Since the beginning of the school year, fashion trends among TCS high schoolers have become unmistakable. What does a high school student wear to stay on trend? Some popular items, such as “ON” shoes and metallic water bottles (Stanleys), have become student staple choices.
To understand these trends, it is essential to delve into the reasons why people lean toward similar styles. What drives the collective satisfaction in adopting a particular way of dressing? More importantly, what does this reveal about our deeper social, cultural, and psychological inclinations?
“Humans crave a sense of community and connection. We’re social creatures. We want to relate to others, and wearing similar clothes gives people a sense of belonging and intrinsic connection,” Francis Weller, psychologist, said.
ON shoes have recently surged in popularity among Columbus seniors. Founded by Swiss Ironman Champion, Olivier Bernhard in 2010, ON began as a sporting goods company specializing in running shoes. Today, ON shoes are widely recognized for sports and everyday wear, making them one of the top shoe brands in the United States and worldwide.
“Stanleys keep your water cold all day and hold a lot of water, which is perfect for students who want to stay hydrated,” Juana Molina, senior, said.
Stanley water bottle thermoses are now also trending due to two main factors: practicality and social media influence. These are seen among lots of high school girls, varying in color, style, and size. Stanleys began trending due to social media and the marketing of the brand. This is the main reason for these water bottles being so trendy and famous out of nowhere.
“Seeing Stanley thermoses everywhere—on TikTok, Instagram, and even in Netflix series and shows like SNL—made me wonder if it was really as good as people said. That’s why I decided to get one,” Silvia Arbelaez, 9th grader, said.
Metallic thermoses, especially Stanley bottles, have become a prominent trend at Columbus School. According to Stanley’s official website, the brand dates back to 1913, when inventor William Stanley Jr. created the first all-steel insulated vacuum bottle. In 2019, with the help of social media channels like The Buy Guide, Stanley thermoses experienced a resurgence in popularity, becoming a must-have item for many American households.
“Carrying a Stanley has become a way to say, ‘I’m part of this group.’ It’s funny how something so small can make people feel connected,” Raquel Isaza, junior, said.
“At the end of the day, it’s not just about the brands—it’s about how we use fashion to tell our story and find our people,” Susana Pertúz, senior, said.