Category: Soft Serve (Fashion)

The Met Gala is back, and 2026 did not come to play. This year’s theme, “Costume Art,” paired with the dress code “Fashion Is Art,” feels like an open invitation for celebrities to go fully unhinged—in the best way possible. And honestly? Some of these looks are serving.

But before we get too deep into 2026, I have to say it: nothing—and I mean nothing—has topped last year when André 3000 showed up carrying a literal piano on his back, designed by Pink Sparrow. It was camp, it was art, it was a whole moment honoring the impact of Black musicians on American music. That’s the kind of Met Gala chaos I live for.

Now, onto this year.

Bad Bunny showing up as an old man? Obsessed. It’s weird, it’s unexpected, it’s storytelling. Meanwhile, Sarah Paulson pulled up in what feels like a spiritual successor to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s iconic “Tax the Rich” moment—but make it more subtle and arguably more haunting, with a mask crafted from a single dollar bill. Political fashion is alive and well.

Then there’s Doechii with the turban look—sexy, intentional, and impossible to ignore. SZA (as always) is doing what she does best: existing beautifully. She absolutely delivered in a custom-made yellow gown inspired by butterflies, which she co-created with designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla. The dress was crafted using vintage, reworked materials sourced from eBay. She topped it all off with a headpiece made of real shells and flowers—ethereal, intricate, and honestly one of the most thoughtfully constructed looks of the night.

Sabrina Carpenter? Her art deco gown by Jonathan Anderson for Dior being made from literal film—a reel from the classic Sabrina starring Audrey Hepburn—is the kind of fashion history crossover that makes my brain happy.

Emma Chamberlain in Mugler is just… gorgeous. The colors? Stunning. No notes. First time I’ve ever paid attention to Emma Chamberlain. And LISA with a Robert Wun creation featuring 3D arms holding the veil! The arms were molded from LISA’s own body and posed to form traditional Thai dance positions, per Vogue—are you kidding me? That’s art.

I also love seeing Law Roach step out as himself. No styling, just presence—and the outfit was flattering in a way that felt intentional and personal. Meanwhile, Charlotte Tilbury is giving full Moulin Rouge fantasy, and I’m not mad about it.

Alysa Liu looks like an upside-down bouquet and it’s honestly adorable. Then of course, Heidi Klum shows up as a literal statue—completely unhinged, completely on brand. Same goes for Janelle Monáe, who looks like a living tree or moss sculpture. Over-the-top is their baseline, and I am living for it.

Jordan Roth might be one of my favorites—mannequin, velvet, drama, all of it. It’s theatrical in a way the Met Gala should be. And its another Robert Wun Outfit. Safe to say they are my new favorite designer.

And no surprise here: I love Naomi Osaka in Robert Wun. She never misses. I love her tennis outfits so seeing her at the Met again since 2021 was heavenly.

All of this, by the way, is being consumed while I am at work, aggressively pretending to be productive while mentally cataloging every outfit. Multitasking, but make it fashion.

Final verdict? The theme is hitting, the looks are mostly delivering, and the chaos is exactly what I wanted. Fashion is art—and tonight, it’s also entertainment.

And yes, I will be thinking about these outfits for the next week.

I’m So Over Microtrends (Respectfully… but also not)

I am so over microtrends.

Like deeply, spiritually, emotionally over them.
And yes, before anyone comes for me — I participated. I laughed. I liked some of them. I am not above a cute little trend moment. I am human.

Bag charms? Adorable at first.
A little stuffed animal hanging off your purse? Cute.
A ribbon or keychain to make your bag feel more personal? Love that.

But then brands got involved and did what brands always do: ruin it.

A $270 Heinz ketchup packet bag charm made out of goat leather is actually insane behavior. And please don’t let fancy words confuse you — Capra literally just means goat. You are paying luxury prices for a decorative goat leather ketchup packet.

At that point it’s not fashion.
It’s capitalism with a personality.

And honestly, that’s the lifecycle of every microtrend.

It starts off fun and harmless. Something people do for creativity or self-expression. Then TikTok gets involved. Then influencers start linking it. Then brands start selling it. Then suddenly something that was quirky and personal becomes expensive, overproduced, and labeled as a “must-have essential.”

