On trend. Or not? - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

On trend. Or not?

Irina

Veteran

I’ve been thinking about trends and Greyscale’s post on Zara prompted me to share my thoughts and ask you all what do you think.
I recently spent some time at Aritzia/Wilfred with my DIL. I browsed the stores for a specific item she was looking for and waited in a fitting room for her to try it on. And all I could see is endless supply of tight, cropped tops worn with high waisted jeans/bike shorts/very short denim shorts and cute, short dresses with puffy sleeves. Same seen on the streets plus t-shirt dresses, Birks, chunky sneakers, wide leg pants paired usually with tight tank tops. I see a lot of the same on IG. Just a sea of sameness which what trends are. It turns me off completely.
This is not what I want to wear. I used to think that I spice up my wardrobe with a few trendy items each season. I checked my last three years of purchases and realized that I don’t actually buy trendy things. Even if I wear high waisted jeans, it’s hardly matter since I don’t tuck in or wear cropped tops, I don’t actively seek them, I just buy what is available at retail. Wider leg jeans or pants are already mainstream style or classic. And I’ve been wearing oversized clothes for at least 5 years.
So, I do my own thing. Is this the time in life when one chooses “interesting”instead of “trendy”?
How much of your wardrobe is trendy? Does it matter to you? What trendy items do you have in your wardrobe?

Dressing

68 replies

Latest reply was from Stagiaire Fash

Jules

Veteran

Well my gut reaction is that those trends you identified are youth trends - the stuff my tween and teen daughters are wearing (along with other things). I think something like the oversized clothing you mention might be part of a larger, longer lasting trend away from body con styles that were pretty present on youlookfab 10 years ago or so when i first found it (bandage dresses, skinny jeans, pencil skirts…). I would be similar to you in that I’m not grabbing the trendiest items (unless they happen to be things I’ve always loved, and sometimes not even then), but I am certainly affected by overall trends in silhouette and fit.

cat2

Veteran

I usually check to see what is on trend, and then pull out anything I already have in my closet that is on trend, and make sure I wear it. So my Fall note is to pull out any existing statement sweaters, maxi skirts, or pieces with pops of current colors. If I don’t have anything that hits the trend then I assess whether I need it in my closet long term, or should give it a pass. I don’t like leather clothing or sweater vests, so will cheerfully skip those offerings.

Sal

Veteran

I can say I am not - and then realise I have added two puffed sleeved tops this winter.. am choosing them carefully though and only buying into ones with some longevity for me- I hope.

I think there are longer term trends that influence many of us - move to wider legs, volume on the bottom, earth tones, flatter shoes etc and then micro trends that are shorter lived. I hope my puffed sleeves have some life left.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I kind of ignore the trends if they don’t suit me, and if they do appeal to me, I usually take it as an opportunity to get something that is updated but works for me hopefully even after it’s hot moment has passed. If I have a feeling the trend will fizzle out quickly or look really passé in a year or so, I won’t invest much money in it, unless it’s something I really love enough to wear despite the trendiness factor. At this point in life, I’m more interested in continuing to hone my own personal style than chase a new trend every season.

Runcarla

Veteran

My thought is that we won’t see any identifiable trend that is applicable to the population as a whole ( including women of a certain age) until production is up and running post pandemic morass. Folks are just coming out of hibernation and working with what they have in their closets. Store stock is older, or tried and true sellers since retailers are playing it safe for the most part. DYOT and set your own trends until something different and interesting comes along.

Ginger

Veteran

I think I have always been like this. I buy what is available, if it suits me and I can afford it and I can use it.

I've always felt different and been shaped different enough that I gave up on being like everyone else. Hopeless case, so why try? Attempts rarely felt right. So I've worked on at least not being a sore thumb. I'm feeling more freedom in the last couple years to really do my own thing, though. It helps SO MUCH that dresses and skirts in general are actually mainstream, instead of being universally 15 years out of date.

