Is the Expression of Individuality an Illusion? The More You Search for "Clothes That Suit You," the More You End Up Looking Like Someone Else — The Dilemma of Individuality in the Age of Social Media

Before buying clothes, I search for styling ideas on social media. I save posts I like, look for similar items, and mix and match them in front of the mirror.

It should be a fun time. However, the more reference images I collect, the more I lose track of what I actually like.

I'm more concerned about "clothes that look trendy" than the clothes I want to wear. Even my favorites become hard to wear once I hear they're out of fashion. The style I chose to stand out suddenly fills the timeline.

The Daily Iowan, a community paper from the University of Iowa, addressed this contradiction in an editorial dated October 25, 2026. Muskan Mehta, the author, questions not the enjoyment of fashion, but whether the pursuit of "looking unique" confines our choices to someone else's mold.

This is not just an issue for young people in the U.S. In Japan, too, once you start worrying about whether you're "in a certain style," "sophisticated," or "consistent in your worldview," the freedom of dressing turns into a quest for the right answer.

Having a name for something can be convenient, but it also creates a right answer.

There are various names in SNS fashion.

There's the "clean girl" look for a neat impression, "coquette" for incorporating sweet elements like ribbons, and "indie" for suggesting an independent sensibility. These names convey not just the shape of the clothes but also the atmosphere of the photos and lifestyle images.

In Japan, terms like "clean style," "street style," and "vintage style" are also useful for explaining preferences and finding styling references. Having a name can also help you meet people with similar tastes.

However, when convenient classifications turn into "conditions to be met," the story changes.

For this style, these shoes. For this vibe, this hairstyle. If you wear these clothes, your room and how you spend your days off should match the same worldview. Even if no one explicitly stated it, seeing similar posts repeatedly can make you feel like such rules exist.

Eunice Koffi, a student who posts fashion content and was interviewed for the original article, also points out that idealized lifestyles and personas are linked to style names.

However, the accompanying body shape and personality images are merely Koffi's critical perspective and not characteristics of everyone who likes that style. Just because someone wears simple clothes doesn't mean they're obedient, and wearing flashy clothes doesn't mean they're free-spirited. You can't judge a person's inner self by their appearance.

The issue isn't the type of clothes but rather the acceptance of conditions like "you should be this kind of person" along with the clothes.

"Wanting to be different" and "wanting to belong" can coexist

I want to dress unlike anyone else. But I'm anxious about being misunderstood.

These two feelings don't necessarily contradict each other. The original article introduces the psychological concept of "optimal distinctiveness," explaining that people have a desire to belong to a group and a desire to distinguish themselves from others.

In terms of fashion, it translates to wanting to be among friends who like the same music but adding a bit of personal flair to your outfit.

This delicate balance can sometimes be challenging on social media.

Even if you find a style known to only a few, its uniqueness fades if it spreads. Moving to the next style requires new clothes and accessories. To maintain "being different," you must keep chasing trends.

In this way, individuality becomes less about nurturing something within oneself and more like constantly updating a profile.

Moreover, even the appearance of "not following trends" can become trendy. Messy hair, casual photos, and vintage combinations. There's a reversal where meticulous adjustments are made to create a "not trying too hard" look.

The original article's question is more about "why you chose it" than "what you wore"

The original article references cultures like hippies and punks, where clothing was linked to attitudes toward society. It questions the current state where appearances are quickly consumed, detached from their backgrounds.

Here, it's necessary to separate the editorial's claims from verified facts.

Not all past outfits were based on deep ideologies, and not all current trends are empty. Also, the original article's view linking trend shifts to political apathy is not causally proven within the article.

Nevertheless, the question of "what am I incorporating and why" remains.

Is it clothing you learned about through a favorite artist? Were you drawn to the material or color? Is there a memory with a friend? Or did you choose it because it seemed likely to be appreciated?

There doesn't have to be just one reason. "Because it's cute" or "because it's comfortable to wear" is enough. Not every piece of clothing needs a philosophy or story.

However, it's meaningful to reflect on whether your choices are ending with others' evaluations before considering your reasons.

Reactions on social media are not just about "losing individuality"

Opinions on this issue on social media are not one-sided.

