https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:34:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1497343 Wed, 27 May 2015 18:36:51 +0000 gryffin 1497343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>TG - Caro pointed me toward a great book (waves and thanks to Caro!!) 10 Steps to Fashion Freedom by Malcolm Levene. &nbsp;I am nodding with everyones insightful and eloquent comments. &nbsp;Like Shevia, I agree we are all influenced by what we see and what we like. &nbsp;We cannot help but develop an informed eye here on YLF. &nbsp;I think the trick for me is to figure out who I am, what I like and how I want to present myself through fashion - on every level. (This implies no disrespect to those fabbers who just want to have fun with fashion or to enjoy current trends - this is my goal and does not imply judgement) &nbsp;I found 10 Steps really interesting in defining myself and my style. &nbsp;I do pick what I love, wear what I love and keep what I love. &nbsp;I'm always on the look out for pieces that speak to me. &nbsp;I do buy the best quality (not necessarily the most expensive item) with an intent of keeping things for a long time. &nbsp;I won't give something up or wear something because it's in or out of style but my goal is to feel fabulous and confident in what I wear. &nbsp;The ultimate goal is for fasion to serve me, not for me to serve fashion!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1497181 Wed, 27 May 2015 13:50:15 +0000 Helena 1497181@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love all these responses and thanks so much to everyone for your input ... as always so much insight and wisdom! Do want to comment on Shevia's point, which I never thought of but is so bang on ... that unless we are firmly entrenched in our comfort zone to the exclusion of all else, we are bound to absorb some of what's current and reflect it almost without realizing ... great twist on it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496987 Wed, 27 May 2015 02:08:58 +0000 Jaime 1496987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Always an interesting question and great responses. </p> <p>Ideally your personal style is informed by what is current but remains your own personal style.</p> <p>If you remain aware of fashion I think you unconsciously pick up a lot of cues that eventually become distilled and part of what appeals to you. &nbsp;Only when you cut yourself off from parts of the world and only refer back to your own safety zone you become in danger of fossilizing. Somewhat different things appeal to me now than did 5 years ago, and although they might not be trendy, I am sure they didn't come from thin air.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496981 Wed, 27 May 2015 02:00:03 +0000 SarahTheWhite 1496981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is very thought provoking and I really enjoyed the various replies. At the heart of it all seems to be the balancing of two concepts (at least from my vantage point): how well one knows themselves - preferences and personal flattery, and how willing one is to grow and evolve. The tricky part is that I believe both are so important. Those who seem to do it most successfully are those who don't lose sight of either. I think that we've all seen great examples of people who have fallen too deeply into either ditch - those who have a staunch disdain for anything outside of their comfort zone and belief that all else is ugly and ridiculous, and those who are slaves to every passing trend to such a point that they lose their own personal sense of style in the process. I think that's why this site is so wonderful and fun - there is a constant challenge. Yes, this is totally in right now, but is it me? If it isn't, no one here would recommend that I wear it for the sake of the trend. Or, if I have been clinging to one particular style/silhouette/color scheme for years, there may also be a gentle nudge to shake things up... as in roll those hems a bit more, and wear more white. Uh.... Okay. What's the wost that can happen? I find out that I love white? The horror! I can actually wear ankle straps... without thin ankles?! No way!</p> <p>So, yeah.. Balance. I think it all comes down to balance. And I'm going to re-read what Gaylene said a few more times - such a perfectly nuanced way to approach this topic! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496957 Wed, 27 May 2015 01:24:36 +0000 Deborah 1496957@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great discussion.</p> <p>I think about this also. &nbsp;It is important to me to look 'current' but not necessarily "trendy" but then wearing what's trending isn't the only way to look current. &nbsp;</p> <p>I think I will probably be repetitious of the above comments, but I do think much of it is about working out what works for you. &nbsp;Take round toe ballet flats for example. &nbsp;They totally take me into 'frumpsville', why? &nbsp;I am not sure but I think they don't really 'gel' with my general style which I view as 'sharper'. &nbsp;A pointed toe D'orsay flat seems to be more me. &nbsp;I tend to wear what I like and not worry too much. &nbsp;We are an extremely particular group of women here on the forum and I am pretty sure that the detail we are aware of with respect to trends and fashion is quite unusual when it comes to the general populace:) &nbsp;</p> <p>Some items are more classic - round toe ballet flats - and worn with a modern cut pair of jeans or pants they will look current. &nbsp;And I think it is not just our clothing that makes us look current. &nbsp;Hair and makeup plays a huge role too.