While walking in the hallways at Briar Woods High School, it is not uncommon to see students keeping up with current trends. Whether it is spotting low-rise jeans matched with a baby tee or a student pairing socks with crocs. Are these trends totally chic or totally criminal? Falcons did not hold back their total ‘hot-takes’ on these current trends, here is the ultimate ‘Chic or Unchic?’ list.
Trend number one: The Great Water Bottle Debate: Stanley vs. Owala
In Briar Woods, it’s not unusual to see a student carrying a Stanley and the next minute noticing another passing with an Owala in hand. The ongoing ‘water bottle war’, Stanley versus Owala, is a never ending feud against the consumers. If you ask an individual which they prefer, they will always come back with a strong answer for their preference. For many, a water bottle isn’t just a water bottle, it is a status symbol. But are these really chic or a trend that is ready to go? Falcons give us the latest insights on the trend.
For Isabella Cheeks, a sophomore and on the swim team, says a Stanley is the only way. “Owalas are just a trend, besides Stanleys have cuter colors and different sizes, some of them have straws, some of them close, there are just more options,” said Cheeks.
On the opposing side, Emmie O’Conner, a sophomore and debate team member, believes the overall design of Owalas make them the superior water bottle. “Stanleys are really big and heavy and take way too much effort to haul around,” said O’Conner.
Trend number two: The Sneaker Showdown
When it comes to sneakers, Adidas and Nike have always been head-to-head. In past years, Nike was a statement, whether it was a pair of Nike Blazers, Air Force Ones, or Jordans there was no way anyone could beat Nike. Recently, Adidas made a comeback with the Sambas, Gazelles, and Spezials due to the nostalgic 90s feel and going viral on social media. The question posed; are Nike’s being dethroned and is Adidas taking their place? Students give us the latest details.
On team Nike, Fayrouz Abdalla, a sophomore on FBLA, explains Nike has a better design and has more durability compared to Adidas. “It has more durable shoes and unique, and attractive designs. Adidas feels like a trend that comes and goes,” said Abdalla.
Agreeing with Fayrouz, David Flowers, a sophomore, explains Nike has a timeless feel, something Adidas can’t offer. “Nike’s shoes are timeless and just have better designs, which I like,” said Flowers.
Trend number three: Y2K Takeover
Low-rise jeans, jorts, baby tees, and tank tops– it seems the trend from the early 2000s is making a comeback. At Briar Woods, it doesn’t take long to notice a student wearing low rise jeans and wearing an iconic updo from the 2000s. For the guys, fashion back in the day consisted of baggy jeans for the pants, and paired with long sleeves under an oversized graphic tee, then topped with a sick beanie. Is Y2K ‘so fetch’ or should it stay in the past? Falcons are here to answer.
Olachi Ikwuazworm, a sophomore on BSA, explains Y2K is here to stay. The unique style shows self creativity, a characteristic that is hidden more often in the modern day. “ It should stay because it was a part of loving and showing out who they really were,” said Ikwuazworm.
For Varnika Gupta, a freshman, Y2K is an era of showing who you are. “It’s like, a really unique style, and it’s like it helps people express themselves more than just having basic clothing in their wardrobe,” said Gupta.
Trends are always changing, today’s must haves might be tomorrow’s fashion doomsday. No matter if an item is fabulous or not, it depends on the courageous individual ready to take on the challenge. The difference between being chic or unchic is confidence. As long as you find confidence in yourself, you can make a totally criminal outfit into a unique outfit that shows your true sense of character, which is the chicest thing someone could do! Overall, it’s not about the trends it is about who is behind them.