Nothing is essential about a ketchup packet purse charm.

Nothing.

And at this point, some microtrends just need to go peacefully into the fashion graveyard and stay there.

Here’s my personal list of trends that need to rest:

• fringe (why does this keep resurrecting itself every six months)
• low rise jeans (we survived this once and that was enough)
• the “clean girl” aesthetic (which sometimes feels like cultural appropriation in a beige filter)
• funnel necks (they look like your shirt is eating you)
• beige everything (are we decorating ourselves or a loaf of sourdough)
• baggy everything (I would like to have a shape again, respectfully)

Fashion right now feels like it’s stuck in a loop where things are constantly being renamed and repackaged as something new.

Which brings me to the real issue: people keep confusing microtrends with actual trends.

And they are not the same.

Microtrends are basically fast fashion with a personality

They last a few weeks to a few months.
They live entirely on social media.
They usually have a quirky little name for something that already existed.
And by the time you buy into one, it’s already on its way out.

When I was growing up, this kind of style was called being a hipster.

Now it’s called twee.

Same vibe. Different font.

Hipster was thrifted sweaters, indie-folk music, vintage dresses, messy bangs, and drinking overpriced coffee while pretending you discovered an underground band first. Now it’s soft vintage aesthetic, curated playlists, and Pinterest boards with delicate fonts.

We keep renaming the same ideas and acting like they’re revolutionary.

Trends actually grow

Trends have longevity.
They evolve.
They exist outside of social media.
They turn into subcultures or lifestyles instead of disappearing overnight.

A good example is cottagecore.

It started as a microtrend — soft dresses, baking bread, romantic countryside energy, running through fields like we were all living in a fairytale during lockdown.

But over time, it evolved.

Now it’s less costume and more intentional living: cozy homes, warm lighting, baking, gardening, slow mornings, comfort, and simplicity. It matured into a lifestyle instead of just an aesthetic.

And sometimes microtrends don’t evolve — they completely distort the original trend.

Let’s talk about crunchy, granola, outdoorsy culture for a second.

Because something weird has happened there.

In the 60s and 70s, crunchy described people who lived naturally and simply.
Eco-friendly.
Hippie-adjacent.
Organic food.
Environmental awareness.
Buying less.
Living slower.
Being intentional.

The whole point was to consume less and live closer to nature.

Now crunchy culture feels like a shopping list.

Minimalism influencers with sponsored products.
Simple living YouTubers with brand deals.
Slow morning routines with $200 matching loungewear and affiliate links for wooden kitchen spoons.

And every time I watch those videos, I have the same thought:

If this is minimalism, why do I need to buy so many things to achieve it?

If this is simple living, why does it come with a discount code?

It starts to feel like we took something that was supposed to be about living simply and turned it into another aesthetic to monetize.

And I understand that creators need to make money. That part makes sense.
But sometimes it feels like simplicity itself is being sold back to us in beige packaging with soft music and a curated morning routine.

Like we’re being marketed a lifestyle that was originally about not buying things.

And that’s where microtrends start to feel less like creativity and more like marketing cycles trying to sell us a new identity every few months.

Be a clean girl.
Be a soft girl.
Be a crunchy girl.
Be a coastal girl.
Be a beige girl.
Be a vintage girl.

Or maybe — and this is a radical idea — just be a person.

Wear what you like.
Decorate how you want.
Drink your coffee however you drink it.
Go outside if you want.
Stay inside if you want.

Not everything needs a label or an aesthetic or a $270 goat leather ketchup packet hanging off your purse.

Sometimes personal style is just personal style.

And honestly, I think people are starting to get tired of being sold a new personality every season.

Maybe the real trend right now isn’t fringe or bag charms or clean girl aesthetics.

Maybe the real trend is people choosing authenticity again.

And if that’s the case, I fully support the death of microtrends.

I’m utterly obsessed by the notion that 2026 is essentially 2016, with improved lighting and slightly more financial resources. While it’s true that we’ve progressed, I can’t help but wonder why we abandoned the clothing items that made us feel confident, comfortable, and a bit rebellious. What truly bothers me is that back in 2016, my fashion style was labeled as hipster, and now I’m witnessing children online refer to the exact same vibe. They share similar silhouettes, energy, and even different labels—and honestly, I appreciate that for us. I’ve mentioned this before, but I genuinely loved who I was in 2016. So, let’s not get too caught up in nostalgia and be crystal clear about what I’m bringing back into my 2026 wardrobe because this is personal.

