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Are Trends Still Relevant?
I’ve planned to write a few posts on fall trends, and how we might incorporate them into our wardrobes. For some people, the word “trend” is anathema. So as a disclaimer: I’m not suggesting anyone follow any style dictates but their own.
Some might contend that at our age, we should ignore trends. “Just wear what you want!” Well, yes. I don’t believe in being a slave to trends either, but think it’s helpful to be aware of them. I’ve come to regard trends as opportunities to find a better selection of the pieces I’d want to wear anyway. Trends can also inspire me to try something new, or wear something I already own in a different way.
Some seasons may have nothing that appeals, and that’s OK too. I don’t believe we should feel compelled to wear a style just because it’s on-trend. And I also believe we shouldn’t avoid wearing something we like out of fear of looking trendy.
In this era of Individual Style, the concept of a trend has become much more amorphous. Go shopping this week and you’ll be able to find long dresses, short dresses, wide-leg pants and slim-leg pants, sharply tailored or overflowing bohemian looks, small structured bags or large slouchy ones, and so on. Many different trends run concurrently and have a much longer shelf life than even a couple of decades ago. Look how long skinny jeans have hung on. Once considered a trendy style, they’ve continued to be popular and are now considered a denim staple, along with straight leg, bootcut and others. So I no longer worry whether something I really like is considered “trendy.” (And let’s face it, most of us aren’t running out to buy the most extreme runway looks anyway.)
One fall trend that I’m happy to see is the return of longer jackets and “toppers.” Yes, you could always find them here and there, but this season they’re much more prevalent. Whether a menswear style or something softer, they tend to work well for my proportions and with my preferred long-over-lean silhouette. After many seasons of navigating around ubiquitous boxy, cropped jacket styles, I’ll be on the lookout this fall to add a couple more of these longer jackets to the mix.
Are there any fall trends that have piqued your interest? Any you’re curious about but not sure how to wear?
