We’ve all seen it, that group of friends that have an eerily similar taste in fashion and take on a cult-like appearance as they march down Sheridan in nearly identical clothes. Lately, I feel like a communal interest in fashion, coupled with instantaneous access to mass-produced items, has left our generation nearing the point of no return: becoming sartorial clones.

My last visit to the Urban Outfitters website prompted this sentiment.  I scrolled through the pages of oversized cutout shirts and Mom jean-esque shorts that were overpriced and not aesthetically pleasing.  None of these items seemed naturally appealing and they surely would not launch my wardrobe into maximum freshness, so why buy them? In fact, I was trying to make myself like them just for the sake of liking them and having seen similar items worn in the past few days.

We have a tendency to associate fashion with the popularity of certain trends, when in actuality it should be the opposite.   Although top knots, chunky laced heels, and relaxed fit tops are in right now, there’s no need to blindly follow these trends. Everything is not for everybody, so discover what suits you and what can differentiate your style from the sea of designer-clad Doublemint twins.  Instead of letting designers or stores dictate your style choices, use their items to propel your own interpretation of fashion. Style is not store-bought.