</p> <p>My other thought is we live in a time with fashion when anything goes so there are many choices and there is no longer only one version of current.</p> <p>If I look in the mirror and happy with what I see that is all that matters.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496946 Wed, 27 May 2015 01:05:44 +0000 CocoLion 1496946@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think there is a difference between trendy pieces and classic pieces. &nbsp;Classic pieces always work. &nbsp;I consider a round toe ballet flat to be classic. &nbsp;If combined with other items that are classic and/or trendy, the outfit will not be dated, the outfit can in fact be very modern looking.</p> <p>Similarly, a tailored white button up shirt is classic. &nbsp;An oversized white shirt with drop shoulder seams and tunic styling is trendy. &nbsp;Neither is dated looking right now. &nbsp;The former will never look dated. &nbsp;But the latter, will, in time, look dated.</p> <p>Annabelle's 20 year old oxfords from Barneys are classic, that's why I think they have survived her closet culls. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496922 Wed, 27 May 2015 00:24:21 +0000 Quietgirl 1496922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am the opposite of bettycrocker because as a young person I avoided trends/fads because I thought I couldn't wear the clothes for very long! Now I realize I looked rather boring. I am enjoying this "fashion adventure" stage of my life. I have given myself permission to buy clothes and look fabulous in them! </p> <p>I love the link from annagybe. One part of an outfit can be rather "traditional" but if the rest of the outfit is current, it seems to fly!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496919 Wed, 27 May 2015 00:21:35 +0000 unfrumped 1496919@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great post even though there may not be a "right" answer.</p> <p>I have been developing a better balance on what is working and what is not. I'm happy for YLF to "open my eyes" to trying new things because I have had a lot of fun with that. <u>But&nbsp;</u>&nbsp; I also learned that it was not fun to go in to many directions at once, and also that I needed to relax and be happy when I had some&nbsp; items and outfits I really liked and not worry that I was "out of date". </p> <p>I think there&nbsp;was a tendency for me to <u>feel</u> a pressure to " buy and try"&nbsp; &nbsp;on YLF at a rate that was too fast for me, not that it was intended, but I was just susceptible. I was able to see ways to improve style and saw lots of goodies but there is only so much I could incorporate and still develop at my pace and also, still be "content".</p> <p>It was like learning a new language, and I had to learn that a lot of background new, and trend, and fun, and different was there, but I did not have to take it all in or use it all. So it's not wrong or bad, but it's like being at a buffet when you need to watch what you eat!&nbsp; Also I became aware that there were so many new options all the time, and that thankfully as Angie has noted, more different styles are going on at one time than maybe has been true in past decades, that you aren't really as likely to be totally "in" or "out" unless you've really been in seclusion!</p> <p>Now one of my issues is that as I became more intentional in finding things I liked for updating, I liked them <u>myself</u> for my own style, and then found I might still like them after&nbsp; 2 or 3 years!&nbsp; Because, of course, I chose them in part for real reasons such as body type, lifestyle needs, comfort level, and "sugar eye" for certain things. So now I&nbsp; have a "new problem" of being more aware of updating but also more in tune with what I like, and need to balance all of that in a way that is fun and not frenetic.</p> <p>One of the tradeoffs I have to watch out for is "time" vs. "new". Perhaps because I'm not a "natural" at style, some new things may be harder for me to figure out or put together, even if I like them, and if I get too <u>much</u> new, I'll spend too much time churning&nbsp;wardrobe outfits and worrying about proportions and having too many choices instead of getting dressed efficiently and happily. That was a big "aha" for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496906 Wed, 27 May 2015 00:01:49 +0000 Anonymous 1496906@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do much better style wise now that I know myself a lot better. I look at pictures of myself when I was younger and followed fads, and almost always wonder what I was thinking. Seriously, there is something to be said for knowing what works for you and developing your own personal style.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496883 Tue, 26 May 2015 23:09:54 +0000 Style Fan 1496883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great topic.