What the Heck Is 'Meme Fashion'? How the Internet Is Shaping What We Wear

There's no doubt about it—memes have taken over the world. Just last week, our Thanksgiving dinner discussion evolved to discussing these internet sensations, so you know they're significant. We already know that internet culture influences fashion, but we're still shocked that meme fashion is taking off, mainly because it's the anti-trend.

Meme fashion isn't exactly something you would expect to see on the pages of a Vogue editorial, and yet it's completely dictating the future of the fashion world, according to Lyst. Crocs, for example, were a shoe so ruthlessly mocked that we thought they would be phased out entirely by now. Instead, they're experiencing a fashion renaissance. Post Malone created a pair that sold out immediately, and Balenciaga created their own spin with a £600 version.

In fact, Balenciaga is the king of meme fashion. Its $1,290 double T-shirt and layered parka became internet sensations, in part because they conjured images of Joey Tribbiani's layered look.

You Could Buy Balenciaga's $9,000 Layered Parka, or Just Put on 7 Jackets Like Joey Tribbiani https://t.co/Z3pZ6wIb7x

— ELLE Magazine (US) (@ELLEmagazine) August 30, 2018

Aside from ugly shoes and layered looks, oversized apparel items are having a huge (pun intended) moment in 2018. The Jacquemus straw hat is a the perfect example of this phenomenon. The straw hat is so large that you would have to have your own private beach just to wear it without blocking anyone else's view. But when Emily Ratajkowski and other influencers sported the look, it suddenly became high fashion.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlBiSEsFqxw/

In other words, while runway looks are still influential, the internet is the latest up-and-comer in the trendsetter world. But what's important to note here is that meme fashion is more anti-trend than fashion-forward. It's an effort to take something ridiculous and make it fashion.

Wait a minute, "make it fashion" is another meme:

Men in Black... but make it fashion. pic.twitter.com/o1JxAttHx7

— marina (@marinawphoto) November 14, 2018

If you want to stay ahead of major fashion trends, your best bet is to spend some time doing some research on Twitter and Instagram. There's no shortage of inspiration, and you might just discover the next must-have promotional apparel product.