Anonymous

I agree with Jules . Also , don’t you find that much it what Aritzia has to offer is targeted to the teen and young adult market ? Outerwear , leather jackets and some blouses and blazers are less trend driven , but most of the store is a pass for me now . I still buy the odd trendy thing ( a plaid “ shacket” last fall , chunkier footwear , some higher waisted pants etc) because I like new looks and dressing in current ways , but I’m inclined to let young women take most of it and do what they want with it;)

Echo

Veteran

Trends in teen stores don't count as trends for me. I think of trends in terms of overall silhouettes - oversized, tailored, hemlines, asymmetric - and colors and textures, sometimes patterns. In my world, trends can appeal to everyone, just in different ways. But trendy denim and cropped tops have always been the territory of young people, IMO, as are many forms of denim shorts or Daisy Dukes and cutesy mini skirts. They reappear every year, so they hardly count as trends.

Puffy sleeves are a trend in which everyone can partake, though; it just depends on whether they're attached to a midi dress or cropped top. Birks hit the peak of their trendiness a few years ago, but the comfort factor brings back customers year after year.

Very little of my wardrobe is trendy in the traditional sense. I don't own cropped anything, high-waisted denim, cropped denim, denim shorts, let alone bike shorts (this is NOT a good look on ANYONE who is not on a bike!). But I do have a few fuchsia items (trendy color for spring/summer) and I purchased two very modest cutout items (modest enough to wear to work). I'm not sure anyone would identify them as trends on me, though, and that's okay.

rachylou

Veteran

In my neck of the woods, I can’t say I see anything on trend, trending or trendy. That is, no en masse shifts towards anything specific. Not on the old and not on the young either. Maybe that’s pandemic related or the nature of the place. Except maybe on the Target racks… but you know, I don’t see anyone dressed like a Target mannequin. They must be styling the trends non-trendy. Really nothing stands out. Frankly most people look like people did 40 years ago to me, lol. I guess what I *don’t* see is more noticeable—low rise jeans.

Or also, lol, maybe it’s because what I’m looking at these days is mask fashion. Lol.

Irina

Veteran

You see, I don’t really separate trends as for teens and others. For me trend is a trend. Brands that cater to teens just push it more and use cheaper fabrics.

Fitted tops worn with roomier/wider leg pants or jeans is a trend, has been for a couple of seasons now. A Fitted top can be a turtle neck, a ribbed sweater or a tank top, silhouette doesn’t change and is not limited to adolescents.
I actually have 2 items from Aritzia - a wool scarf and a cashmere beanie, my recent acquisitions. I used to avoid this brand like a plague

Anonymous

I was going to say I'm not trendy, but wearing bike shorts atm...and I own 2 pairs of Birks...and wide leg pants...and lots of earth tones...
But no crop tops (would wear for bellydance but not oitw), no puffy sleeves, no puffy dresses, and no "whale tails" under any circumstances :p

LaPed

Veteran

I'm happy to take advantage of trends when they suit me. I love high rises, wide legs, moderately cropped tops. The eyelet one below is turning out to be a heavy hitter -- even earned me a compliment from a friend's 15yo!

That said, I'm also okay with sitting trends out when they aren't my thing. Looking at you, decade-plus of nothing but skinny jeans...

The Eyelet Tank

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Top Pick

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bj1111

Veteran

This observation of trendy sameness or uniqueness in the same way as every other influencer has me leaning into resale and vintage

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Jules, Janet, Lisa P and bj1111 said.

Irina, when I see your style, I see strong on trend components! As well as the classics. You are a minimal, neutral and solid Trendy Classic

To answer your question, I tend to keep components of my own style on trend, and components of it modern classic. I'm a fashion professional, and enjoy wearing the trends that appeal to me. It's fun! And I don't let it boss me around. Happily say no thank you to rest, and milk the classics.

Trendy components of my style: jeans, pants, outerwear, eyewear, hair, juxtaposition of items in outfits.

Classic components of my style: tops, dresses, bags, make-up, jewellery, footwear.

Kate

Veteran

The things I like and look for are pretty consistent: volume, architectural shapes or details, texture, and high waisted pants and skirts. These things cycle in and out of fashion. I buy deeply when the getting is good! When it's not, I fill in with any basics I need.

I do love to look at clothes online, in stores (very rarely these days), in magazines and on the street, and it's very easy for my eyes to glide right over the things that don't appeal to me. I think that's my superpower. That's true especially in stores, online and in printed materials. As far as what people are wearing out in the street, I enjoy looking at everything, regardless of whether I'd wear it or not. I don't often see things out in the wild that I would want to wear, but when I do, it's a treat!

