone, from teens in small towns to influencers in big cities, and they are all able to contribute to the ongoing dialogue.
Without easy access to TikTok, we might see a return to a more static, curated “perfection,” reminiscent of original Instagram influencer style. Regardless, it is clear the fashion world—for better or worse—has been deeply shaped by the power of TikTok.
The TikTok effect has been swift, as many of its viral trends have furthered the online shopping craze. TikTok has become a go-to platform for discovering new brands, from small-batch designers to fast-fashion giants. The “For You Page” is a relentless cycle of trends, encouraging users to purchase items almost on impulse. One video showing a low-cost dress from TikTok Shop is enough to start a global rush of clicks. This has undoubtedly added fuel to the fast-fashion fire, making style feel more disposable than ever.
However, the flip side is the rising popularity of “thrift flips,” sustainable fashion, and second-hand hauls on TikTok. This suggests that there’s still a desire for a deeper connection to the clothes we wear, one that’s more reflective of individual identity and less rooted in mass consumption. In this new era without TikTok’s overwhelming buzz, perhaps we will swing toward a more intentional pace, where fashion is less about “going viral” and more about finding a unique and personal look.
Image Credit: Dupe Photos
As we navigate a digital world where TikTok’s future still remains uncertain, we are left with the familiar rhythm of the fashion cycle: trends come and go, and the desire to express ourselves through style will always remain. Whether or not TikTok stays, its impact on the fashion world will not easily fade.
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