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How trendy are you???

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

How important is it for you to be wearing the latest trend in any given season? I know that it is more important to some than others. As I browse through fashion magazines I realize that it is not that important to me. I am interested in being current, responding to new silhouettes if they are flattering but my personal goals for fashion are more about being artistic and eclectic. For instance, I will likely not get a boyfriend blazer. I love slouchy boots, skinnies and leggings because they are comfortable and work well for my lifestyle. With all the biker jackets hitting the mall with every conceivable color and fabrication, I am much less interested in buying one. I will if the perfect one pops up specifically because it is a look I have always worn and loved. (A classic for me.) How trendy are you? I love seeing the fashion forward and fun trends on those that love them and wear them well season to season. Angie is a perfect example of a trendsetter and fashion risk taker. It is so successfully a major part of her personal style!! I love the variety of fashion styles on this forum and curious to see how many of you love to be trendy and of the moment . Is it an integral component of your personal style??

General

32 replies

Latest reply was from fathenry

Anonymous

It's more important to me that what I wear looks flattering and appropriate than that it's trendy. In fact by the time trends look dated in my neck of the woods, it means they are coming back into fashion very soon.
I do get bored easily and enjoy trying different twists on what I wear, but I probably shock some people who don't have their minds wrapped around trends like leggings and straight or skinny jeans or even ballet flats.

marianne

It has never been important to me. I used to always err on the boring side, and only after discovering this blog I realized that I could have fun with certain trends. However I don't feel quite like myself if I wear something extremely fashion-forward. Of course, I don't want to look dated, but I guess my goal is a very simple look with some subtle interest... not sure if it makes much sense!

I don't find myself interested in the BF blazer very much, but it might be because of my lifestyle. I am also kind of ambivalent about biker jackets - I like certain styles, but I don't see myself in leather. It's one of the things that takes me a long time to wrap my head around. OTOH, my mom gets very enthusiastic about any new trend, so if I get too far behind, I'll just have to go shopping with her. She is loving stirrups right now.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

I would say I am about 60/40 personal stylve versus trendy. I look at the new trends as they come out and decide which ones interest me, and I've been game about trying a bunch, but ultimately I end up buying more of my personal style than a trendy item.

For example, I went for straight-legs over skinnies, and will be returning my slouchy boots for a smoother knee-high pair. I gave leggings a go, but didn't love it because I don't really like tunics. I love the bf cardigans, but am hesitant about the bf blazer and moto jackets.

But really, I am just soaking up clothes for each new season for my new shape and size. If it happens to be trendy, great, if it just looks good on me, that's okay too!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Interesting question GG, I also love fashion but study it as though art, something to be admired from afar which does not impact that much on my life. However, I am not immune and would hate to look dated.

I'm still developing my personal style, I will be wearing a boyfriend jacket to add contrast to the romantic clothes in my wardrobe. I won't be wearing a biker jacket or a waterfall cardigan.

Angie is a perfect example of fashion forward, because she knows her personal style so well she always wears the trends rather than the trends wearing her. I think I would look too try hard!

Louise

Veteran

I'm having great fun with all the new trends but will only wear it if i love it and it suits me. I'd hate to be one of those people who only wears something because it's fashionable x

shana

Veteran

Ditto what Marianne said! I admire those who are fashion forward risk takers - I am just not one of them. My fashion goal is modern classic so I definitely want to look current but most importantly I want to wear clothes that fit and flatter my body type and reflect my personal aesthetic.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(Thanks for the kind words Jean and Julie. I’m blushing).

Joy – ditto, I get bored too. Got to keep on mixing it up and trying new things.

Marianne, you crack me up. We need to have tea soon. Your Mum sounds fabulous.

You can really tell that Louise and Kristen have fun with the trends that they like. It’s fun to observe!

I’ve said it many times, you don’t need to be eclectic, edgy or trendy to have style. Remaining perfectly modern classic is always fabulous. Hear that, Shana! However, dressing in eclectic, edgy and trendy ways can be stylish too! Unfortunately, most style books do not encourage it. That’s a shame.