DonnaF

Veteran

Much as I whine about being short, I am grateful that so-called crop tops hit me at the high hip, and most mini-dresses are a decent length in me. I am, however, annoyed by the plethora of babydoll dresses I see. Not exactly an empowered look. Also glad that I don’t wear shorts. I don’t want my only choice to be Daisy Dukes!

Jonesy

Veteran

Aren't there lots of competing trends happening simultaneously? So, yes, it's trendy to pair a sports bra-type of top with a pair of high-waisted, light wash, loose-fitting jeans, but it's also trendy to pair a boxy, voluminous top (e.g., a knit vest, a silky, drapey top) with a pair of high-waisted, loose-fitting jeans or pants. And high-necked tops (mock turtlenecks, high collars, band collars) are also trendy at the same time as sports bras as tops are trendy :). To my eye, there are always multiple trends happening all at once, so I have the luxury of picking and choosing which suit me and my lifestyle.

For example, I have a relatively short torso so I am loving the trend of relatively cropped, boxy tops, since I can find an assortment that hit right at my hip bones (my preferred length). I also have a long neck, so I am loving high-necked tops at the moment. And, I love to layer in the fall and winter, so the current availability of lots of different types of vests makes me happy. Wearing a sports bra as a top is not going to happen, so I can safely ignore that trend, LOL.

slim cat

Veteran

I was just thinking about how I don't feel any attraction to a lot of current offerings - shapeless boyfriend sweaters ( poly-something ), baby doll dresses, sweet romantic tops with frills, cropped tops, leather pants, etc. I may just need fresh look at something very original or just go on vacation ( the end of October ).

I probably have very few trendy pieces currently - maybe my black midi-maxi skirt with mesh overlay is qualified as such. I like trendy things when they work for me - they don't now and I DYOT.

I think you look gorgeous in your current style - like Angie said Trendy Classic. It suits you and looks luxe.

N

I agree with Jonesy. I think there are so many trends right now you can basically pick what works for you. High waist is good for me, I am tall and have balanced legs and torso, so the high waist doesn't shorten me. I'm also happy with the looser fit (because my bum and thighs are bigger than the rest of me) and the cropped aspect. Because i'm tall, finding full length jeans is hard, mist don't fit. If they are cropped it doesn't matter so much where they hit (in my opinion as my legs are long).

I think so many people dress individually now that "trends" won't ever be as big as they used to. Now with teens and young adults, there is social pressure to be the same so we will always see it amongst them but I think 30+ there won't be as many all encompassing trends.

Also I noticed these trends seem to be staying around for a long time. We've been in a 70s, 90s and 80s trend for a while now, even some 00s and 10s and I don't think they are going anywhere soon.

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Preppy Pear

Veteran

Being trendy isn’t important to me, but as others have said, I do like to try new looks that work for me…there are a lot of trends that don’t work for me! I wear a lot of classics and neutral colors, but I enjoy new silhouettes.

In the past three years, I’ve really enjoyed adding midi and maxi dresses and skirts and high waisted pants and jeans. If/when retail shifts, I might experiment again with lower (not low) rises, but I’ll likely stick to my longer dresses and skirts.

Sal

Veteran

Chiming back in to say "youth" fashion does have slightly different trends as well. And the crop tops, mini dresses, Daisy Dukes etc are one subset of youth fashion. There's also the normcare look and other "tribe" looks.

I agree with Carla that trends are different to the past, and of course with Angie too.

I would also argue that on the forum whilst a lot of us DYOT and purchase with longevity in mind, trends, fashion play a larger part than we might think. Timeless fashion isn't quite as long lasting, because of course whilst I might replace a pair of classic denim every two or three years I have the choice of what is available at the time. Same with colours - earth colours have been readily available the last few seasons but in 2015 it was hard to avoid black, blush and grey...

Sloper

Veteran

For me, it depends what the trend is.

My figure has never worked for many trends (or vice-versa should I say). I usually try, like Ginger, to balance wearing what I like vs being too much of a sore thumb.

But sometimes a trend comes along (or is rejuvenated) that suits me fine. Wide leg pants, chunky shoes, sweaters, etc. Just means more inventory for me to explore and enjoy.

For example, your comment about wide leg pants with skinny tops - yes a trend for some, a staple evergreen look for others.

