https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:48:45 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288534 Fri, 28 Oct 2022 01:49:00 +0000 Helena 2288534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks so much for sharing all your thoughts, wise and wonderful women!</p> <p>And thanks for the insights into my stumpy jeans I tried them today with a column of navy and they looked much better ... I do think you all nailed it with the contrast and also that particular wash; it's sort of classic but not particularly fresh, so the styling made all the difference, thank you!! Xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288325 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 04:40:52 +0000 Suz 2288325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back to say, I think <b>Sal</b> and <b>Dee</b> make a good point -- even when it comes to those who know their personal styles really well, because at some point we are limited by what is available in the stores and if a specific set of colours, for example, are not "us" but they are all that is available, eventually we may cave in. Ditto for silhouettes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288318 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 03:02:44 +0000 Sal 2288318@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post Helena - you are bossing the trends about rather than letting them boss you about.</p> <p>I like what Dee said</p> <p><i>I think </i><b><i>trusting ourselves is key </i></b><i>when adopting new trends but it can be a real challenge when a fashion trend really takes off and becomes so ubiquitous but it doesn’t suit our style persona. That’s where I’ve struggled and made many mistakes.<br /></i></p> <p>I agree with your analysis of the outfits and the ones that work and the ones that aren't quite as successful.&nbsp; With the unloved jeans in 3 - jean shorts is a good idea if the waist and butt fit is good.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288303 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 01:43:54 +0000 Suz 2288303@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a thoughtful set of reflections and a great set of illustrative photos! I love your considered approach here, and everything you say sounds spot on. You are hitting your style sweet spot and it is a delight to see!&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't think 3 is "stumpy" at all but I suspect maybe different footwear would make these more comfortable for you&nbsp; (it's the contrast at both ends, perhaps, that annoys, or possibly the wash of the denim....a little experimentation will tell the tale.&nbsp;</p> <p>My own approach to trends is to see which ones sing to me, and give those ones a whirl. But only the ones that appeal. So I guess that puts me in the middle of your spectrum.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm a fairly early adopter of trends I like that are available at my price point or interpreted for my climate/ lifestyle. I trust my intuition on this, and any specific recommendations from <b>Angie</b>, providing I can put them into effect.&nbsp;</p> <p>On the other hand, I also hang onto clothes that are no longer (or never were) "trendy."&nbsp; For instance, I guess duster cardigans are still somewhat stylish but they are no longer trendy. I'm wearing them anyway because I really like them for myself. I also keep a pair of slim straight jeans in rotation (wearing them now, in fact) and probably always will because I like how they work for me.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288296 Thu, 27 Oct 2022 01:01:32 +0000 Jaime 2288296@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Very wise reflections. I do not see stumpy at all, but feeling good in your clothes is probably the most important way to look stylish. I love #6 as the distillation of current trends into your style but this doesn't mean you don't look super in every other outfit. As you might have guessed, my process is finding new trends that intrigue me asap at the thrift store or increasingly in my closet and giving them a whirl ! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288229 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 17:34:04 +0000 Angie 2288229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>GREAT observations, <b>Helena</b>!&nbsp;</p> <p>What <b>Jonesy</b> said.&nbsp;</p> <p>YOU HAVE NEVER LOOKED BETTER! Glad you've found your way, and feel confident trusting your intuition.</p> <p>Fun to see you get braver too :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288218 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 16:52:27 +0000 SarahD8 2288218@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great post and excellent looks, Helena! Fun to see you try new things in your subtle and considered way. (That is a compliment!)</p> <p>Re: the jeans in #3 -- I wonder if they are not sitting right with you because the wash is so uniform? Much as we decry over-whiskering and over-distressing I think our eyes at this point are used to fashionable jeans looking like they've had *something* done to them iykwim. (I notice that the jeans in #5, also a fairly uniform dark wash, have the exposed button fly to break up the expanse of dark denim.) Just musing here...and maybe it's a matter of your eye needing to adjust.</p> <p>I relate to a lot of what you say in this post. I am also a late adopter. Just last night I was browsing Pinterest and noticed that I was drawn to pants that are narrow overall but have a little bit of room/play around the ankle. Maybe what one would call cigarette pants? The look just seemed to have more ease ("chill"???) than the classic skinnies that are tight to the ankle, and that was appealing to me. People on the forum have been talking for 3-4 years about how they're soooo over "sausage casing skinnies" and now I finally get what they are talking about! Lol.</p> <p>I also know what you mean about not always hitting the mark the first time you try something new. That seems to be the case for me too...I need to nose my way to a new look. I certainly admire people here on the forum who seem to be able to identify something new they want to do, go out and find the *one* item that will enable them to do that thing, and then rock it. But that does not seem to be a skill I have mastered. I will keep practicing! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288206 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:58:15 +0000 RobinF 2288206@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great looks - I must say 3 is one of my favorites. I think I like the lighter colors on you? Anyway, good experiments in the wider leg look. I am struggling with that too. I hate to say it but my skinnies are starting to feel distinctly "out" so I better figure out the wider legs fast. I doubt I will give them up entirely but I find myself leaning toward the looser skinnies if that makes sense. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288203 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:46:29 +0000 LaPed 2288203@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My eye went right to #6. That is a great outfit!! Feels very true to you and current in a way that isn't at all forced.&nbsp;</p> <p>I love your analysis here, and it rings true to how you present yourself. The end result, from what I've seen, is timeless simplicity. Clothes that serve as a quiet support act for getting on with your day. "Unfussed" is the perfect descriptor!</p> <p>I definitely feel I shop better and do better wardrobe-maintenance when I'm reasonably aware of current trends. Not that I need to adopt all of them, but it really helps to know when retail aligns with my preferences, body type, etc. I jumped on high waists and wide legs as soon as they started becoming available again because they suit me better than skinnies, and I love that the fashion tides are bringing us lots of slouch and volume now. So comfortable and "chill"! I guess I either adopt early or not at all. Wide legs, pleats, chunky knits, earth tones, fanny packs, high rises/cropped tops have all been slam-dunk, zero-hesitation trends for me. On the other end of the spectrum, the things I've avoided entirely: skinnies, ruffles (cottagecore in general), cold-shoulder/cut-outs, 80s blazers, tie dye, platform shoes...and probably many more! There's just *so much* fashion being cranked out now, it's kind of a smorgasbord. I don't think anyone could be in on every trend.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288200 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:42:57 +0000 slim cat 2288200@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Love the clear explanation of the process - agree with all of it ( with slight difference of not being classic wearer ). All outfits are fine and work well for you. My fav are #2 and #6 - very cool and sleek! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288194 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:26:40 +0000 Jonesy 2288194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's fun to read your reflections--it seems like you have totally found your way and gained valuable insight into how you respond to trends. I love all of the examples you've offered up (agreeing with Bijou that the jeans in #3 don't look stumpy at all! maybe try with darker booties before you hack them :)?), and it is so useful to truly know yourself and what works and what doesn't. It saves so much angst (and money wasted, of course)! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288191 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:24:34 +0000 Anonymous 2288191@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a great think piece. &nbsp;I would say we’re probably in the same place on the trend-adopting spectrum. &nbsp;I love the new wide-legs, but YAY for the skinnies! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288190 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 15:23:38 +0000 cat2 2288190@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It feels to me like there are three sort of contradictory pulls when it comes to dressing: what is in fashion, what is actually being worn in my area or circle, and what is personal style to me. Where I land is at some juncture of the three that means I feel current enough, dressed appropriately for the occasion and still like myself. But it’s an ongoing struggle. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288178 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:32:00 +0000 Dee 2288178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think <b>trusting ourselves is key&nbsp;</b>when adopting new trends but it can be a real challenge when a fashion trend really takes off and becomes &nbsp;so ubiquitous but it doesn’t suit our style persona. That’s where I’ve struggled and made many mistakes.&nbsp;<br />I also am a late adopter, slowly allowing myself time to adjust to new silhouettes, trying to be certain that it works for my lifestyle and feels authentic to how I want to present myself.<br />Great topic Helena, I identify with so much of what your said in your analysis,&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288176 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:21:12 +0000 rachylou 2288176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love the wide legs you’ve found. I’ve always been pretty trendy. Or on the lookout for the new. That said, I’ve been slow to wide legs because skinny is native to my personal style. However, I’ve finally started adding some and I’m really loving them. I also finally found a shacket I feel good in. Admittedly, both are transgressions and I’m looking tomboy quite often, but that’s ok for now. Both are very practical for my life. I should tho probably start thinking about how to guide it back to quirky waif. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288175 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:17:22 +0000 Helena 2288175@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lesley, absolutely ... And perhaps it's more the feel than the look ... I may change my mind yet! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288174 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:12:26 +0000 Lesley 2288174@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>#1 is my favorite! Funny, I guess courses for horses! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288172 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:11:27 +0000 Helena 2288172@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Kelly! I do love Jennifer's style ... Much less street style photos of her these days unfortunately but when they come along I'm always inspired.</p> <p>But what I love about your style is that you incorporate alot of variety while still making it all your own! Vive la difference! X </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288170 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:07:26 +0000 kellygirl 2288170@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You always look authentic and approachable--a clean, uncluttered style like Jennifer Aniston. Your approach to style is so interesting - I wish I had more of your traits and could rein my style in a little more! YLF! