Haha, I think I try to hard Angie!
Whenever I try something new, I get the comment “It’s cute, but it doesn’t look like YOU.”
I think it’s hard for me because I’m so black and white, and I need a style to identify with, and trying stuff outside that comfy box really makes my mind spin. I’m worried I can’t pull it off and am not wearing it “right”.
I think the bigger lesson could be that there is no “right” and “wrong”?
Thanks for making me think today!

I love trying new trends as long as they suit me. I like to mix trendy items with other items in my wardrobe to avoid the fashion victim look. I take someone calling me trendy as a huge compliment x

I could not agree more with every word of this post. There has just been so much emphasis on “effortless style” that the idea of looking like you actually THOUGHT about what you are wearing has come to be a bad thing. How does that make sense?!

For me, dressing very classic and reserved would require a hell of a lot more effort and force than trying the things I like that work for me. Which indeed involve trends.

I find that semantics make a big difference. Why is it good to be fashion forward, current, modern, but NOT trendy? Why does that have such a negative connotation? I do not understand. I am trendy and I love it. I will always choose the purse I love over the purse that seems “practical.” As a result, my closet is full of pieces I truly love, and if it turns out I can only love them for a season or two, so be it. I would not want to be any other way.

Right on, Angie. It has been a lifelong conundrum to me as to why people decide *not* to do something simply because everyone else is doing it. In my mind, that’s just the same as doing something because everyone else is doing it.

As far as trendy goes– it’s not the word’s fault! People will always have a need to say negative things and will use the word that is convenient at the time. I think trendy is probably one of the better words to describe my style. I used to have a negative association with it based on how other people used the word. But now I’m with you 100%. I like trying new trends primarily because it is fun fun fun.

Unfortunately the term I hear negatively these days is “hipster” (probably has a lot to do with where I live) which is too bad because I love the word “hip.”

When you dress on the boring side, it´s easy: you put on jeans and a t-shirt every day. Adapting trends in a way that doesn´t make you look like a fashion victim takes some time and effort (especially when you´re opting for an effortless style;)).
So sporting a really trendy outfit shows that you put thoughts and energy and sometimes money into the way you look. Many people in my intellectual environment consider that vain and superficial, a waste of time and money.
I learned to live with that, although I have to admit that it is not easy sometimes, since I think they have a point to some degree…

A very pretty colleague of mine told me when I complimented her on her daring orange heels that she has a spare pair of neutral flats in the car, in case she feels some “trend hostility”… How depressing is that?

I’m so glad you wrote this! I watch what’s trending and really want to be a part of it. Once I hit about 45 I think I went through a phase of thinking that I couldn’t pull anything off so I shouldn’t try–or maybe I thought I wasn’t allowed to because I wasn’t 25. It *seems* like I realize which trends suit me and which do not. Yet, I find myself saying these words a lot–”I don’t want it to look like I’m trying to hard.” Thank you for putting this in perspective!

I think you’re saying trust your instincts and don’t worry so much.

I am often wearing *zero* trends at a time, but I hang out with an nearly-70 year old who is mega-trendy.

She isn’t happy unless she’s wearing at least 3 (preferably more!) of the latest trends at a time. That IS her style. Somehow we usually manage to find something to admire about the other’s presentation.

She’s totally self-aware that others might think she dresses too young, too fashion-victim-y etc and says, “My dress of choice is so young that I look like a contrast of opposites…a grape and a prune.”

But she doesn’t care. I think those who like to experiment should channel her bravado!

[Her most recent passion is shoulder-length feather earrings -- it's what the hippest of a certain "cool kid" subset are wearing in my area. Worn with leggings, "shooties" tunics, etc. Whereas I'm excited about having another pencil skirt, ha.]

I agree with everything you’ve written here, Angie. You don’t need to convince me of the merits of trends! I love following the evolution of fashion and picking the looks that work for me. I also don’t get the whole thing of “trying too hard”- of course we’re trying to look good! Isn’t it a worse thing not to try at all!?

But you’ll probably never convince me on the merits of the word “trendy”. Just because you see the word at face value (ie. wearing trends = being trendy), doesn’t mean everyone will. I don’t think you can separate a word from its social context and the way it’s evolved. It probably has a lot to do with where I grew up, my own experiences, etc, but to me, “trendy” will always read negatively.