To answer your question Jean, for the moment I am still trendy. I eat, sleep, drink style and fashion and it’s been my way of life and work for 17 years. I am still SO excited at the start of each fashion season!!! I think fashion is so much fun and the enjoyment that I derive from wearing the latest trends oozes out of every pore in my body. While I am still able to wear most trends, I will carry on being trendy. We’ll revisit this question in 10 years when I turn 50.

That being said, I only wear trends that I like. I will not wear trends that I do not like. For example, I do not prefer boyfriend jeans. They look *okay* if you wear 4 inch heels but not stellar. Most people still look short-legged in the look. That’s what I see anyway. As for maxi dresses – enough said.

Anyway, as long as I have enough youth on my side, I will continue to wear the trends that tickle my fancy. I like to be the first one to wear a certain look :0)

Maya

Veteran

• Someday I'm going to wake up and be 57 years old, and I don't want to look back and think "I wish I had tried xyz while I had the chance." I don't understand people who are in their 20's and have a very reserved, classic look. It doesn't mean they can't look fantastic and chic, but I just want to try EVERYTHING while I can and I wonder why others don't want to...but, horses for courses. If I end up laughing at myself and what I wore 25 years from now, that's absolutely fine with me. I'd rather laugh at myself than regret.

• That said, I don't want to be a fashion victim, so I'm still discriminating about which trends I will embrace. If I don't love it, I don't do it. If I like something and try my best to make it work, but it doesn't, then I let it go. I apply the same standards to trends that I do to "classic" pieces.

• Like others, I would get really bored if I didn't play with trends. What would I look forward to each season? More buttondowns and dark wash jeans?

• Let's not forget that some trends eventually become classics. Classic pieces haven't just always existed. They start as trends and then have the staying power to thrive. You never know what trends will stay and fade into style history, and I would rather be the first to jump on the bandwagon than the last!

taylor

Veteran

I will only wear a trend if it fits into my style. At my age I must be careful

It must be something that I can marry with a classic,tailored, and polished overall effect.

So anything too short, too low,or too sexy will not do for me...no matter the occasion.

current trends I love are:
boyfriend jeans...sorry Angie:0 (with dressy jackets and blazers, and heels)
boyfriend jackets (with skinnies)
biker jackets and vests (with dresses)
boyfriend sweaters...(with skirts)

Tanya

Veteran

My opinion is very similar to Angie's and Maya's. I love fashion and adore trying out new things ( I also get bored easily). But, in order to adopt a new trend, I have to like it, it has to be at least somewhat flattering on me and fit my lifestyle. I have always loved biker jackets and feel like in haven this season with all the available options. I intend to try out the BF blazer. But there are plenty of trends I intend to stay away from: tie-die skinnies, harem pants, BF jeans, and so on, just to name a few.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

I love hearing all of your responses, so interesting. I agree with Angie that having style can include all of the variations that have been mentioned.
It is true that trendiness, edginess or eclectic fashion is sometimes frowned upon in the how to books on fashion, particularly for us elders. I would probably be advised not to wear half of what I wear.
Angie, your love of fashion shows through in all that you wear, I can only imagine it getting better with age.
Tanya, I always love how elegantly you wear the new trends. They seem classic because of the way you carry yourself and dress for your body type.
I think this topic came up for me because I was getting tempted by every new trend I heard about and feeling that I might miss out on something if I didn't go out and find a version of it. I wanted to slow down and think about my own preferences. This blog has helped so much in being able to sort this out and hear how others make choices when a new season approaches. Thank you everyone for your responses!!

Anonymous

I'm on the same page as Maya - I'd rather try it out (especially with the constructive encouragement and guidance of YLF) than regret that I never tried new things later.

