Fashion trends come and go faster than ever in today’s digital age. With the prevalence of the internet and social media, trends no longer cycle in and out of style over multiple seasons or years. It’s now entirely possible for microtrends to arise overnight and capture the attention of millions, and many of these are just as likely to die out again in a matter of days.
Naturally, just because a trend is popular doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for everyone. And given the dizzying speed at which modern fashion trends now evolve, it’s more important than ever to be critical about which ones you buy into. Trying to hop onboard absolutely every new trend you see is hardly a sustainable choice—for yourself, your wallet, or the environment. The last thing you want is to find yourself locked into an endless cycle of indiscriminately purchasing new clothing just because it’s “in.”
So, how can you determine if a new fashion trend is truly right for you? In this article, let’s explore five essential factors to consider before jumping on the trend bandwagon. By examining how well a trend meshes with your personal style, fits your lifestyle, aligns with your budget, and reflects your genuine preferences, you’ll be able to make informed and confident fashion choices that are also sustainable and true to who you are.
Does the Trend Fit Your Lifestyle?
Ideally, you’ll want your clothes to do more than just look good. They should also feel good and help you go about your daily activities comfortably. Thus, you can expect your lifestyle to play a crucial role in determining what you wear and whether a trend is truly right for you.
Consider your regular routine, work environment, and social life. Even factors like the climate where you live can help you determine how appropriate it would be to incorporate a particular trend into your wardrobe. Ask yourself if it will fit seamlessly into your lifestyle or hinder your comfort and mobility instead.
For example, if you live in a place that tends to be chilly for most of the year, then it makes sense to buy high-quality tights for women once these come into style, as they’ll help keep your legs warm when you step out in skirts and dresses. On the other hand, if the climate is warmer and more humid at your location, you’re probably better off hopping aboard trends centered around light, breezy clothing.
Whatever your personal circumstances, the best trends for you will be those that make you feel confident and comfortable in any given situation considering the way you currently live your life.
Does the Trend Mesh Well with Your Personal Style?
Your personal style is a reflection of your personality, tastes, and preferences. It’s the unique essence that sets you apart from other people. Before embracing a new trend, take a moment to evaluate if you actually like it and feel good in it. Consider the colors, silhouettes, and overall aesthetic of the trend, and ask yourself if these resonate with your fashion sensibilities.
If you embrace a trend that clashes with your style simply because it’s popular, wearing it likely won’t feel as authentic or comfortable as it should. Instead, welcome trends that enhance and complement your individuality.
Would You Wear the Clothes Even if They Weren’t Trendy?
True style transcends trends. Ask yourself an honest question: would you still wear clothes that represent a certain trend even if they weren’t part of the latest craze? Your answer will reveal whether the trend genuinely aligns with your personal taste or if you’re merely succumbing to the allure of popularity.
Choose trends that you genuinely love and connect with, regardless of their current trend status. By staying true to what endures of your personal style, you’ll create a wardrobe that reflects your authentic self.
Can You Repurpose, Upcycle, or Thrift Pieces?
Sustainability and ethical fashion practices are becoming increasingly important considerations in the world of style. Before embracing a new trend, explore whether you can try it out in more sustainable ways than simply buying new pieces and stacking your wardrobe with them.
Can you repurpose or upcycle existing pieces in your wardrobe to achieve the trend? Borrow relevant items of clothing from friends or family members? Find the pieces you want through thrifting or secondhand shopping? By embracing these practices when they’re appropriate, you’ll reduce your environmental impact while also making more satisfying fashion choices.
Furthermore, exploring practices like thrifting and upcycling will be as good for your wallet as it is for the environment. Clothes do cost money, after all, and it’s simply not practical to invest in brand-new pieces of clothing all the time—especially if you’re not sure whether you’ll be wearing them in the long term. It’s ultimately more cost-effective to find less expensive ways to experiment with fashion trends and save your clothing budget for pieces you know you want to incorporate into your regular wardrobe.
Again, fashion cycles move at astonishing speeds in today’s interconnected world. That makes it all the more important to pause and evaluate if a trend is genuinely right for you before diving headfirst into the latest fashion frenzy. Think about how well a trend evokes your personal style, how it will fit into lifestyle, and how reflective it is of your values, and you’ll be able to navigate the world of fashion trends with confidence and intention.