An author of a book about fashion stated that one should adopt only 1 trendy piece per outfit, when we wear all trends at once it’s a sign of trying to hard and I agree with that

I’m pinching this term from Angie but I’m a very ‘visual person’ I absorb the culture around me and it influences my style profoundly. I love vintage style but I wear my fifties style dress with a swagger knowing I’m on the same page as Miuccia Prada with regards to this look, heck I may even throw my denim shirt over the top because it feels right for me at this time.

I adore fashion, I love watching a trend become mainstream and occasionally become a classic. I wear what I love and ignore the rest but what I love IS influenced by the multi billion dollar industry of fashion.

I try to absorb influences and let the rest come naturally BUT of course I put some time into my look, anyone who changes handbag at the last minute has to but I do not consider my look try hard. Perhaps others would disagree?

p.s. I’m chuckling at the unfortunate timing of my forum post :0)

Oh darn, I typed up a long response and then it vanished. Basically what I was trying to say is that I get my gratification from hubby, the mirror and the fab ladies at YLF – that takes care of who I am dressing for. I don’t mind being called anything as long as it isn’t frumpy, dowdy, sloppy, slutty or the like.

Each new trend brings a new challenge and I always thrilled at the notion of finding something new and exciting that I can add to my fashion repertoire. Knowing my body, my style and knowing what works for it and ultimately being able to use that knowledge to make a new trend work for me in fab ways gives me a great thrill. In fact, if and when I do lose some weight, I can’t wait to try even more trends that I’m finding hard to adopt now. I still remember how excited I was about the BF Blazer and how hard and well it still works for me All thanks to YLF.

I think trendy is often considered high maintenance and superficial. After all, you are putting a lot of time and effort to
1-know what the trends are
2-shop for them and
3-style an outfit with them.
In non creative environments this is often hit with hostility, because you are perceived as being too vain. I think the hostility is really from people wishing they could do the trend themselves or because the trendsetter spent the time and effort on themselves. Too many people dash out the door with no thought at all to how they present themselves to the world. Then they see a trendsetter and project their unhappiness with themselves on the trendsetter instead.

There’s also the flip side, the person trying EVERY trend there is, and not considering how it fits into their overall style, how the trend fits on their own body, thereby making them look more like a fish out of water than a fashion forward person. When a look does not seamlessly work on a person they come across as trying too hard rather than put together.

Yay, I’m glad to see you sticking up for the term “trendy”. I consider it a positive term as well, very much so. I enjoy fashion and style, and I enjoy mixing things up a bit and trying out new things. So when new trends emerge, I am always intrigued and curious, and then bring in my own preferences and constraints (body type, budget etc.) and pick a couple that I go after myself. That keeps things fresh and fun for me. Sometimes adopting a trend might mean something small, like buying a scarf in a new color that is “on trend” in a specific season. Sometimes it’s bigger, like buying three pair of skinnies (once I wrapped my head around that trend, which took a little while).
This spring season I’ve actually been a bit disappointed since there weren’t/aren’t really many trends that intrigued me or that were really new to me. So I don’t jump on that trend and instead just ignore it. But I sure am already curious about trends for the fall and will look for ways to refresh my wardrobe with some trendy items, integrated with beloved staples.
I’m not sure why “trendy” is a negative term for some women. I’d say “trendy when it conflicts with your personal style and what’s flattering on you” would be negative for me. But then again we have Angie who shows us how to incorporate trends into a “normal woman’s” wardrobe and lifestyle, right?

Sarah, you’ve just validated that you need confidence to pull off a trend. A vital ingredient.

Ele, unless I’ve been living under a rock, the associations with the word trendy are not the same in other parts of the world. In fact I’ve only recently, in the past few years or so, been made aware of its negative connotations! And I work in the fashion industry . How does that work?

Lisa, anyone with a good sense of style has spent effort on themselves. Classic, trendy, arty, eclectic, bohemian – all these styles point to the same so called level of vanity, don’t you think? Maya pointed that out too. It’s ironic even having this discussion. You’re trying too hard just thinking about whether you tried too hard.

Rute, you actually wear a few trends in one outfit. Skinny jeans with skyscraping platform heels is two trends. And you wear it very well.

RoseandJoan, your forum post was perfectly timed! Thanks for getting the juices flowing.

I think this discussion is dancing around the discussion of effortless–

http://youlookfab.com/2008/09/.....ess-style/

It doesn’t matter what style you are going for– if doesn’t appear effortless (not to be confused with making an effort) it’s not stylish. So maybe we shouldn’t ding people for being too trendy, too classic, too edgy or too hip, we should note that they haven’t pulled off the effortless component.