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288168 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:58:43 +0000 Helena 2288168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bijou, thank you so much for all your kind words! All I would say is that, for some people (perhaps you?), the tendency to get a little swept away with the new and wonderful is PART of style! Both/and rather than either/or in my book ... if everyone was a cautious as me, it would be rather boring But I'm glad some of it resonated! xx</p> <p>Modgirl, glad it is helpful!&nbsp; </p> <p>Mirjana, thank you so much!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288167 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:57:40 +0000 Mirjana 2288167@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, you always look great, especially in jeans. I adore no.1, for example, but normally it's the most important how do you feel. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288165 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:48:16 +0000 modgrl 2288165@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm really struggling with styling my wide/straight leg jeans. I love how you styled yours! Great inspiration!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288164 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:44:17 +0000 Bijou 2288164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Helena, it is very hard to critique your outfits, because much like KKards, you look sensational in jeans, so to my eye, they all work! #3 doesn't look stumpy, but if you are not enjoying them, then turning them into jean shorts makes sense.</p> <p>I love your analytical approach. Doing this sort of analysis really pays off, as then you can be targeted in your future purchases. Bravo! You have inspired me to reflect before getting carried away by something new and wonderful. The trial-and-error process is also important and good that you did not get discouraged at your first attempt at non-skinny jeans (although I must admit - you do wear skinny's so well, glad they are getting a bit of love). #6 is just outstanding - perfect everything!</p> <p>Your best revelation is to <b>trust yourself</b>. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/how-i-integrate-trends#post-2288156 Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:16:46 +0000 Helena 2288156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi everyone, just in light of my <a rel="nofollow" href="https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---new-uniform">new uniform</a>&nbsp;post yesterday as well as some of the discussions around trends, I've been thinking about my personal process for integrating new trends into my personal style.</p> <p>To pre-empt any misunderstanding, <i>this is my personal observation of what works for me. I am decidedly *not* saying anyone else should be doing this</i> (or anything for that matter). </p> <ul> <li>I think some people love adopting lots of new trends and staying uber-current and to me that's inspiring and an opportunity to learn and stay up-to-date in my own style.</li> <li>Some people have no interest in trends and that reminds me to stay true to my personal style when a trend doesn't work for me.</li> <li>Most people I suspect are somewhere along the spectrum in the middle, and that's what makes style AND fashion interesting and diverse and personal.</li> <li><b>So it's all good!&nbsp;</b></li> </ul> <br />For my part, I like to incorporate a little bit of what I would call "current-ness" into my style, and I feel a little off when I don't. But it can be super-subtle and only needs to meet my own standards, or perhaps those of a few trusted advisors but that's it (no pleasing everyone anyhow!). And it needs to fit into my personal style, or evolve it in a way that feels authentic to me.</p> <p>An example - lately I've been working on adopting the newer, wider pants silhouettes into my style, after years of devotion to skinnies. Here is what I've observed about my personal process: <ul> <li><b>I am a late adopter.</b> In the case of wide pants, they have gone mainstream in my area/context this fall, and I started playing with wider silhouettes last winter (dipped a toe) and spring, so I was a *little* ahead of the curve in my context, but only a little. This works for me because as a classic dresser I need at least a little proof-of-concept before I try something. I'm not very experimental! Incidentally, I was the same when skinnies first hit the mainstream.&nbsp;</li> <li><b>One thing at a time</b>. I will not be trying super-oversized sweaters, for example, while I play around with baggy or wide pants, at least not right off the bat. In fact I will be leaning hard into my FFB items, such as slim and simple black tops. I mentioned in my OOTD yesterday that I was feeling a really minimal vibe, and I suspect that's because the new pants silhouette is more than enough action for me to contend with at the moment!</li> <li><b>If at first I don't succeed</b> ... don't be so hard on myself or get frustrated. New learning for me! With adopting a new silhouette I might strike out a few times. That's got to be part of the process, so I may as well just accept it and enjoy it! Showing some examples - tucking vs. not, rolling vs. not, dipping a toe into a *slightly* more voluminous top (e.g. lantern sleeves) vs. a slim tee, etc.</li> <li><b>Trust my intuition</b>. Another new one, and the most important to me. At some point I'll hit a refreshed silhouette that feels right to me. Then I'll be whole hog with it - until the silhouette undergoes another sea change in another 10 years time!&nbsp;</li> </ul> Love to hear your musings on your process, if it's of interest! xx</p> <p>1. Love the wide crops but the tuck is NOT good for my short waist.<br />2. Untucked but folded under so it's not too long - MUCH better.<br />3. Thought these straight darker jeans would be a slam dunk but they are my least favourite attempt at the non-skinny look - these might be jean shorts next season ... for some reason they look rather stumpy. Maybe better with a column of dark neutral rather than contrast.<br />4. Slim cigarette leg - a good transition from strict skinnies, and a safe base if I get the urge to try a trending above-the-waist silhouette like oversized jackets or sweaters.<br />5. Still bring the skinnies out when I feel like it. Gen Z be damned!! ;)<br />6. Yesterday's OOTD. This feels like me.<br />7. Playing with baggy jeans. Rolling them reigns in some of the volume, which feels more comfortable to me.<br />8. Untucked and full length (I did hack them).<br />9. Adding a *touch* of volumne on top, with the slim lantern sleeve (a bit puffier looking irl). Getting braver! :D</p>