First of all: denim mini skirts. Non-negotiable. Preferably worn with a bomber jacket, a bralette pretending to be a top, and a “I didn’t try but I did” attitude. Throw on a baseball cap so it feels model-off-duty even if I’m literally just getting coffee. I want duster coats dramatically catching air behind me like I’m late to a meeting that doesn’t exist. I want bell sleeves so big they knock over drinks. I want chokers again because nothing pulled a look together faster than a slightly aggressive necklace.

And don’t get me started on skirts. Micropleats, suede skirts, all of it. Pair them with over-the-knee boots and suddenly I’m confident, mysterious, and absolutely texting my ex (but not sending). This era understood proportions. It understood drama. It understood me.

But listen. Let’s talk about the real heartbreak: TOMS wedge booties. I miss those shoes so much. They were comfy. They were cute. They worked with everything. You could walk for hours and still feel like that girl. Why did we abandon them?? If 2026 is truly the new 2016, I’m begging the universe to bring them back because I am ready, healed, and fashion-wise emotionally available.

And the funniest part in all of this? The fact that 2016 is “on trend” again, when so much of 2016 fashion was already 90s inspired. We were literally remixing a remix, the slip silhouettes, chokers, mini skirts, bomber jackets, just with TikTok filters and better contour. Fashion really said copy + paste + emotional attachment. It’s like a very stylish game of telephone, and somehow I’m obsessed every single time.

So yes, 2026 is the new 2016, which was already borrowing from the 90s, and I will absolutely be participating.

The Met Gala has officially announced its 2026 theme — Costume Art — and I’m already foaming at the mouth thinking about the possibilities. This theme has the potential to be more than just fashion; it could be a living conversation between art history, the human body, and the evolution of clothing itself.

If the Met leans into it, this could be one of the most visually rich and conceptually layered carpets we’ve had in years. And based on the pictures shared in Vogue, I am so here for it.

Why the Vogue Preview Has Me Hyped

The Met is opening a nearly 12,000‑square-foot permanent gallery for the Costume Institute — hello, major energy. The exhibition is literally pairing clothes next to paintings, sculpture, and objects from The Met’s 5,000-year collection. It’s a perfect blend of fashion and art that feels like it’s stepping off the wall and onto the carpet.

There’s also a thematic focus on body types — not just nude or classical forms, but aging, pregnant, and even anatomical ones. And the design of the show is wild in the best way: mannequins perched on six-foot pedestals, mirrored heads so you see yourself, and real bodies cast to wear the clothes. It’s an empathy-driven, deeply personal curation that makes the human form central to the experience.

Even the simplicity of the title Costume Art feels intentional. No subtitle. No qualifiers. Just a statement: fashion is art.

Also, I can’t stop thinking about Rosalía at the 2025 Met Gala, looking like a marble statue in her sculpted gown. That look didn’t quite fit last year’s theme, but under Costume Art, it would be absolute perfection. Sculpted, timeless, and so art‑meets-fashion — exactly what this theme is all about.

Art in Motion: What I’m Hoping to See

When I think of Costume Art, I picture art in motion — garments that don’t just nod to history, but move with it. I want to see:

• Suits inspired by museum archives
• Textiles that whisper ancient stories
• Silhouettes shaped like reimagined sculptures

Imagine outfits that feel like they were lifted from a marble statue, warmed up, and brought to life. Clothing that carries centuries in its seams. Designs that remind us how fashion has always been influenced by art, and how art has always been influenced by the human form.

A Study of the Clothed Body

Beyond the aesthetics, this theme is begging for a deeper look at the history of dressing the body — how we’ve adorned it, restricted it, celebrated it, and reshaped it through centuries of culture and design.

It’s not just about “pretty dresses.”
It’s about:

• How fashion changed the silhouette
• How clothing impacted movement and identity
• How different eras used style to express power, beauty, or rebellion

This theme could turn the red carpet into a living lesson on the evolution of the human form in fashion.

