Trendsetter or late adopter? - YouLookFab Forum

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Trendsetter or late adopter?

Runcarla

Veteran

A tangential issue on terminology in another thread initiated a little discussion on the term ‘trend’, with some seeing it as ‘here today - gone tomorrow’ and thus not a favourable descriptor. I view the term more favourably - ‘very fashionable or up to date in style or influence.’ (I save the term ‘fad’ for short lived crazes.)

I can understand that there is a perceived risk in being an early adopter of a trend. Will it be flattering? Will it look silly, or like I’m ‘trying to hard’? Will it become an expensive mistake?

A LOT of the blog posts on YLF ARE about trends. Some with legs, and some on the fringe. Some imminently flattering, and some that might get you the side eye from the SO.

What is your attitude towards trends? Are you eager to try new things, or do you have a ‘wait and see’ attitude?

Bonus points for listing recent trends you’ve come to love and enjoy!

General

48 replies

Latest reply was from DonnaF

Joy

Veteran

I am usually eager to try new things. Getting in at the beginning of a trend means the investment pays off in costs per wear. If a new trend is not a good idea for me, I ignore it.

Gigi

Veteran

It all depends on the trend. Sometimes, if I really like the trend from the get-go, I try to find it at retail as fast as I can. This would probably be the case with things like earth tones, certain fabrics that become popular (like velvet), and things that already fit into my style (my style has a bit of a boho vibe, so flares coming back into vogue are up my alley anyway).

However, when it comes to new silhouettes, I'm not so fast to jump on the bandwagon. It took me a while to try cropped flares; I quite honestly was afraid of being laughed at, even though I planned to wear them with heels to remedy the stumpifying effect they can have. And I almost returned my first pair of cropped straights (which are now possibly my favorite pair of jeans). It also took me a long time to buy a pair of wide-leg pants (again, a fave of mine). So I guess with me, if there is a chance that the trend might look unflattering on my body, I am slow to adopt.

Recent trends I love: midi skirts, cropped straights, raw hems, block heels.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I’d say I am more of a late adopter Carla. I remember going out to buy some summer pants in about 2012 and saying I’d like them to be a bit narrower. I assume that was leaning towards the skinnier trend which would have been going- what, almost a decade by then after taking over from bootcuts? So I was hardly early there! And honestly I got rid of my bootcut jeans finally in 2017 although hadn’t worn them for a while-maybe they felt vaguely dated to me and were also uncomfortable in the waist. But by 2018 bootcuts re-appeared, and if they hadn’t been uncomfortable I might have been annoyed. I did get rid of my 90s-style square toed shooties in 2017 with YLF approval- and blow me down if square toes are not back! I am not upset because they were a boring black. But I did begin to wonder if YLF was actually helping me or causing me to get rid of- as my MIL calls it- “good stuff”!!

Synne

Veteran

@JenniNZ I also had a major clean out ca 2017. Got rid of a lot of garments I figured where dated. Among other a large collection of tailored men's style wool trousers (hand me downs and thrifts). And what happens? This is THE look of 2019 I have also spent a ridiculous amount of money on what turned out to be fads, that I didn't even particularly like... The lesson? Hm.. I still would like to dress modern and trendy. Maybe I need a bigger closet.

Kari

Veteran

I am totally wait and see. And often, wait until it’s available in my size if it’s a special type of item. Takes a while sometimes for new trends to filter to plus sizes, or to be interpreted/constructed in a way I like.

rachylou

Veteran

I love both trends and fads, but have to admit I’m slower on the draw these days. I’m esp way behind the curve on trousers - have not added any new wide legged ones. I don’t wear proper trousers that much, and I feel the DYOT trend is forgiving that way. On the other hand, I feel I was a little early on high waist jeans... but I don’t wear jeans much either... and of course all my jeans are fake jeans actually. And I think I’m right in line with longer skirt hems. So a mixed bag.

I say, are there any trends in tops happening?