I think I've become more open to being 'trendy' since moving to a larger city. It takes a lot of confidence to wear a new trend and that was harder for me in a small town. However, I also want a new trend to work for me so I feel confident instead of looking like I'm trying too hard.

Alecia

Veteran

I think I'm decidedly untrendy. My style persona is fairly classic, I think. But I do like to incorporate nods to the trends in my outfits. Like others have said, I'll only do this if it flatters me (which I'm learning with the help of ylf). The part of me that loves music and art fancies the trends but the pragmatic practical side of me overtakes her in my style decisions. Nonetheless, with the help of ylf, I am now much more willing to take a chance.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

No worries, Taylor! You actually wear 4 inch heels with boyfriend jeans which I think is the *only* way to wear them. Bet you pull off the look!

Maya and Tanya, I think it’s really fun to think back to past “it” trends that you used to wear and laugh, or cringe. I do that all the time! A day without laughter is a very wasted day.

Bravo, Alecia and, LE ! I am holding you to trying a few trends this season.

marianne

Angie, I'd be happy to, tea sounds lovely!
I also want to add as I was posting in a hurry earlier - I do admire all of you who adopt the trends so masterfully, and I derive great inspiration out of it. It's not like I can't appreciate it! I also admit, I was probably the most conservative-looking teen ever, but I don't really kick myself for it every day It probably made things harder for me overall, since I have limited experience (for example, I've never done anything with my hair).
LE, I also agree about a big city atmosphere - you pretty much become trendy by osmosis.
And Jean, you have the most inspirational style that is beyond trends.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

(Ooooh! Let’s organize tea, Marianne).

Jean, you are in a unique situation – actually people like Taylor, Joy and Sandy too. You look SO GOOD for your age and you have such good bodies that it’s hard for you not to be enticed by a trend. Plus, you love fashion. You’ll probably make it work with taste and grace and show up the 20 year olds! I hope I look like you when I grow up.

Vani

Veteran

Hmm, I am sort who used to admire trends from a distance and continue on in my bootcuts, black top and black shoes. It is still a little hard for me to adopt a trend purely because of how it is sometimes hard for me to find something of a new trend to fit my body and my budget. But, in the last few months I've tried more things than I have ever I like modern classic designs with a twist, as well as a good amount of edgy designs. Sometimes I find it hard to reconcile my body shape with my design taste, but I'm slowly working on it

shana

Veteran

Oh don't get me wrong - I wore plenty of trends when I was younger so no regrets for me. I have the photos to prove it! Of course, I have always had a conservative bent but so much of our style is shaped by our environment so it's sort of a chicken or the egg type of question. In my case, I went to a conservative all-girls prep school where we wore uniforms to school and otherwise the girls wore lots of Laura Ashley dresses & Benneton sweaters. In college (conservative ivy league school), my peers were all about J Crew and Ralph Lauren. In my professional career in an engineering/science environment, women had to blend into a masculine world and self-expression through clothing was pretty much stifled. Perhaps if I were in a more artistic or creative profession, I would have developed a more edgy, trendy look? Who knows? At this point, I know who I am and I know what I like. I don't want to be on the cutting edge of fashion but I don't want to look old-fashioned or stodgy either. I just want to be at a happy medium.

I am surprised to hear some of you say that trendy, eclectic and edgy is frowned upon because I feel the opposite. To me, those words represent what is means to be fashionable, modern and on the cutting edge. By extension, I get the impression that conservative, simple and classic is the opposite - a bit unfashionable & boring.

I agree totally that there is so much age discrimination when it comes to trends/fashion which is sad. If you have the bod and the personality to pull it off, why not? Why do you have to give up after a certain age. I understand the whole mutton dressed as a lamb concept but every trend can be bent to be age appropriate (I like how InStyle always does a feature on incorporating trends at different ages). I also admire those women who continue to pull of trendy, eclectic looks as they age - Vivienne Westwood comes to mind. She's a bit wacky at times but she's true to herself and hasn't pulled a 180 with her look just because of her age.

rute

Veteran

Very interesting theme!