I think it’s also worth distinguishing between a “trend” and a “fad.” A trend is a direction (e.g., lower rises on pants than in past eras) whereas a fad is a blip on the radar (e.g., thong panties worn above that lower-rise waistband).

To me, being conscious of trends keeps your wardrobe looking fresh and relevant, whereas adopting fads often creates that fashion-victim, trying-too-hard vibe.

Great post Angie!!

Well, I love fashion and it is fun for me also. But I must watch the trends I choose at my age:)
I must admit I was a bit surprised when you said I was trendy!!! It made me take a second look at my style, not sure if I am classic with trendy elements, or trendy with classic elements!!
Either way Is FINE with me!!! Thanks for bringing your fashion knowledge and skill to us…the longer I am around YLF the SMARTER you keep getting, it all makes me realize how VERY skilled you are:)

April makes a good point, too. To me, there is definitely a difference between “fad” and “trend.” Polka dots may be trendy right now but the way people are wearing them runs the gamut. A fad seems to be a certain item worn in an exact manner. This removes all individualism.

I don’t particularly care if my friends keep up with trends, but I think that incorporating the ones that work for me is lots of fun! I see nothing wrong with being “trendy!”

I just can’t get over negative connotations of the word, which dates back to junior high. ‘Trendy’ girls hadn’t developed their own sense of style yet, they just wore all of the latest fads- as many as possible and all at the same time. Rubber bracelets? Check. Neon? Check. Madonna-esque lacey pieces? Check. Spiral perms with big bangs? Check.
To me, trendy means that you follow the trends- regardless of how they work for you or if they mesh with your overall style. Fashionable, stylish and on-trend or trend-setting do not have the same negative connotation for me.
Sorry Angie- it’s not a term that I can embrace.

Trendy has always been a negative in my part of the world. I prefer the word current.
I , like Ele cannot switch over to the positive when it comes to the term. In the art world trendy is a flash in the pan, a one-liner- a style that will disappear and has no staying power. That is what I try to avoid. I think that certain styles and silhouettes will always work for me because of my body-type, lifestyle and strong likes and dislikes. I never try to be trendy to feel fashionable but I also do not want to be unaware of what designers are doing presently. Many trends are just not worth the investment even if they are fun. I cannot afford a wardrobe that changes every season.
I am probably a lot trendier than I think I am- a student of mine told me she though I was so trendy. I assume it was a complement.
The balance is what it is all about, and the confidence to wear or not wear the newest trend. As Angie always says- you need to feel fab in what you wear. That is the test of the success of any style you try on.

Patience, at the end of the day – it all boils down to looking “effortless”, despite the effort. Another irony.

April, nice analogy!

Taylor, your style is killer. Don’t change it. You have found the perfect balance between mixing classic attire with trendy pieces very age appropriately. You always look sophisticated and stylish. San mixes trendy pieces into her style perfectly too.

Chewy, it’s a shame that you can’t embrace the word because I consider you trendy and that’s a compliment.

Greenglove, you *are* a lot trendier than you think and that’s a plus in my book just like it was to the student who complimented you. You’ve made trends your own and wear them with panache. That’s the key.

Sorry if my question sounds too simple but I am a wee bit confused about trends. Is it like Boho or Biker Chic…or is it like wedge sandals, studed shoes, bags and clothes…? Is it individual pieces like scarves or bangles…? Ever since i moved to Switzerland I’ve noticed that a LOT of people wear scarves year round…I am sure that when babies are born they wrap a scarf around their tiny little necks intead of those beenie caps….is this a trend? If not then what is it…?

Take the Biker Chic I mentioned abouve…wasn’t that sorta big in the eighties? And if so well then is it really a trend or is it…well, what are the articles of clothing, accessories, shoes, bags called if they seem to really never leave the scene?

Uuuhhg! I do see the suggestions that Angie posts here and just assumed that they were hip new takes on fashion from the past made with new materials like the Boyfriend Blazer….but again that was around in the eighties…or not…?

I just don’t understand the meaning of the word..I mean, I think I do but then again…? O_o

YIKES! Scary me outty!

This is a quote from Angie in her blog post above.

“On the other hand, wear a trend that doesn’t work for your lifestyle, persona, age, or body type and chances are high that you will look like you’re trying too hard. That’s when the trend is wearing you rather than you wearing the trend.”