The Co-Chair We Deserve: Lady Gaga

And honestly? Lady Gaga would be the perfect co-chair this year. She already treats fashion like performance art. Put her in charge and suddenly everyone else has to keep up.

This theme practically begs for her brand of theatrical brilliance. If she’s at the helm, the bar rises instantly.

Bodies That Deserve Space in Art — and on the Carpet

One thing I’m truly hoping for? That the Met acknowledges how bodies are everywhere in art, yet not always equally represented.

We all know the classical nude forms that dominate Western art history, but what about the bodies that were overlooked?

• Aging bodies
• Pregnant bodies
• Disabled bodies
• Bodies excluded from the narrative entirely

Fashion — and art — are richer when they acknowledge diversity. Imagine a red carpet that feels like a gallery finally telling the full story of humanity.

A Living Gallery on the Red Carpet

If the Met leans into all of this, the 2026 red carpet could become something spectacular:

Breathing sculptures.
Moving paintings.
Textile revelations.

A runway that doesn’t just showcase celebrities, but reflects centuries of art, culture, identity, and the evolution of the body itself.

2026 could be the year fashion remembers exactly where it came from — and boldly imagines where it’s going next.

And yes… I’m absolutely already planning my fantasy guest list.

Happy National Fashion Day to all who celebrate—and yes, throwing on a funky pair of earrings with a hoodie absolutely counts.

Lately I’ve noticed a gentle return of early 2010s “hipster” energy on my feed. Big glasses. Quirky little prints. Fuzzy jackets. A surprising number of Domo-kun sightings in TikTok decor tours. It’s giving healed Tumblr girl with a debit card and better boundaries—and I love that for us.

And honestly, it aligns perfectly with what I’ve been hoping for this year: less gloom, more gleam. I adore my blacks and burgundies (they’re practically the backbone of my closet and my personality), but it brings me so much joy to see people out here in pinks, yellows, greens, and snowy whites—especially in winter. Seeing someone in a pistachio coat or pastel scarf when the sky is gray? Yes. More of that. Always

I don’t remember if I ever properly responded to the comment, “Fingers crossed people just start wearing the things they like and feel great in rather than what influencers and corporations tell them they should be wasting money on”—but just to be loud and clear: YES. Always. Wear what you love, what feels good, what makes you giggle in the mirror. I’m forever an advocate for dressing like you’re starring in your own show, whether it’s avant-garde drama or cozy cartoon core.

And I just want to say: I was right about a lot this year (and yes, I will be smug about it):

• Oversized blazers, wide-leg trousers, and waistcoats are finally having their workwear moment, and I love that for us. Power, comfort, and ✨aesthetic✨.

• Loafers, dad trainers, Chelsea boots—especially on women and femmes—are thriving. I bought a pair of Doc Martens Chelsea boots last year and I swear I wear them almost daily. Zero regrets. Maximum stomp energy.

• Fashion mags keep acting like boho is back but… it already came back?? Like months ago. Try again.

• On the other hand, asymmetrical designs are having their (well-deserved) moment. As a plus-size girlie, I love the creativity and movement they bring to a silhouette. They feel fun and unexpected—finally something besides “safe and shapeless.”

That said: if I find one more one-shoulder or shoulder cut-out dress at Torrid, I will scream. I’ve tried. I’ve squinted at them with hope. But I just want a bit more structure and coverage, especially up top. I’m begging brands to realize that plus-size people deserve options—not just cold shoulders in every shade of polyester. Let us have cute and comfy.

Also while I’m here:

• Still anti-Labubus. They look like cursed marshmallows. I won’t apologize.

• Living for the cherry red movement—bold, playful, easy to style. It’s giving hot girl elegance and drama queen realness. Let red have its moment!

Looking ahead to spring and summer, I’m really rooting for a vibrant color blocking comeback. There’s just something so joyful about bold, clashing, unapologetic color. Even if my personal wardrobe will always skew moody academic vampire, I love seeing other people step out dressed like the boldest crayon in the box. Let the neutrals take a nap. Let joy be the vibe.