I love clothes and fashion, I like to have un updated wardrobe, but I only buy waht is flattering to me and what suits my life style.
I don't care if everyone is buying boyfriend blazers and ripped 80's jeans, I stick to the basics and buy only what is flattering and what I know I'll use a lot.
I have have made many mistakes, I remember one time I had bought a fashionable empire cut dress and then the first time I used I felt huge, it seems I was pregnant.. never used it again.. I like perfection, never settle for less.

shiny

Veteran

Revisit when you're 50? Angie, have no fear, you will be able to rock trends for a long time to come....well past 50!!

I do like playing around with trends, because it counteracts boredom, and it's fun. It has become a hobby - there is a challenge component to it, hunting down the right pieces and then getting them to work. Sometimes I get a niggling fear that I am pushing the boundaries of what I can get away with "at my age" .... but being this age, I seem to have a lot more confidence and a who-cares attitude.

With that said, I do not overhaul my entire closet each season with all the latest trends. I adopt a trendy piece here or there. The boyfriend blazer is a great addition already - I have been playing around with it, and it instantly updates everything. But, I don't need more than one!

Leggings - I have the one cropped pair, I don't think I need more than that and I will probably not invest in a full length pair (never say never... but at the moment I am thinking not). I have one boyfriend sweater and that's enough. And I will not be wearing volume over skinnies day after day like I did last time it was the trend, just because it's the current silhouette - it's simply not that great of a silhouette on me. If it *was,* then I might indulge while I could! Likewise if shoulder pads come back in big time, I'm just not going there... whereas in the 80s that's all I wore.

There are occasions in my life when I feel like dressing up trendy (like last night when we went out to some art openings), but for work or running errands or every day stuff, I stick mostly to the classics. However, I do like to update my classics on a regular basis though - especially colors. Color has to flatter, of course, but for example last season I went crazy with cobalt. I will probably get bored with cobalt and then will be happy to adopt another flattering - and likely trendy - color.

However if I do find a trend that really works for me, and if it's something that can become "my" classic, I will stock up. I feel this way about cropped cardigans and I'm sad to see they are lost this year in a sea of cascading, full, longer cardis!

Jean, moto jackets are "your" classic. Make sense?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Thank you for your vote of confidence, Shiny. Nice answer too.

60 year old Vera Wang is one of my role models. She is 60!!! While I do not want all her clothes (and I certainly don’t want any of her 4 inch heels), I feel she embodies how I want to look and FEEL in the fashion industry in 20 years time. I dig her personal style.

Shana, it’s interesting that we have opposite perceptions and associations with the words “trendy” v.s. “modern classic”. In fact, my perception was clearly illustrated on this forum a few months ago. Lasses were asked to describe their current and ideal style in three words (Kristen’s thread), and most women, except me, feared the word “trendy” – feeling it had less preferred connotations. I interjected in the middle of the thread and set the record straight!

I’m willing to bet that if I did a post asking YLF readership “are you trendy?”, the majority would say “no” in fear of being judged too harshly. Style books encourage the modern classic look because it’s safe and budget friendly. I fully understand that - but it’s not the only way. Actually, style books with modern classic photographs that are even a few years old have started to look a little dated. You always need the right the amount of “right now” to make your outfits look their best, especially if you’re after a bit of so called edge.

Sarah

(website)

Veteran

I would not consider myself trendy, but I would like to be. My fear is departing too much from my personal style. I liked what shiny said about a particular item being classic or trendy depending on your style.
I'm way too classic in my opinion, and I'm trying to expound my looks a little bit, but it's taking some blood, sweat, and tears. But I'm sure I'll be satisfied once I figure it all out.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I am becoming trendier thanks to YLF. It's becoming more fun to push my fashion envelope because, well, as they say: a little knowledge is a dangerous thing!

cciele

Veteran

I love to follow fashion trends, but I don't think of myself as trendy. Like shiny, I incorporate a piece here and there if it suits my body type, and I play with trends so as not to get bored. But if I don't stay within my boho realm, I don't feel like myself so I keep some aspect of that in how I dress.