Liesbeth

Veteran

If I like a trend, I'm quite early. I do feel that I'm never a true early adopter because I only feel it's a trend if I've seen it on several style platforms. But of course in the real world I may still be one of the first to wear eg an animal print scarf. Let's say I'm no trendsetter.
If I don't like a trend, like it was the case with skinny jeans, it takes me much longer to come around. Usually, for a major trend, my eye does adjust and at some point I get in.
Then there's a last category of trends I like but that feel daring to me, like the oversize blazer in a plaid. I waited a full year to see if they became large enough of a trend for me to feel safe wearing it. I am hesitant to project a 'fashionista' image, to look like I jump on fads :s.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I swing wildly between being an early adopter and waiting for ages.With skinny jeans I was years behind the trend and didn’t get any until they had been around for a few years but with wide legs I got them as soon as I saw them I suppose it depends whether I really like the trend or niot and whether I think it will suit me.And I never get rid of stuff unless it’s broken,worn,doesn’t fit or is uncomfy because it’s going to come round again and then I can feel smug as I already have it in my wardrobe.

slim cat

Veteran

Most of the time I'm cautious adopter - I'd like to have more time before I try trendy things. Some styles were difficult for me but later became familiar and comfortable - like boyfriend or oversized. Some styles still are not my thing - like "mom's jeans", high waist skinnies, block heel shoes. Once in a while I feel strong attraction to certain trends - like cropped flare jeans ( shorten my wide leg jeans for "my" version ), distressed cropped straight jeans ( distressed my old jeans after watching Youtube video ).
Usually we try new things from less expensive stores ( "fast fashion" ) to see if we really like it however the quality/fabric is bellow my preference so I wait it out a bit more when there are more choices available.
We do change our preferences after a while ( get bored ) and try switching things ( from straight jeans to flare and wide leg ).
Recent trends I like: wide leg pants/jeans, utilitarian style ( pockets! ), snake skin prints.

Vildy

Veteran

I keep up with *knowing* what the trends are. Many I try out right away in the form of thrifted versions. This works for me because if I see too much of something, I quickly become sated. Some trends I'm a very late adopter. There was a shrunken fit blazer look many years back and I resisted that for a long time because I kept hearing my late mother's voice politely warning that "it looks outgrown." Some, I never adopt at all. I should say that I like the look of skinnies on *other* people but even if they "work" in an outfit, I don't at all. It's nothing to do with body shape or weight distribution. I just think they always look too revealing and too intimate, leaving no illusion and therefore no romance. If there were some sort of necessary pragmatic reason for skin tight pants, I'd be fine with it. Perhaps they're good on motorcyclists or people working around dangerous heavy equipment.

I remember a few decades back when every top in the stores was a baby doll/pregnancy smock style. It doesn't look good on me. This was before I was thrifting and consequently I added no new tops for quite a while. I think I bought just one such top in a beautiful pale grey silk but just could not find a way to wear it and eventually passed it along.

rachylou

Veteran

That’s the other thing isn’t it, Vildy... I wear what they give me to buy!

nemosmom

Veteran

Is it weird that I have always thought of "trend" (noun) as being positive and "trendy" (adjective) as being negative? Then, "on trend" being similar to "looking current, not dated"?? I've only been on YLF for a year, so it's likely I don't understand the terminology fully....

I am usually willing to try new things, but I am more of a late adopter. On the flip side, I won't buy something just because it's the IN thing. In fact, there are many times I rebelled against a trend simply because it was popular. Then, there are some pieces I absolutely love and refuse to pass on long after they've waned in popularity (like a sherpa-lined Levis denim jacket and a pair of classic 501s that I've had since the 90s, and mid-rise corduroy jeans that I've had since the early 2k's).

Recent trends I've come to love and enjoy: borg and faux fur coats, snake print, wide leg cords

Things I'm loving that seem to be comeback trends (do they become trends only when they're available at retail again? Does it count if I've had them in holding since retail stopped carrying them??): rigid denim, knee-high boots, earthtones, bootcut jeans, anything in chocolate brown or bottle green.

Laura

(website)

Veteran

Good question and interesting thread! I pick and choose my trends. I am quick to embrace color trends because they can be easy to incorporate even in small ways with accessories. Silhouettes such as the new jeans/pants silhouettes might take me a bit longer to incorporate. For some reason my eye can take a while to adjust to those!

