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| (via Lucky Magazine) |
Mention a trend and you're guaranteed a variety of responses. Some live for trends and stalk fashion headlines, eager for the next new thing. Some roll their eyes, or even run in the opposite direction screaming "PRESERVE INDIVIDUALITY!!"
Okay. I understand the blessed, rebellious joy of rejecting what's popular. But by dismissing trends altogether, are we cutting ourselves off from beauty, art, and personal growth?
Maybe that sounds a little extreme. Allow me to explain.
Consider: trends, or what is currently commonly accepted and enjoyed, are a way to build community with people. Whether you admit it or not, there are common ties that bind you to people -- political mindsets, clothing styles, favorite TV shows, etc. Why is it okay to like the same TV show as someone else, but conformist and an attack against individuality if you appreciate the art and beauty of the same fashion trend as someone else? In the same way talking about political candidates or quoting favorite movie lines can bring people together, enjoying fashion trends allows people to connect as well.
Let's face it... no one is completely original. We're all a combination of the experiences, preferences, and influential people that have shaped us and influenced us since we were young. By allowing yourself to be influenced by (some) trends, you expand your horizons and your wardrobe. Not everything will work for you, but the things that do can become assets that you can use for the rest of your fashionable life -- whether they continue to be trendy or not. When understood and applied correctly, trends can help you gather and develop the best version of your style, and even help promote and embellish your deep personal history, because they introduce you to new things you haven't previously considered.
For example, when the skinny jeans trend first hit, I remember mocking them relentlessly with my sister. We'd parade through stores in our sophisticated flare-leg jeans and giggle that skinny jeans were ridiculous -- they were reminiscent of the slightly frumpy Canyon River Blues jeans we grew up with, for crying out loud. Then I started seeing them styled in ways that were really becoming and cute. I was intrigued by the way they made wearing boots easy and stylish. It made me curious... so on a whim, I tried a pair on. And wonder of wonders miracle of miracles, they worked for me.
This does not mean that I think you should up and buy everything you see everyone else wearing. I always think you need to pick what you truly love, and what works for you and your style/closet, whether it's trendy or not. I'm talking more here about not completely disregarding something just because it's a trend... if you like it and it also happens to be trendy that's okay!
See trends as a kind of life-long scavenger hunt. As things go in and out of vogue, keep your eyes open for styles and pieces that you can add to your arsenal of personal style. It might take some time before you see a particular trend styled in a way that you feel makes it accessible and acceptable for your look. Stay open-minded when it comes to fashion. If you try a trend, it works for you and you love it, congratulations! You just found another element of your personal style.
Thoughts on trends, anyone?
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