&nbsp; Thank you for starting it.&nbsp; I have enjoyed reading the other fabbers posts.&nbsp; When I reflect back over my adult life and even adolescent life my personal style seems to be fairly consistent.&nbsp; I fell in love with my brown suede fringe jacket at 14 and it is still in my wardrobe.&nbsp; It is my wardrobe "mascot".&nbsp; My personal style is brown or earthy, suede or natural and boho.&nbsp; I seem to stay with this and work the trends or reject the trends.</p> <p>When I was reviewing my wardrobe recently I realized many of my clothing pieces had been around for years even decades.&nbsp; I have my own vintage store.&nbsp; I tend to buy investment pieces.</p> <p>I can really understand the feeling of a piece of clothing just feeling right and it doesn't matter what the trends are.</p> <p></p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496861 Tue, 26 May 2015 22:23:15 +0000 old chic 1496861@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have always been a trendspotter. Ask my friends from the last 50+ years (seriously) -- I often go in search of something that I just <i>want</i>, now, and a year or two later it is a trend. That is just the truth. I don't know why. But if I love something on me, I will wear it forever, even if it is <i>so over, and vice-versa</i>.&nbsp; E.g., I am now tired of the flares I bought a couple of years ago even though they looked hopelessly hippie and age-inappropriate then. But I am pulling out shoes from 10-15 years ago that are completely off-trend, and yet I get compliments wherever I wear them: black and red patent sculpted-heel ankle straps; block-heeled, ultra flat square toed Gucci pilgrims; ancient and now new gladiators. Despite enjoying every fashion mag to which I subscribe (and they are legion) and reading this and other blogs often, I think distinctive personal style trumps trend every time.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496853 Tue, 26 May 2015 21:57:52 +0000 Anonymous 1496853@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My thoughts on this? &nbsp;That there is always a current version available out there &nbsp; of some silhouette , shape, cut , colour , whatever that you like . &nbsp;It's about having a few of those new versions of your tried-and-true favourites that keeps one looking current. The new version may have a few tweaks that make it different from the "old" version - but that's what makes it all interesting and fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496780 Tue, 26 May 2015 20:09:52 +0000 approprio 1496780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question TG, and one I’m sure we all ponder.</p> <p>Much as I love clothes, I do get annoyed with this idea that I need to be trendy, because I feel it as keenly as anyone else. It’s particularly pernicious when it makes me wish for a whole new look, rather than the sense of satisfaction I should feel at having amassed a closet full of things I actually like wearing. Worse still is when a much-loved item suddenly becomes very fashionable and then looses its relevance before I’m done with it.</p> <p>I think the only sane answer is to limit ourselves to buying things we really love and learn to put them together in ways that make us shine, as Elizabeth P says. I try to avoid overtly trendy items (unless I really like them) and focus on unusual, well-designed and made pieces that stand outside contemporary tastes. I think annabelle and her awesome shoes prove that when we choose well the same old favourites can be reimagined year after year. </p> <p>Something I learned from watching Kate Moss was that when she picked up a style very often she would do it in the most classic way possible. For instance, she’s very good at taking vintage pieces or reimagining traditional items (Hunter rain boots, Minnetonka moccasins) and making them look current because these are proven pieces that have stood the test of time. I liked discovering this because it it gave me a framework to be experimental with fashion trends without feeling I had to jump on any bandwagon to achieve it. I appreciated what Margiela did with reproductions of vintage items for the same reason. </p> <p>I took these learnings to heart when I started investing in good quality items rather than just buying stuff about ten years ago. I started looking for high end classics and designer pieces with some longevity. I went after items with history and provenance (Levi’s 501’s, Churches brogues and lately George Cox creepers to name a few) and picked up a few vintage classics from other cultures along the way, like a Peruvian poncho and a Japanese kimono jacket. It’s paid off, by and large, and mistakes along the way are more to do with things just not working in my wardrobe rather than any notion of what’s trendy. I like the fact that these things have a context beyond this year’s must-have items.</p> <p>Anyway, thanks for asking! This is a great thread.