gryffin

Veteran

Runcarla - fascinating question. I’d have to say neither. I more a DYOT person. It’s about availability and wearing what I love. You could say I’ve been trendsetter on long jackets, army/hiking/equestrian boots with dress wear. Leggings. On skirted Leggings I was a trendsetter but will wear them long after everyone else has donated theirs. On skinnies, late adapter but I wear them a size up so they are always skimming. BF jeans have always been in my closet but I refreshed when they became popular. I’m always tweaking my style but o don’t think my tastes fundamentally change. My latest obsession is the double and single breasted cutaway jackets. I can’t afford Balmain but VB does very similar. Plus I’m I have several of the dickies. I’ll be wearing these pieces long after the brand disappears. I think I’m simply always looking out for the “me” in fashion. I am impressionable and can get derailed by seeing all the uber stylish fabbers in the current trends, do I actually try not to look at outfits or pieces unless they really call to me. I think that’s my most difficult task. So long way of saying, DYOT bits me in trendsetter or nonadapter depending on the trend.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I love fashion so I’m always interested in fresh ideas and ways of dressing, whether or not they are trendy. But I don’t set out to be trendy. If I like a trend and I think it suits my themes, lifestyle and flatters me (there are plenty I like that don’t like me back), I will adopt it. But I do not talk myself into a trend for the sake of looking current. Sometimes I get interested in a look that is not trendy (but fresh for me) and get frustrated by retail not having it. It took ages to find some full length, roomy menswear-ish pants last year when I was feeling a pull to go that way (but it wasn’t trendy so not available at retail). Now I wouldn’t mind a waistcoat to go with them - but that’s also not available because it’s not trendy. So I do find trends a little frustrating at times. I should have been a dressmaker so I could go full DYOT!

Current trends I like and adopt: asymmetrical midi skirts, flat shoes, high waists, earth colours, wide legs.

Mango Casual pants

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Style Fan

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I seek out different silhouettes from what is offered in the mainstream. I guess that makes me a trendsetter or someone that is on the fringe. I prefer looks that are not what you see on everyone else. Also, I don't like how certain things look on me.
Some examples of this are high rise wide-legged pants in lengths that were not mainstream and cropped sweaters (before they were everywhere). I had to really search for the pants because all that was available was skinnies. This was before I came to YLF.
Colours are another issue. I wear a palette that works best for my skin tone and that I enjoy. Is it trendy? Right now it is but even if it wasn't I would still be wearing it.

Banana Republic

High-Rise Wide-Leg Jean

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Need Supply Co.

Jesse Kamm / Sailor Pant in Tobacco

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7 For All Mankind High Rise Palazzo Jeans (Saint Tropez Night)

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Helena

Veteran

Carla, it may have been my comment on Suz' moniker (or at least we had a similar exchange) re: trends that sounded less than flattering ... however, it was not meant to be so! (and ftr - it definitely was not unflattering toward Suz - as if one could!)

I think I used "trend" like you use "fad", and I use "current", like you use "trend". To me a trend is not a bad thing at all - it's a good thing with a definite role to play! BUT it does tend to be identifiable to a certain specific moment in time. If neon yellow is the trendy colour of 2020, then in 2021 everyone will know I bought my neon sweater in 2020 - if that makes sense. Whereas, to me someone like Suz is current, in that she adapts a trend (wide leg pants, say) to fit her personal style so cohesively that one could imagine the fact that they are trendy right now is incidental to her choice to wear them (same for Gryffin with her long jackets - and aside, HI GRYFFIN I'VE MISSED YOU!!!)

Does that make sense? I feel like we're saying similar things but with different words?

I guess a flash-in-the-pan trend that doesn't really stick around might be a fad in my definitions. BTW not saying my use of the words is accurate; you're probably more accurate, that's just how I was using them

Vildy

Veteran

I also think that there's an important element concerning where we get our information about trends. Is it from retail or what people around us are wearing or online? I know loads of older women who are not online, even if in sophisticated professions. They seem to have settled on what their style is and kept to it, with great results. Though factoring in what Rachey said, about being restricted to what's actually on offer. I have a friend who gets her information from the tv shopping channels that inform women about what the trend is. And also, a big one for some people, soap operas! You can even see the clothes in motion. I imagine seeing the trends welcomed into your home every day makes them seem accessible. Clothes seen in 3 dimensions that way seem "realer" than flat lay product pictures.

And where we live. Coastal is different from flyover. It's Atlantic Pacific and not Atlantic Jersey Pine Barrens. And even in micro-environments. Had a friend brought up Episcopal and married into old line Quakers. Was shocked to see women at Meeting wearing what she thought of as "yard clothes." Another friend, very much social register, rejected from joining a medical practice and bluntly being told her clothing was shabby. She concluded the owner of the practice was misogynist and the (gardening) hoodie she had worn for the interview had belonged to her mid-ninety year old grandmother and was "still good." Same woman who, as a girl, burnt an iron shaped hole in a box pleated skirt and patched it with a darker shade of green and wore it with her loafers with cardboard inside to counteract the hole in the outsole. At my (once Quaker) college, this worked fine. And it was the expensively stylish gals who got some sideeye.

I remember one Upper East Side blond girl who got gossiped about a lot and finally someone went up to her and asked "What does you father do?"

Girl was no dummy and knew what was up and stared her down hard and answered, "He owns New York." That answer spread like wildfire as it seemed to confirm suspicions that she must be from a Mafia family.