This really hit home with me because I love those sky high platform shoes that look so good on the models. The big architectual things that look like a piece of art for your feet. Sometimes I think maybe they will work for me and blend with my style. I try them on and oh what a disaster. They look rediculous on me and I hobble around. There is no way I can let this trend, work for my lifestyle, persona, age, or body type. The beauties just don’t flow into who I am, so I found some BCBG wedge sanals with thick black elastic straps, and a much lower and more walkable wedge. I feel I get enough of an edge from these shoes and yet they are not wearing me.
I’m just so happy to hear this discussion this morning so that I can get my head around all of this.

I really like this article. I used to feel that people thought I tried to hard when I wore trendy items. But I guess I have grown up since then and have now adopted the if I like it and it fits properly as you said age, and etc. then I can rock it. And I do! Thanks for this article! I am very glad that I found this cite and signed up for these blogs!!

Interesting discussions, both here and on the forum! As I said there, I cannot follow trends as avidly as many because most of them aren’t appropriate for the average workplace. But I do pay attention, and if I can incorporate them I will.

I’m fascinated by the semantics debate going on, and I think I do have to side with Chewy and GG on this: the word trendy implies something entirely different than being “on trend”, “trend-setting” or “fashion forward”. “Trendy” is more about chasing trends for the sake of trends, and often letting them wear you instead of the other way around. Usually someone I think of as “trendy” wears a lot of fads, and not always very well.

Whereas someone who is “on-trend” — and I think that applies to many YLF members, including Sarah, Rute, GG, Chewy, Maya, Taylor, etc — has taken current trends and worked them into their own style. I think even in my own grumpy way I manage to be “on trend” sometimes.

And then there are people like you Angie, who I would define as “trend-setting”. You are leading the pack, always spotting the new trends before it trickles down into the consciousness of the rest of us, encouraging and mentoring us so we can be “on trend”.

All very different meanings, you know? That’s the beauty of language; it can be so wonderfully precise when we let it!

OK…what I was trying to figure out was what does on Trend, Trend, In Fashion, In Style, Hot, Hip and In mean…is it all kinda the same?

I tend to avoid trends with clothes, because I have such a limited budget that they have to last for years, but I love playing with accessories! It’s easy to get trendy accessories on the cheap (I love Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and Target for this kind of thing). Handbags and jewelry especially!

April’s take on trend vs fad resonated with me. I too love fashion and read lots of magazines, blogs, and just check out what’s going on the streets and malls – it’s ever interesting to see what people are wearing and how they are interpreting the latest. That’s what I try to do, for me, is interpret what the fashion mags and trendsetters are saying to incorporate it in to my personal style, or not. And sometimes, not, is what works for me. Like you said above, Angie, pick the ones you fancy and leave the rest. And that’s only one of the many reasons we follow you, Angie, you help us pick those ones!

Great, discussion!

Kyrania, you are cute. A trend is a fashion look that is either on the rise of popularity or has become popular. It usually sticks around for several seasons. Sometimes it’s fringe and sometimes its mainstream. Sometimes trends become classics – like boot cut jeans. You also hit the nail on the head in that trends repeat themselves in more modern and streamlined incarnations.

I also use these words interchangeably: hip, cool, trendy and fashion forward. I am clearly not sensitive to the subtle nuances between the words “on-trend” v.s. “trendy” as Kristen pointed out, although I do find that interesting . I choose my words to describe something quite carefully so again, I find that interesting! I enjoyed your analogy a lot, Kristen.

Thank you Angie!!

You are truly the biggest fashion influence in my life. Not only the photos that you post, but every word of advice you share every bit of encouragement you send I Learn from others who have leaned from you as well.. You are truly a gift to us all!!!

I wonder if “trendy” has a less negative connotation in Europe? I’ve noticed that esprit.com’s website often uses the term “trendy” describing items. i.e. “ultra trendy plaid dress.” Clearly they know that using the term will sell clothing. Here in the U.S., “trendy” connotes something more along the lines of “fashion victim.”

In technology, they use the term “early adapter” for someone who always has the latest and greatest, and it has positive connotations. If you wear trends well, instead of being trendy, couldn’t you be an early adapter of fashion?

Thanks SO much Angie! Sometimes I feel as though I’m learning a new language when reading and learning about fashion…So i’ll just add it to my German, Swiss German and French studies! ^__^

I DO want to understand because I read a lot of the posts and discussions and sometimes my head spins… O_o

I’ve seen people use the words “Fashion Forward”and it definitely catches my interest..well, forward, up and beyond…that IS me! ^_^

So, I’ll keep reading, keep asking and with great excitment, keep learning!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! ^____^

I’m in 100% agreement with you Angie. In fact reading it made my head kinda hurt……I don’t see the point overthinking these kinda things too much. As someone wise on Project Runway once said “lighten up it’s just fashion”.