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496778 Tue, 26 May 2015 20:07:53 +0000 Gaylene 1496778@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I figure "personal style" IS all about balancing what appeals to us, what looks good on us, and whatever themes are currently in vogue. And I deliberately use the term "themes" instead of trends because I think it's perfectly possible to reject a trend while still working within a fashion theme. For example, the super-skinny, ultra-stretchy legging jean never appealed to me, but I did acknowledge the skinny theme by opting to add an slim cigarette-legged jean in a non-stretchy denim to my straight and baby boot collection. That was my "skinny"--my style, but definitely influenced by what I saw around me. I handled the round-toed ballet flat in much the same way. It wasn't a style that appealed to me because of the way it looked on my foot and the difficulty I had when walking and standing in that style. My choice was a flat shoe with an open vamp and almond toe which I wore in a similar way. </p> <p>To my mind, personal style isn't about rejecting trends as much as figuring out how to work with them in a way that makes us feel good about ourselves. Very few women can pull off looking stylish and current swimming against the popular current, but that doesn't mean we have to wear things that make us feel physically or psychologically uncomfortable.<br /> We just need to figure how far we want to explore a new direction. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496777 Tue, 26 May 2015 20:05:33 +0000 Sal 1496777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Most of my thoughts have been covered already.</p> <p>There are not many items that I would say are so out of date that they were instantly unwearable. It is all how you wear it- and almost as soon as it is totally out it will be revived by hipsters!</p> <p>Torontogirl, you are a classic dresser and I think your pieces have great longevity. </p> <p>I do battle a bit with people deciding what is current or stylish or flattering as we all have our own tastes and budgets and lifestyles . And most people are really not aware of the nuances.</p> <p>I have a few favourite pieces and shapes I am always drawn to - sheath dresses, cork wedge sandals, fitted jackets, black turtlenecks. I wear some variation of these over and over again......at times they are more "in" than other times but that is fine! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496775 Tue, 26 May 2015 19:58:37 +0000 DonnaF 1496775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My crowd is decidedly not trendy so I feel no pressure in that regard, plus I've never followed trends much mostly because I didn't know what they were/are!&nbsp; Since YLF, I'm a bit more aware so I will pick and choose.&nbsp; Some trends, particularly in footwear, absolutely do not work on my feet so I am forced to skip them.&nbsp; Others do not tend to flatter my body so I will buy sparingly if at all.&nbsp; Meanwhile, I wear styles that work for me, and some seem to be coming back like higher waist pants, including bootcuts and flares.</p> <p>I tend to keep stuff a long, long, LONG time, so I'm starting to notice that quite a few pairs of my earrings (that I haven't actually worn in a long time) are *off*.&nbsp; The scale of costume earrings has changed over the years as has my tolerance for busy-ness. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496765 Tue, 26 May 2015 19:20:24 +0000 retailgirl 1496765@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love ballet flats and have worn some version of them for the past 40 years! I am not trendy; the only time I've veered from my classic/preppy style was when I worked for A large PNW based fashion retailer. And then I adopted a work uniform of black, navy or gray Garfield Marks suits, ( remember them?) with Ferragamo shoes and minimal, but real jewelry. Pearls, diamond studs. Sometimes a scarf. Still classic. Now I wear more color and I layer and accessorize more. I don't always wear a jacket to work; sometimes a sweater subs. The way I try to look current is by silhouette; the navy blazer I bought 10 or even 5 years ago will look dated. Collar size, length of jackets, width of pant legs, all are subtle but if they're off, it's noticeable. To me, anyway. So: if you saw me, you wouldn't think, oh she's so on trend! But you would think, she's well-dressed. It's all in the details. About 20years ago I was at the state liquor store in New Hampshire while on vacation and saw a woman wearing a navy blazer, skirt, lovely silver hair and a Hermes scarf. She was putting her purchases into a vintage Mercedes. I wanted to look like her when I reached that age! That image is still vivid in my mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496748 Tue, 26 May 2015 18:36:43 +0000 annagybe 1496748@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well Rachel Zoe recently featured a bit on how to wear ballet flats and look current</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://thezoereport.com/how-to-wear-ballet-flats/#slide-1">http://thezoereport.com/how-to.....s/#slide-1</a> </p> <p>I think the Lanvin ballet flats are supposed to be hot right now. Though I find their shoes supremely uncomfortable.