So maybe this year I'm on trend and maybe next year I'm not - depends who is judging.

Maybe I prefer to think about it as "current." I think that, trends aside, there are clothing elements that evolve over time that just seem fresher. And if these elements coincide with the types of silhouettes I feel more comfortable in - double plus good!

nemosmom

Veteran

Ditto what Carla and LaPed said! I will sit out trends that don't suit me, and not think twice. Crop tops on my long upper body look like I shrunk my little sister's clothes. Sometimes what's at retail just doesn't work in our favor.

Runcarla

Veteran

Back to volunteer that Aritzia/Wilfred is a newer brand to me. I think It went on my radar when they had a puffer that was popular on this site (Bonnie and LisaP? Correct me if I’m wrong.). Anyway, I got the linen dress below (Finds) and I’m probably going to get the coat below (pic).

I did a store review based on a mall crawl a month ago, and except for one corner of ‘good stuff’ from the Wilfred or Babaton line, it was athleisure and tie dye - all summer inventory according to the SA I spoke with.

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Brooklyn

Veteran

I don’t feel any need to be on trend but I am interested in trends as a way of evolving my style. As others have said, I am selective about picking up trends I like and passing on those I don’t. I intentionally try to avoid what I would classify as a fad because I don’t want to dispose of items in a short period.

I think it’s natural to get more selective about trends as you mature and gain more insight about your style preferences and learn from mistakes. And acquire the self confidence to DYOT. I also think it’s natural to experiment with trends more when you are younger and to be more influenced by what your peers are wearing at that stage (and to want to fit in). Generalising of course, as there are lots of young people who DYOT with panache (they are the trend setters of the future).

I do think when we talk about trends here there is a bit of a tendency to think of trends merely in terms of silhouette. If don’t wear wide legs/fitted tops/voluminous sleeves/midi skirts/high waists, I am not trendy. But trends go much deeper than that. Trends appear in colour (cool vs warm, clean vs muddy), pattern (checks, floral, ikat), combinations (maximal, minimal, monochrome, high contrast, pattern mixing, juxtaposition), fabric (faux fur, mixed media, tweed), details (distressing, zippers), particular items (shackets, cocoon coats, capes), shoes (flats, heels, refined, chunky), face/body/hair (coloured hair, grey hair, body art, body piercings), jewellery, bags, just to name a few. I think this makes them quite pervasive. In fact, quite hard to avoid unless you are not buying/buying only vintage/making your own clothes. Everything at retail reflects a trend with some subset of people. It’s quite the smorgasbord. I also think it makes it perfectly possible to wear a silhouette that is not trendy and still look on trend. It’s all in the details.

Irina

Veteran

Most of trends leave me uninspired also because I already wore them in my teens, 20s and 30s. I wore cropped tops with wide pants, shoulder pads and oversized blazers, puffy sleeves tops and pants with pleats.And I enjoyed them. Also have photos to look at it fondly
But I’m not nostalgic and wish to repeat it.

I agree with the opinion that some trends give us options were not available to us for long time, like shorter tops for those of us with shorter torso.
I probably have a bit of a rebellious streak in me. After seeing so many chunky shoes, I really want a pointy, refined pair!

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

I seem to have reached a stage in life where I already HAVE everything. Everything I could need, for sure. But I could even say, everything I could want! In the sense that for everything I see in stores right now, I already have some version in my closet. Utility jacket, jeans, boots….same same same. I’m feeling pretty bored with it all, especially since so much of the “new” stuff that young people are wearing are items that were trendy when I was in school (chokers, space buns, big pants and tiny tops….). I feel like I’ve seen it all before.

I’m also disappointed at how much international variety seems to be dying out. As far as I can tell from my very international group of contacts, people are wearing the same things in Taipei, Seattle, Tokyo and Paris. The internet is truly flattening local style, in many ways. That makes me less intrigued by the creativity of the whole thing.

Irina

Veteran

Jessikams, I’m so with you on it. I watch street fashion in London, New York or Paris on YouTube sometimes and only an unique personal style stands out sometimes. The rest is very similar, without the architecture one would not be able to identify a location.

Sal

Veteran

You put it so well Brooklyn, that is what I think...

And yes Jessikams and Irina - it is both cool and sad that fashions move internationally. But I guess by being on this forum I am contributing to that haha!

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