So it's not that important to me to wear the latest trend every season. More important is for me to dress appropriately for the situation. For example, if I'm hanging out with some stylish friends or going out with my husband, I'll want to be more trendy. But if I'm going to a drum circle, I'd feel out of place with a trendy look.

greenglove

(website)

Veteran

The conversation gets more and more interesting. Angie, I never thought of the fact that trendy is a word that gets a bad rap. (it does) I have to say that I realize after hearing your description that I am trendier than I thought. I have adapted many trends into my wardrobe and probably always will. (BTW, I love Vera Wang's look) I do not think twice about trying something new and do want to be in style. Certain items like moto jackets, biker boots, dramatic jewelry and lots of black have always been part of my style. They are always in style in the circles that I travel in.
Cciele,
I totally agree about being appropriate. The way I dress is totally appropriate for all of the artistic events in my life. I would look ridiculous in a business environment . I have worked in retail and remember how important it was to dress the look of the store. Taylor- I worked at Ann Taylor in the 80's when it was much more conservative. I could not afford the clothes and would thrift the look. It was tricky when customers would ask where I got my particular blazer.

Patience

Veteran

Jean, I guess I'm pretty trendy and it's important to me in the sense that I find it fun to try new things. But as most people have said I only go with the trends that appeal to me and work with my body type and style. I think the problem that a lot of people have with the word "trendy" is the connotation that it means going along with the crowd or doing what everyone else is doing. Obviously, this is the exact opposite of what everyone here is trying to do-- create our own unique and personal style. When I was younger, I was more the kind of person who would avoid a trend if I felt like I was seeing it *everywhere.* These days I think I've matured (heehee) and try to make my decisions based on my personal preferences as opposed to external pressures.

I also can completely identify with you on getting caught up in the bombardment of beautiful advertising. The advertising works and sometimes I feel like I want it all! But deep down, I also don't want to just be giving in to consumerism. I deal with this by realizing that my *first* reaction may always be-- I want that. But then I try to take a step back and ask myself-- is this really a trend I can see becoming a part of my style or is it a trend I can admire on this model and other people? Time is really the best solution. It sounds like this is just what you are doing.

Thanks for the interesting topic.

taylor

Veteran

Jean,
I didn't know we had that in common:) Yes, they were much more conservative in the 80's, and there was NO way I could afford the clothes back then. Smart thrifting them back in the day...I wouldn't have thought of that:)

And I have never seen a trend you haven't tried, and pulled off beautifully:) You are an inspiration to all women of every age here:)

yublocka

(website)

Veteran

Interesting question!! I am not trendy insofar as I don't read magazines or have any ideas about what is going on in rnways of the world.

However I do love browsing around instores and seeing what is on offer there, so you can't help but notice what trends are common from store to store. I'll adapt trends if I like them, if I don't I won't. When you're trying to fill holes in your wardrobe you have to buy what is in-stores at the time, so usually that would be an on-trend item, right?

I know I need to become trendier with my top puchases - I hate looking at and buying tops which is why I've always gone straight to plain Ts and plain LS tees. I am trying to branch out to different styles, but its not easy!!

anne

Veteran

Tam, that is a point I was going to make too. ie you have to buy things that are on- trend. That it why when you look at historical photos even of people not interested in fashion, you can usually work out when the picture was taken.

I also agree with Angie about style books looking dated, even when trying to show classic looks.

That said, I am not very trendy, I take a long time to adapt to new things. YLF is helping with that, especially because it exposes me to fashions a season ahead.

I do have definite things I like and when they are in fashion try to buy some - I like tailored clothes with lots of construction detail.

However I have been the same size all my adult life (except during and after pregnancies) and so I can still wear clothes I bought back in the 90's. And since I have a limited budget and they still look good; why not?

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