Why should we be "over" a trend? - YouLookFab Forum

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Why should we be "over" a trend?

Kristin L

Veteran

Hi everyone. There's something I've been thinking about for a bit now (and I saw it a couple of times today) and I was curious what y'all thought. Why should we be "over" a trend if we like it? I know we (ok, maybe just me lol) like to stay more fashion forward, but I don't see why I have to give up trends I like, i.e. maxi dress, because someone decided that it was done and over with. What are your thoughts?

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21 replies

Latest reply was from dawn

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I usually get "over" something when everyone else has it and it is something that you see everywhere - I'm starting to wear less pussy-bow tops, even though I love them, because I see teen-boppers wearing them ... I'm also very over bold tribal prints for the same reason.

I will hold on to variations of my die-hard favourites, though - like maybe not such a bold polkadot, but the dots will always be part of my wardrobe.

catgirl

Veteran

Honestly, I don't think anyone needs to be over a trend they love, or conversely to ever wear a trend they hate (PB blouses on me *shudder*). And I doubt anyone on the forum advocates that either. In fact, I have been stocking up on things I love that I know will not be around forever (boxy shapes, hi-low hems, bright colors) and fully intend to wear them forever, because I know they suit me. For the longest time those styles were just not out there.

However, I'm always curious as to the "temperature" of a trend, since I live in a place where trends are fairly irrelevant.

Anyone who knows me knows I do what I want 99% of the time. The other 1% is when I have no choice (court, formal events). But if I truly didn't care about whether I look somewhat current and presentable, I wouldn't be here in the first place.

RunnerChick

Kristin - Great question! For what it's worth, I strongly feel that I don't need to give up a particular item of clothing or a way of dressing just because it's no longer on trend as long as it's something in which I feel comfortable and fabulous. By the same coin, I also don't feel the need to participate in a trend if it's not something that works for me. It's really important to me that I dress in a way that's appropriate for my age and the occasion, than in a way that's on trend. I do want to look well put together and fashionable -- and like all of us, I am working on developing and fine tuning a style that works for me -- but I don't think this is necessarily the same thing as being "trendy". I'm with you -- if I like something and it works for me, I see NO reason to give it up just because most of the rest of the world might be doing so.

Anonymous

I think Una is right on with this one. I also "stock up" on a trend when it happens to fit in with my own personal style. I am loving all the drapey knit tops that are everywhere right now and I'm grabbing as many as I can while they are available. I also have enough self-confidence with my style (finally!!!) that I wil insist on wearing them even when they are declared "out". I may mix them differently a year from now but I will still wear them. I feel like I hit my stride style-wise and I plan to stay in this lane as long as it makes me happy!

RunnerChick

Enginemom, good point! When a trend is something that works for me, I do stock up as well. "Cuz when you're looking for a thing that's not a trend, it can be the darnedest thing to find!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Una said what was in my head perfectly. Thanks, Una

Kristen, trends have MUCH longer lives than they used to. In fact, fads are so very few and far between. And things can also be worn in an updated way. We are living in a fashion age that is so much more forgiving of the variety of styles and silhouettes.

But things do date. Even most classics need to be updated to more current silhouettes after a while. Retro clothing has to be worn with modern items in order for it to work as an everyday outfit.

The fashion industry is about trends. There is always a "now" that is most fashionable and feels fresh and modern. This is not a look that you have to adhere to by any means. That's why we have the classics. I believe that being stylish means establishing a look that has a current flavour - even when that means wearing the classics.

There is a BIG difference between wearing a non-trendy item and looking dated. I hope that makes sense.

ironkurtin

Veteran

Ah bless you Angie, I went off in a snarl on another post, and you and AG said it better than I did! I loathe the word "trendy" - it probably dates back to my Valley Girl past - and I could care less if I look trendy. I do, however, not want to look hideously dated! Vocabulary makes all the difference.

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Great thread! I wholeheartedly agree

Anonymous

I have a timeless, classic style (cardigans, sheath dresses, ballet flats) that really seems to never go out of date. I do own a black maxi dress that I foresee wearing for a long time, regardless of someone saying it's out! What is "in" is not nearly as important to me as what looks good on me and makes me feel beautiful. I do like to keep things fresh by adding accessories (shoes, jewelry or a great bag) with a funky, trendy vibe. Most of what I see people wearing I wouldn't be caught dead in anyway.

cciele

Veteran

When I used the word "over" in my thread, I was thinking more in terms of what Angie meant about looking "dated." I don't mind wearing non-trendy items, but I don't want to look dated.

