Here at Hays High, an eclectic mix of fashion styles can be seen in the hallways, especially among girls. While each style is unique to each student, there are also common aspects and trends among their clothing.

A trend in clothing that is rising in popularity at Hays High is the Y2K (year 2000) style. This style is from the late 1990s and the year 2000. The fashion style itself is inspired by pop culture from the time, like Bratz Dolls and movies like Mean Girls or Legally Blonde. Characterized by blinged out tees, low rise jeans, gummy sandals, and butterfly clips, Y2K style also includes bright pink, purple, and yellow hues. Junior Mya Purse often wears staples of the Y2K style, including baggy jeans and the cheetah print pattern.

“I like to wear it because I feel like it suits me and my personality. Also, I just love the way it looks!” said Purse.

In a similar realm, a retro revival is also currently in fashion at Hays High, as clothing items from the 1970s/1980s are making a comeback. The styles of the two eras were different, with the 1970s favoring clogs, crochet tops, and head scarves, and the 1980s preferring leg warmers, leather jackets, and shoulder pads.

But they also had similarities too. Both style eras had their iconic jean styles (1970s was all about bellbottoms; 1980s high waisted jeans) and leaned towards brighter color palettes with the tie-dye of the 70s and the neon shades of the 80s.

Senior Aryahn Fischer has many 70s clothing items in her closet, and one of her favorite pieces to wear is bell bottom jeans.

“(19)70s fashion feels carefree and fun. Flared jeans, bold prints, and platform shoes all have an effortless vibe that makes a statement without trying too hard,” said Fischer.

A stark contrast to the nostalgic Y2K style and vintage 70s/80s styles is goth genre of fashion. Many students wear this punk subculture style and can be distinguished with their darker color palette (think black or deep scarlet), use of leather, platform boots, and fishnets. While some may only have a few garments, others, like junior Auna Koser, devote their whole closet to this fashion style.

“I’ve had this style since my teenage years. I like it because I can express myself through my clothes,” said Koser.

But perhaps one of the most prominent fashion trends seen here is the “trendy” aesthetic. This style can be hard to define, as it’s always changing and evolving with the trends. For example, in 2020 some trendy clothing items were loungewear, sweater vests, tennis skirts, and straight leg jeans. If one wore these types of clothing during 2020, they would be considered “trendy.

Now, for one to be considered “trendy,” they would wear a crop top (or oversized hoodie in the winter), Lululemon leggings, mini Uggs, and a Kendra Scott necklace. At Hays High, this style probably is the most common amongst girls. Many girls want to be a part of the latest trend, and these trends spread quickly too. Sophomore Angela Feyerherm considers her style “trendy,” and is proud of it.

“I like keeping up with the latest trends and incorporating them into my clothes,” said Feyerherm.

All these genres of fashion help students to express their true self. High school is a time of growth and finding one’s true self, so fashion and style can be one way for young people to showcase their authentic personality.

“Being like everyone else is so boring,” said Fischer, “Sometimes putting on outrageous outfits is what makes people notice you.”