With trends dictating everyone’s fashion choices, we may be at risk of losing our style identities and looking all alike…this raises a valid concern: will the future avatar of fashion be seen as a uniform?
While some may be certain of the occurrence of this calamity, it is my opinion that trends, fashion and style are three completely distinguished entities, and unless they merge into one, we have nothing to fear!
There’s a non-interchangeable formula, much like the relation between trigonometric functions sin, cos, and tan. Just as these functions are meaningless without ‘theta’, the terms fashion, style, and trends, are irrelevant, if not applied to an individual.
Now let’s start with trends.
Is it important to stay up to date with fast fashion around you? Yes, but chasing trends blindly is a reflection of a strong desire to fit in, feel current and masked insecurities.
Before you get serious about being trendy, identify your style; which brings me to the formula Fashion/Trends= Style.
What one has to understand is that trends are identified and forecasts are made keeping in mind the psychology of the population at large. With everyone being so different, it isn’t okay to adopt any trend that you read about. Pluck out trends that work for you, find those which are harmonious with who you really are, and fit into your personality, rather than alter it. Because trust me, you don’t want your wardrobe to look like a giant abstract painting by Jackson Pollock. Not that I don’t love ‘art mess’, I’m quite a fan. But I do believe his visuals should be admired on walls, and not on the appearance of one’s closet.
Coming to style..
You must’ve heard this before, “Fashion is what you buy, style is what you do with it”.
Identify your core style- clothing that defines who you are, you look good in, most importantly, keeps you comfortable. Don’t use fashion to hide who you really are, or pretend to be someone you’re not.
Can’t figure out your own style identity?
It doesn’t have to be restricted to sub-cultures or macro trends, like rodeo style, or goth girl. It should be about you, your personality-
Minimalistic and easy
Pretty and delicate
Maybe bold and energetic
Or exuding quiet confidence
Luckily, you don’t have to pick one. Just know yourself and choose the right few that work for you.
Some of you may open your closets now and try to figure out what your style really is, and you may find that you are supremely confused…don’t worry, my next monthly special is all about digging deep into the closet.
Stay tuned dahlings!
But before I go, here are some of the Fall 16/17 trends to look forward to:
It’s no big shocker that off-shoulders and florals are here to stay. Dusty powdery pinks and all shades of tan will surely find their way in, but the boldest trends to come are fluid metallic silhouettes and velvet coats. Style your dresses with turtlenecks underneath, or go for chokers and multiple rings.
Just remember what I said, and choose wisely.