Jjsloane

Veteran

Not sure I can add much more than the experts before me, but I think one can embrace a trend for a short or long period of time. I get over a trend when I see it everywhere (ruffles and PB blouses come to mind). However I will continue with something I think is flattering, I like for my style and is not only of the immediate moment. I too stock up when the trend is high ( I have a stock of sequin tops from last season and leopard print galore even though it's sort of overkilling me right now I know I'll love it again)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Dana, on which other post were you snarling?

Kristen, the casual maxi dress trend is not at all over or dated.

Deborah

Veteran

I like this post. And could not possibly add anything as you have stated how I feel beautifully. I generally wear what I want when I want and am happy I feel free to do that.

cheryl

Veteran

I find this fascinating because I just don't understand why someone would stop wearing something they love just because someone else deems it dated or out of style. To me fashion is about wearing what you love and makes you happy and it shouldn't matter what anyone else thinks.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Just adding my voice to the choir. There isn't really any reason to be over something - you either are or you aren't. It's not wrong to move on any more than it's wrong to pass a trend entirely.

Lisa

Veteran

Great question! I think others already hit the nail on the head here so I'm probably just repeating. I do think a trend and how long one adopts it is a personal decision. And I definitely bypass some trends because they either don't suit my body type or my personal style. As for trends I do adopt, when I just tire of sporting the look I'll give it up despite how "in" the look may still be. Bootcut jeans is a great example, while I have and so sport skinny jeans, I won't give up wearing my bootcuts as jeans and boots is a key part of my personal style. But over the years I have updated my bootcut jeans to different fits or/and washes to keep the look "more current."

shiny

Veteran

I give up on a trend when I've become tired of it. In this category, you can place ruffles on blouses. I loved the look when it first came out but boy have I OD'd on it. Also in this category is the color gray. That should be a classic color, it looks great on me, but I am tired of it because I now own way too many gray tops! It annoyed me immensely last year because when an item was offered in petite, the choices would be black, white and... gray. That's it. But I digress...

I also wonder about this question because for example I've always viewed knee-high boots as a trend. They *used to* come in and out of fashion... but now it seems they are here to stay. I am all for that, because knee-high boots are so freakin' practical in Boston weather. Likewise, I hate to see skinny jeans go out of style because they are perfect for tucking into the boots.

Wedge heels are another one: it seemed to me that wedges would come in and out of style, but they've lasted for awhile now. Which is great, because walking on cobblestones is a lot easier in a stable wedge.

Then you have trends like florescents. My guess is that will not last all that long. Perhaps color trends is another category altogether? Colors come in and out for a season. I snap up colors that work for me when they are available, and don't worry too much about trendiness. A color that flatters will always be on trend, far as I'm concerned.

Anonymous

If a trend works for me, I wear it. If it doesn't, I pass. That said, I don't want to look dated, so I make an effort to keep up with the trends. There's usually something I can wear. It's not like I have to pass up every new trend that comes along. Do what works. Just say no to what doesn't work. That's the secret.

rachylou

Veteran

Hmm. On the one hand, it's so... *gag me* when you see mean girls ripping apart a nice girl for her outmoded wardrobe.

On the other hand, I kinda think people naturally get tired of a given trend. There comes a time when you want to just give it a rest.

A related thing, that I find interesting to ponder, is where you fall on the *trend curve.* I think it's kind of a personality thing - whether you're an early adopter, etc. etc. I personally just love being so out of it, I'm coming back 'round the other side as avant garde. LOL.

Anonymous

Most of the time, I've been rather slow to embrace a new trend, but am making an effort to push the boundaries of my comfort zone a bit and try things that I otherwise might not. Sometimes, though, I instinctively fall in love with certain trends and latch on to them immediately. It all depends.

dawn

Great topic, I tend to feel like certain trends are just annoying, but I am a college student and I tend to get tired of seeing the same clothing styles. I say just go with what you like, I for one have always liked really flair jeans, plaid, and cardigans. Plaid and cardigans will always stay in my closet! Especially if I can pull off plaid with a cardigan, then that is a great day. Regardless though, people should just stick with what they like and just update it, if necessary.