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496689 Tue, 26 May 2015 16:23:54 +0000 annabelle 1496689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love this thread, torontogirl, and the responses. Peri's "Maybe 5% of the population on such a detail" is spot on. I think it's how one wears her items that implies her own personal style. </p> <p>I have two pairs of boxy black flats that I bought literally 20 years ago at Barney's. One's a slip on, very square toed, and the other is a round toed broad lace up oxford. Neither is a shape you could find anywhere currently. However, I buy only shoes I love. I am not hard on them. So I still have these. Even when I cull the shoe collection to a reasonable size, these classic-to-me shoes make the cut. (p.s. I'm adding a find here, because I bought these shoes a few days ago; I refuse to take them off, I'm so excited about them. Now these are 20 year shoes.)</p> <p>But as those of us on this thread realize, we are wearing the old favorites in a new way. Janet's example of *her* signature jeans, which she'll wear with shoes and tops that feel current. My old favorite shoes will be worn with skinnies or rolled up boyfriends, depending on what makes me happy on the day. </p> <p>There's no such thing as out of style for a single piece. It's all about how you rock it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496677 Tue, 26 May 2015 16:05:22 +0000 Elizabeth P 1496677@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, been pondering this one a bit.&nbsp; I'm not someone who'd consciously followed trends, I just fall into them like the lemming I am, so I'm not sure I'm the best to answer. :)</p> <p>I think if you choose pieces you love, and that suit your body type, they will look good regardless of trends or not.&nbsp; Or vis versa.&nbsp; Crop tops... not good on me, will skip that one.&nbsp; And I have never liked round toed shoes on me, so won't wear them, regardless of comfort or trends.&nbsp; They just look wrong.&nbsp; And the watch size thread... small watches look stupid on me, so regardless of trends, you'll always see me in at least a medium sized watch.&nbsp; Same with colours... trends just make them easier to find, it doesn't change what looks good on you.&nbsp; Stock up when your colour is in style!</p> <p>But what can start to look dated or in a rut is when you have a whole bunch of things from a certain era, that doesn't necessarily make YOU shine, all combined together.&nbsp; It looks like you're trying to be trendy, and missed.&nbsp; If they suit you, it looks like you have great individual style.&nbsp; And some trends just don't flatter anyone, so have fun with them while they last, but I don't think anyone would choose to stick with them past the trend, for that reason.&nbsp; </p> <p>Hope this made some sense :)</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496662 Tue, 26 May 2015 15:44:43 +0000 Anonymous 1496662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When you say, "How do you balance untrendy with trendy?", this is definitely something I consciously think about because I'm very conservative.</p> <p>One thing that's helped me is to try to become more aware of trends, so that I can accept or reject them with intention. So if I'm wearing something untrendy and I go out for dinner and see way trendier people, I do not feel like 'omg, I'm so out of it!'. I can say, 'Well, I just like this untrendy thing so I'm going to wear it anyway'.</p> <p>re: "When does it turn into a timewarp/rut?" --&gt; I think it has to be extreme to turn into a timewarp. Like a fully-1980's look would be a timewarp, but simply wearing dated shoes is not a timewarp.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496654 Tue, 26 May 2015 15:11:20 +0000 Peri 1496654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, always the question, isn't it. That question had major impact on my GPO project, because what I want isn't the trend and I had to do major online searches to find the pants I need. Note that "need" because if I didn't have my pain issues I would be all over white skinny crops! </p> <p>That's a bit of a different question I realize. Yours is "what if I like things that aren't current" and mine is "what if I can't wear things that are". For you I would say...wear the things you like. Seriously...how many people in our lives know the difference between round toe ballet slippers and pointy toe ones? Who even notices or cares? Maybe 5% of the population on such a detail.</p> <p>I'm going to say that something starts to look dated if it is seriously and easily identified with a time period that is 10 or more years old. Like the major shoulder pads on jackets from the 1980s. Or the brown and turquoise color combo that was ubiquitous about 10 years ago. Smaller details than that may throw something off a little bit, but generally I say if you like it, wear it. </p> <p>Fashion is 100% opinion anyway. Who decides these things? Ages ago I read an article in Martha Stewart magazine where she had just moved so when she had people over they were all sitting around on sofa cushions on the floor. Some wise@#$ said "you know, if we just told everyone that sofa cushions on the floor are the new thing and the coolest style, everyone would start using sofa cushions on the floor." The arrogance of that statement made me 1) despise Martha Stewart for including it in an article and 2) mistrust many fashion directives because the idea of someone declaring something and expecting the rest of us to follow it like sheep just irritates me!