1. Oversized Stanley Tumblers
Right now, it feels like everyone’s carrying a pastel-colored Stanley tumbler the size of a toddler. They’re marketed as hydration heroes, but they’ve become more of a status symbol—complete with car cup holder drama and viral restock alerts. People film “what’s in my tumbler” videos and treat them like fashion accessories. It’s water, not a personality.
In five years, these bulky bottles will likely be seen as the Crocs of hydration—functional but laughably overhyped. The obsession will fade, replaced by sleeker, smarter alternatives. And the idea of coordinating your outfit with your water bottle? That’ll be a punchline.
2. AI-Generated Selfies
Apps that turn your face into a Renaissance painting or anime character are everywhere. People pay to see themselves as astronauts, fairies, or cyberpunk warriors—then post the results like it’s their new headshot. It’s fun, sure, but also a little uncanny. And the novelty wears off fast.
In a few years, these stylized selfies will feel like the glam filter phase of 2016—cringe and overdone. The tech will evolve, but the aesthetic will date itself quickly. Future users will scroll past these portraits and wonder why we all looked like shiny-eyed avatars.
3. “Coastal Grandmother” Aesthetic
Neutral linens, oversized straw hats, and bowls of lemons—it’s the lifestyle trend that made dressing like Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give cool. TikTok turned it into a vibe, complete with soft jazz playlists and beachy book recommendations. It’s cozy, curated, and oddly specific. But it’s also ripe for parody.
In five years, this aesthetic will likely be mocked as peak performative comfort. The lemon bowl will become the new “Live, Laugh, Love” sign. And dressing like a retired novelist in Nantucket? That’ll be a meme.
4. BeReal Notifications
BeReal promised authenticity: one photo a day, no filters, no prep. But the app’s signature notification—“Time to BeReal!”—has become more of a punchline than a prompt. People delay their posts, stage their “real” moments, and treat it like just another social feed. The spontaneity? Mostly gone.
Soon, BeReal will be remembered as a noble experiment that couldn’t escape the influencer era. The notification will be mocked like the old Facebook pokes. And “being real” will go back to meaning something offline.
5. Loud Luxury Logos
From designer slides to monogrammed crossbody bags, logo-heavy fashion is having a moment. Brands like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton are splashed across everything—sometimes in neon, sometimes in rhinestones. It’s less about style and more about signaling. And it’s everywhere.
In a few years, this trend will be seen as the fashion equivalent of shouting. Subtlety will make a comeback, and logo overload will feel dated and desperate. The loud flex will become a quiet regret.
6. TikTok Voiceovers
You know the voice: robotic, slightly cheerful, and narrating everything from recipes to rants. TikTok’s text-to-speech feature became a staple of viral content, turning mundane clips into mini documentaries. It’s efficient—but also eerily uniform. Everyone sounds the same.
Eventually, this voice will be mocked like the auto-tuned YouTube intros of the 2010s. Creators will crave originality again, and the synthetic narrator will be retired. It’ll be the ringtone of Gen Z’s content era—instantly recognizable, and instantly dated.
7. “Girl Dinner”
A handful of olives, a slice of cheese, and maybe a pickle—“girl dinner” is the viral shorthand for low-effort, snacky meals. It’s relatable, funny, and a little chaotic. But it’s also been criticized for glamorizing disordered eating and turning minimalism into a trend. It’s dinner, but make it aesthetic.
In five years, this fad will likely be dissected in think pieces and nutrition blogs. The charm will wear off, and the health implications will take center stage. What started as a joke will become a cautionary tale.
8. Hyper-Curated “Day in My Life” Videos
From sunrise matcha to sunset journaling, these videos turn daily routines into cinematic experiences. Every moment is color-graded, every product linked, and every task performed with influencer precision. It’s aspirational—but also exhausting. Real life rarely looks this polished.
Soon, these videos will be mocked for their performative perfection. The genre will be parodied with chaotic, unfiltered counter-trends. And the idea of filming your oatmeal prep with a drone? That’ll be comedy gold.
This post 8 Current U.S. Fads That Will Be Ridiculed in 5 Years was first published on American Charm.
