Jay Fischer (287)
Staff Writer

If you’re anything like the average high school student, you probably use TikTok. 67% of American teens use the video sharing app. For the past few months you have probably heard the terms “demure” and “mindful” on your feed. A video by creator Jools Lebron entitled “How I Do My Makeup for Work” sparked the massive trend. In the clip she explains how when she goes to work, she wears very “demure and mindful makeup,” remarking that she “doesn’t do too much” when she’s at work. This inspired many to share their own versions, and soon it became the latest growing trend of early autumn.

But weren’t we having a brat summer just a few weeks before? There is nothing demure about brat, an album released by hyperpop artist Charli XCX in early June. The brat aesthetic is composed of partying, clubbing, and being true to yourself, no matter how the world reacts to you. The brat life is in stark contrast to the demure lifestyle. The demure trend has been received in a variety of ways. Some individuals are embracing it ironically. For instance, actor Penn Badgley announced the completion of filming for YOU Season 5 with a TikTok video. In it, he initially claims to be demure, only to then show himself screaming in a cage, subverting expectations. On the other hand, others are interpreting the trend more literally, showcasing their genuinely modest and reserved lifestyles.

Some may wonder why the switch from brat to demure was so abrupt. One Jay Fischer (287) Staff Writer Central student shared what they thought about this sudden change.

Maeve Liyanage (287) said she first heard about the demure trend on TikTok. She said that her English teacher brought up the topic in class, revealing the vast spread of the trend. However, she was not really familiar with brat summer. After a long summer of partying I think we are tired. In this transition from summer to fall, we exchange loud social scenes for peaceful nights drinking Autumnal beverages, and watching our favorite fall and halloween movies. We feed into the demure trend, falling away from brat summer. The modern trend cycle is a pendulum, coming and going. In this ever-changing online trendscape, be brat, be demure, but above all else, BE YOU!