</p> <p>Wow, that was more than you asked for, wasn't it?!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496649 Tue, 26 May 2015 15:07:43 +0000 Helena 1496649@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great replies! Celia, I love the thought that pieces should reflect an aspect of your current personality, rather than a time in your life ... Thistle I will look back and check out your post, thanks for referencing ... &nbsp;Ledonna, I could do with more "never say never" in me ... Janet, your approach sounds very sensible! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496644 Tue, 26 May 2015 15:02:18 +0000 Janet 1496644@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think some preferences can easily withstand the passing of trends, and I think it's good to stay true to styles that really resonate with you even if the trend passes -- as long as you keep the overall effect modern. </p> <p>For instance, I look awful in high-waisted styles, and my short torso looks much more in balance when I stick with a mid-to-lower rise. So I'll stick with those lower rises in my pants even though the trend is passing. I've loved color-block styles and certain florals and prints all my life, so I wore them before they were trendy and enjoyed finding more of them when they finally came back around. I continued to wear flared/bootcut jeans even when skinnies were the dominant style (although I wore skinnies too). </p> <p>Oh, high-low hems! I had my wedding dress designed with one of these hems 12 years ago, before they ever started trending. I still love them (the not too extreme versions, where they're midi length at the knee in front and just a bit longer in back, for example).</p> <p>Some things just work seamlessly with a person's individual style, and in the process defy trendiness. These days I'm trying to stay conscious of what I like that I'll continue to wear even if/when the trend passes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496639 Tue, 26 May 2015 14:58:46 +0000 Ledonna N. 1496639@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am a person who finds safety in a groove or style.&nbsp; I have found it hard to venture out of that style. I love a good wide leg high waist denim or pr of slacks.&nbsp; If I find something that I thinks works for me I will go back and buy multiples in different colors.&nbsp; I am usually on the trend or bandwagon late because I&nbsp; mainly shop at thrift stores. Home of the tried and discarded trends.&nbsp; I have found several good things on trend and like the variety.&nbsp; Peplum fitted at the waist is a trend I have truly embraced.&nbsp; I still have yet to embrace the boyfriend jeans. But I have learned never to say never.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496634 Tue, 26 May 2015 14:49:05 +0000 Thistle 1496634@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I posted about this before, too.&nbsp; Part of it how trendy do you want to be, and part of it is your signature style.</p> <p>IMHO, keep what you like, update it as needed, and add in trends you like. Fashion is about you and what works for you. I have been coming to terms with this for ages, but it really is true.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496616 Tue, 26 May 2015 14:24:16 +0000 celia 1496616@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Where do we draw &nbsp;the line, indeed.Maybe the difference is between what somehow reflects our personality instead of a certain era.<br />For example I have been thinking about a pair of cullotes I had 20 years ago(sheesh :(), they were navy with tiny white flowers. They matched a short sleeve, white button down shirt with navy tiny flowers.I used to wear them with navy almond toe flats and a headband. I could totally wear the same cullotes today if I had them, because they would still appeal to me but I would pair them maybe with the BR cropped top and the perforated bootie bellow, and definitely without a headband.<br />If this happens for not exactly classic element like cullotes it is much easier to adapt something like ballet flats that are a classic and still wear them in a modern way if they are part of your style. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496607 Tue, 26 May 2015 13:55:33 +0000 Elizabeth P 1496607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good question!<br />Following while I put some thought to this.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/balancing-personal-style-with-whats-current#post-1496599 Tue, 26 May 2015 13:42:12 +0000 Helena 1496599@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi there, I don't think this is a terribly original question, but a few recent posts have gotten me thinking - what are your thoughts on balancing what's current with what you like? For example, there was a bit of discussion about ballet flats being more current with a pointy toe, but if one LOVES a round toe ballet flat, do you just keep wearing it? Same with watch sizes, colors, etc. Where does sticking to one's personal style cross the line into a time warp or a rut?</p> <p>I'm sure this has been debated a million times and know there are no set answers ... but tapping into the collective wisdom of the group to see everyone's latest insights Thanks all! xx </p>