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In the year 2013, the fashion landscape underwent a significant transformation. The influence of popular culture, digital platforms, and societal shifts were palpable, shaping the styles of the time.

For men, the style landscape was marked by the enduring impact of the television series "Mad Men." Chinos, polished brogues, blazers, and folded pocket squares were common sights, reflecting the show's 1960s aesthetic. Interestingly, this was the penultimate season of "Mad Men," yet its style influence continued to resonate.

Meanwhile, women's fashion saw a blend of traditional and modern elements. Knitted ties, patterned scarves, roll necks under peacoats, and going sockless with cropped trousers were popular choices for both winter and summer.

The digital age also played a crucial role in 2013. Platforms like Tumblr and Instagram provided a new stage for fashion peacocks, allowing individuals to express their unique styles and connect with like-minded people worldwide.

Fast-forward to 2025, and the fashion landscape has evolved once again. Rejecting norms or rules in fashion has become a gesture of empowerment for Gen Z. The ugly trainer trend became prominent, and the concept of 'Dad core' emerged, characterised by comfortable, casual, and unpretentious clothing.

Intriguingly, the Bieber-like clothing image under 40 in 2025 can be attributed to Gisele Bündchen. Her collaboration with Marc O'Polo for the Fall/Winter 2025 campaign showcased a blend of timeless style with modern, conscious fashion, striking a chord with the younger generation.

Justin Bieber's fashion choices, once criticised for being lax and uncoordinated, are now interpreted as liberated and edgy. This shift in perception highlights the evolving attitudes towards fashion over the years.

However, it's essential to remember that fashion is a reflection of the society we live in. In 2013, there were rules enshrined in men's fashion, which are now considered anachronistic. The conformity and lack of irony in men's fashion of that time mark it as an aberration, or peak Millennial cringe.

Covid-19 acted as an accelerant for Gen Z nihilism, making dress codes redundant for several years. The growing strain of hyper individualism among young people, as noticed by author Zadie Smith among her NYU students, is another factor influencing the fashion landscape. Smith's students contend with perilous futures, untenable debt, and fear, which may be reflected in their fashion choices.

As we continue to navigate the ever-changing world of fashion, it's clear that the rules of the past are being rewritten, and individual expression is becoming increasingly important. The spirit of the age in 2025 is one that encourages self-expression and rejects the notion of telling anyone what to wear or what not to wear.