So whether you’re full fashion girlie, a chaotic closet maximalist, or just throwing a sweater over pajamas and calling it a fit—today’s for you. Style doesn’t have to be expensive, trendy, or curated. It just has to feel like you.

Wear what you love. Mix what you have. Start trends by accident. That’s the good stuff.

I’m excited about the Pantone Color of the Year for 2025, Mocha Mousse (Hue 17-1230)! Plus, with the Met Gala theme already announced as “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” I can’t help but think that suede might make a fun comeback. It may not dominate as a luxury designer trend, but I definitely see it as a micro trend!

I feel like we can expect to see oversized blazers, wide-leg trousers, and stylish waistcoats becoming key pieces in our everyday work wardrobes. Additionally, traditionally masculine shoe styles such as loafers, dad trainers, and Chelsea boots have become staples for fashionable women. I bought a pair of Doc Martens Chelsea boots, and I feel like I wear them every day.

While many fashion magazines talk about boho styles making a comeback, it feels like that trend has already been around for a year! They’re also promoting a lot of asymmetrical designs, which I absolutely love as a plus-size girl. Just a little personal note: I’m not a fan of the one-shoulder dresses. I really prefer styles that give me more coverage, so here’s hoping for some great options ahead!

As one month fades away and another begins, I find myself amazed that it’s already February. January seemed to stretch on endlessly. Nevertheless, I am thrilled to have several exciting plans for this month, and I cannot wait to share the details with you.

Firstly, I’m feeling anxious about the new semester, which begins on Monday. I’ve been busy preparing, but there’s so much left to do. I’ve been going through my notes and textbooks, ensuring I’m up to speed with everything I need. Additionally, I’ve been trying to get into a healthy routine so that I’m ready to tackle the semester with a clear mind and plenty of energy.

On Super Bowl Sunday, I’m planning to have a small gathering with some friends. I’ve been experimenting with different appetizer recipes and settled on a few favorites. I’m going to make some delicious snacks for the game, including the dip recipe I shared earlier, sliders, and a delightful raspberry and gooseberry crumble. I’m also planning to decorate the living room with fun football-themed decorations to get into the day’s spirit.

I’m thrilled to be organizing a fantastic old Hollywood-inspired party to celebrate my niece’s 10th birthday. I’ve been working on the details for weeks and can’t wait for the big day. The event will have a black-and-white theme, with a red carpet, vintage movie posters, and plenty of popcorn. We’ll play classic Hollywood films, serve delicious snacks and drinks, and dance the night away.

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and I’m looking forward to preparing a fantastic dinner at home for my significant other. I’ve been researching recipes and thinking about what to make for weeks. I’ve decided to go all out, and I have some exciting ideas in mind. I plan to create a romantic atmosphere with candles, flowers, and soft music. I’m sure it will be a memorable experience for both of us.

For my birthday, I’m planning to go on an incredible day trip to Solvang, California. It’s a charming Danish village in the heart of California’s wine country, and I’ve always wanted to visit. I’m planning to spend the day exploring the town, visiting the local shops and bakeries, and trying some of the famous Danish pastries. I also plan to walk in the beautiful countryside surrounding the town and go on a wine-tasting tour if time allows. I can’t wait to experience all that Solvang has to offer!

Another exciting thing is New York Fashion Week, which starts on February 9th. I love fashion, but unfortunately, I don’t have anyone to discuss it with, and more often than not, I avoid talking about it altogether. There have already been fashion shows this year that I have enjoyed watching. Usually, I would have forced my boyfriend, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law to watch them with me. However, they don’t seem to enjoy the shows like I do. Instead, they comment about the clothes, which reminds me of Andy’s friends from The Devil Wears Prada. I understand that fashion may not be their cup of tea, but I don’t criticize what they like. So now, I watch the shows by myself.

While I’m not exactly a fashionista on social media, I love keeping up with the latest trends. I may not have a stylish closet, but I always look for pieces that catch my eye. That said, comfort is also important to me, so I lean towards comfortable clothes over high fashion. I wear a uniform to work and relaxed clothes to school, but I still love experimenting with different styles.

I’m excited to learn more about fashion and share my thoughts and experiences with like-minded individuals. And while I may be unable to tell the difference between lavender and periwinkle, I’m willing to learn!