Helena

Veteran

Oops I didn't even answer the question lol! I think as a primarily classic dresser, I am slower to adopt trends, or else I adopt them in their subtlest form. I think the trendiest thing I'm bought lately is my Zara pointelle sweater, which has puffy sleeves (mine is black) - as you can see, they are relatively small puffs - but enough (to me) to identify them as "now". (will I continue enjoying it if this trend/fad doesn't stick around - I think there's a good chance - the black and the comfy fit might win the day!)

Pointelle Knit Sweater

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Aquamarine

Veteran

I’m cautious and it depends on the trend. If a new trend means overhauling a lot of my wardrobe or needing all new shoes, for example, I’ll wait and see. I spend a lot more on my clothes now then I did in my younger years so I’m not so quick to move things out to make room for new items because they are “trendy.”

Vildy

Veteran

To continue being garrulous. It all goes back to what the meaning of "on trend" is. Is a person adopting for fun and refreshment or because of a Through The Looking Glass philosophy of running as fast as you can in order to stay in the same place - a fear of looking dowdy (presentable but dated) and left behind?

notsaf

Veteran

What an interesting question, and such interesting perspectives. I'm like molasses with change, but I don't think I look outdated. I'm much more likely to adopt a new look that has some historical integrity from periods I favor, like low block heels (hello late 60's), aviator glasses (hello late 30's), and ruffle necks (hello 70's). Others I pass up.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Like Gigi, it depends on the trend. I was slow to adopt skinnies because they are not the most conventionally flattering on those of us with larger hips and thighs. But it became hard to find jeans that were anything OTHER than skinnies.

But I'm quick to jump on trends that appeal to me right off the bat. Especially when it comes to flattering colors or shapes, and details that suit me. Remember when leather-accented multimedia pieces were all the rage a few years ago? I was all over that and still own some of those pieces because they suit my style regardless of trend. And I never stopped wearing bootcut jeans, so I was either behind or ahead of trend, depending on when you check in on my style.

Bijou

Veteran

I am definitely in the 'it depends' category. If a new trend is consistent with my style descriptors, then I am likely to adopt and be an early adopter at that. I prefer to have a more signature style, even if that means that I am less on trend and fashionable, it is fine by me.

Where I have been on trend was wearing midi length dresses and faux fur. I swooped on them as soon as I saw them in retail, because they are so consistent with my signature style.

smittie

Veteran

ViIdy - those are some fascinating stories. I already like your friend who showed up in the gardening hoodie. That type of thing doesn’t bother me, but I understand that others might be judgmental—that’s our society.

I am not naturally trendy, nor am I so sure of my style that I can adapt trends to suit me. I do like the idea of others seeing me as current and on top of style, but like Liesbeth, I don’t want to project a “fashionista” image because I don’t actually like to change things up that often.

The things that are “on trend” for ME, are: dress shirts, leggings, white sneakers and sweatshirts.

Vildy

Veteran

SMITTIE, plus she climbed an old campus building in that skirt, at night, with a cast on her leg. And sailed, alone?, to Tahiti. An older man who knew her from a tot asked after her at a party, "Where is she? Riding a motorcycle across Afghanistan?"

Christina F.

Veteran

It used to be that I was a late adopter, back when I was in grad school and poorer. Also, the trends I mostly saw were among college Freshmen, and I wasn't so eager to adopt them. I favored a more classic silhouette than I do now, though I always liked print and color.

Now that I have more money and work in Manhattan (my grad school was in the Bronx so a little removed), I like to look current and am an early-ish adopter of the trends I like. The recent changes in pants lengths and silhouettes in particular, and the near-universal adoption of sneakers, have been examples of that. Both also happen to be super practical in NYC. In fact, today I have the longer flare + sneaker look going on.

I find my eye for things also evolves much more quickly now since I see new trends every day. That said, I favor more color than many New Yorkers, so that sets me apart a bit

RobinF

Veteran

I am another who says it depends on the trend. If it is something I like anyway then I jump on board but if I perceive it as unflattering or unusual then I am much slower. That is for silhouette, for color I wear what I like and can find.

I clearly remember my first moto boots (I guess not really a trend but seemed so to me at the time) - I debated getting them because I wasn't sure they were my style but ended up loving them and now always have some in my wardrobe and always feel great wearing them.

taylor

Veteran

I’m a late adopter. I have been around long enough to see these “trends “ resurface at least a couple of time, if not more. My style is pretty refined and I have a poison eye for things I know won’t work. Sometimes , although rare, I will give a new trend a shot....but not until I watch it morph into something that suits me !

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