Oh the embarrassment…OK, who really starts the trend? Is it a collective or is it more like one Designer says “Hey, what about shoulder pads?” and then everyone runs with it? Does their own thing with it..?

OR is it a celeb, public figure whos really likes something and then the designers pick it up…doesn’t make sense though because it would have to be designed first….Hmmm is it both working together in some kind of synchronicity…or am i just thinking too much?

I AM interested in how it all starts…Och Gods…Hope I don’t sound too nutty…then again Circus Music IS my theme song….

Kyrania, I’ll talk about how trends are started in another blog post. Thanks for the enthusiasm!

Laura, you might be right. Trendy does not equal “fashion victim” in my book and I’ve been in this international rag trade forever.

Tam, your comment makes me smile the most

Taylor, you make me blush and I’m humbled.

Kyrania’s question reminded me of a book I read. Has anybody else read the non-fiction book “Tipping Point”? It is facinating to me how trends start, gain momentum then decline. This book explores how that all happens and how we each play a unique, specific part in that.

In my world the word trendy has always had positive connotations. The word fad hasn’t though.

Very interesting post – thank you Angie!

I find it interesting how the word “trendy” has such different connotations around the globe… I personally don’t think of it to mean anything other than someone who sports trends – it certainly doesn’t mean someone who is dressed head to toe in trends or a fashion victim or anything else negative to me.

Never in a million years would I have thought of myself as trendy but interestingly since moving to my little tiny seaside community, I’m seen exactly as that by my fellow school-parents… So I think to add to the discussion of trendy as a positive or negative, the interpretation of exactly what is trendy no doubt varies greatly too.

But as always – execution and being comfortable are the keys in my opinion…

Great post Angie! I agree with almost everything you have written. I love trying out new stuff, because it is lot of fun. I am fine adopting a lot of new new trends early, but I carefully pick the ones I like and I think look good to me.

So I would guess that would definitely make me trendy according to your definition. But, like Ele and Greenglove, in my field this word carries a lot of negative connotations and I would be mortified if anyone at work used it to describe me. But being described like trendy on YLF makes me proud. I guess I am complicated creature.

I love to sport new trends and would love to be described as ‘fashion forward” but for some reason the word “trendy’ automatically conjures up a picture of a self absorbed teenager. Perhaps this is a result of growing up in the Los Angeles area in the era of “Valley Girl”
When I see someone wearing a trend well, I don’t even see it as being trendy. I just see a fabulously dressed modern gal.
But they way you say it Angie, I’ll take being trendy as a compliment
I do get tired of seeing trends overdone. I remember feeling so hip discovering scarves a couple seasons back but then by the end of the season 9 of 10 girls who I passed by in the mall was wearing one… it kindof took the fun out of it for me.

love this post! i wore a fedora today for the first time in a while because i was afraid they had become too “trendy,” but i’m so glad i did. i love those cheeky hats and i’ll wear one even if everyone else is too!

[...] never when it comes to fashion and style. My harem pants make me smile and at the end of the day, making a fashion trend work for you is about having fun. Stay tuned for a future post on how I wear them more casually. Related [...]

Angie, if this post were delivered as a speech, you’d get a standing ovation from me. I love how forcefully eloquent you get when you’re really fired up about a topic!!
You’re so right, and it’s interesting how the word “trendy” developed such negative connotations. I only learned of That alternative definition of “trendy” later in life. When my mom used the word trendy in reference to my teen wardrobe, she used it as a synonym for stylish and up-to-date, just as you do. I still think of it in this context, and thanks to the forum’s guidance I believe that interpretation is accurate for me (most of the time). I zero in on the trends I want to adopt, the forum helps me execute them right, and an oft-abused word retains its original meaning. Win Win!

i never thought of the word “trendy” itself being negative. To me, the negative connotation comes with HOW you use the word, and your tone of voice, etc. “Too trendy” is definitely negative though.

[...] well executed, individualistic and “effortless” – they have great style no matter whether its trendy, arty, bohemian, romantic, bombshell, sporty, earthy, vintage, classic, spunky or edgy. When an [...]

[...] going with my simple definition: when you wear one or more of the current trends, you are trendy. It is an entirely positive style attribute in my [...]