The discussion introduced here is not a direct response to the original article but a related debate on the overseas forum Reddit about whether the "clean girl" aesthetic makes us lose individuality. These are personal experiences and opinions of the posters and do not represent a survey of public opinion.

The starting point of the discussion was dissatisfaction with similar hairstyles and makeup, possibly diminishing the fun of using colors. Meanwhile, three main different perspectives are observed in the replies.

The first is the opinion to separate the impressions on the screen from the reality of the streets. It's pointed out that while you see various makeups at universities and on the streets, only the styles you react to are displayed on social media, strengthening the impression that "everyone is the same."

The second is the counterargument that the spread of similar styles has always existed. Even during times when heavy makeup was trendy, there were common patterns, and it's not fair to single out the current natural makeup as the enemy of individuality.

The third is the opinion that if someone chooses something because they like it, that's also self-expression. Some prefer subtle makeup, while others continue with their favorite eyeliner regardless of trends. Flashiness or rarity alone cannot determine the presence or absence of individuality.

Considering these reactions, the question to ask might be not whether something is "trendy" but whether you feel like you can choose for yourself.

In Japan, consider the space between "suitable" and "liked"

For Japanese readers, various criteria come to mind when choosing clothes.

Does it fit the workplace? Does it look age-appropriate? Does it suit my body shape? Does it look good in photos? Is it easy to match with clothes I already have?

These are all practical judgments. Considering budget, work, climate, and ease of care, you can't always freely choose only the clothes you like.

That's why the phrase "you should be more individualistic" can become a new pressure.

Wearing standard clothes doesn't mean a person lacks individuality. Even those who don't spend much time choosing clothes each morning have their uniqueness in music, work, hobbies, and relationships. There's no need to explain everything through appearance.

On the other hand, it's a shame to keep distancing yourself from things you like just because "someone said it suits you" or "it doesn't fit this style."

While using helpful criteria, sometimes it's okay to step a little outside them. Add a favorite color to your usual clothes. It's okay to have that kind of space.

You don't have to buy new clothes to reclaim your individuality

Reconsidering your distance from social media doesn't mean completely rejecting trends.

First, when reviewing saved posts, separate "I want to be this person" from "I like this color combination." Borrowing only the elements you like, rather than the entire persona or lifestyle, makes it easier to incorporate into your existing wardrobe.

Next, before buying, consider whether you'd want to wear it even if you don't post it. If you'd wear it on a day when no one sees you, that's one clue to confirming your preferences. Of course, it's fine to enjoy showing it to others.

Then, observe the clothes you already own and frequently reach for. Your choices might be reflected more in comfort, length, color, and usability than in trendy names.

There's no need to unify the worldview of all your belongings. You might like neat shirts but prefer flashy T-shirts at concerts. You may have mostly calm colors, but choose vibrant socks. Such blending is a natural expression of oneself.

Even if you resemble someone else, your "likes" don't disappear

In seeking individuality, you might want to find something that doesn't overlap with anyone else.

However, it's challenging to choose clothes, music, or words without any influence from others. You try things you encounter, let go of what doesn't fit, and keep what you like. Through this accumulation, your preferences take shape.

A piece of clothing bought because of a trend can become a favorite worn for years. A staple item many people own might suit your lifestyle best.

What's important is not feeling like you have to dislike something just because it becomes popular. Conversely, you don't have to continue liking something just because it's trendy.

When deciding tomorrow's outfit, change just one question.

From "How will I be perceived wearing this?" to "What kind of day do I want to have wearing this?"

The answer might not be in the search results.

Sources and References

1. The Daily Iowan "Opinion | Individuality cannot be performed"
   Editorial by Muskan Mehta dated October 25, 2026, referencing issues with style classifications on social media, the performance of individuality, and trends consumed apart from cultural backgrounds.
   https://dailyiowan.com/2026/10/25/opinion-individuality-cannot-be-performed/

2. Reddit・r/MakeupAddiction "Is clean girl aesthetic making us lose our individuality?"
   Summary of posts and comments on clean girl aesthetic and individuality, including dissatisfaction with similar appearances, differences between social media and reality, commonalities with past trends, and arguments for respecting personal preferences. Not a direct response to the original article. reddit.com
   https://www.reddit.com/r/MakeupAddiction/comments/1la63ya/is_clean_girl_aesthetic_making_us_lose_our/