I got asked recently if I hesitate in trying new trends because, in a few years, I may cringe when I look back at photos. The answer is, who gives a shit.
Trends come and go all the time. Some are very short-lived and stick around for just a season. They’re gone before we know it. Yet some resonate a little longer and become what feel like staples in our closet. Yet, as with everything, these still come and go eventually. Insert the skinny jean and riding boot combo.
Should You Try Trends Or Stick To Classics
I think it’s impossible to stick to a closet that you will always look back on and smile with pleasure. Oh, look how I managed to not hate my past outfits in prior decades. Fashion is supposed to be fun. And trying new trends is one way to do that.
Do classics go out of style?
Sure, you can totally stick to neutrals, simple silhouettes, and things that feel more “classic”. But classics always morph ever so slightly every few years. You may look back on old photos and not totally cringe as some of us do with our giant midi skirts with crazy prints (exhibit A), and colorful bauble necklaces. But unless that’s your personal style that feels authentic and good to you, why say no to every trend simply out of fear?
It’s really about HOW we style things
Take our beloved skinny jeans. We thought a dark wash skinny jean with no rips would just be timeless. While the jeans themselves are something you can maybe still wear, it’s all about how it’s being styled.
The tops we pair with them, the shoes, the hemline, the hair, the makeup. It completes the look. And that can be what dates an outfit. And yes, some skinny jeans we’re just tossing like the light wash ripped ones. There are a few ways we can still rock those skinny jeans. But it feels totally different than what we did even just 5 years ago.
But now we’re wearing more straight leg jeans and are looking back on our skinnies with a bit of cringe. It’s all inevitable. Sure there’s definitely levels of cringe. If you stuck to dark wash skinny jeans, neutral crew neck sweaters, and a ballet flat, we may be singing a different tune in 10 years when we look back. But this outfit? Total cringe.
If you want to try to stick to the classics, you can always do that. But to forbid yourself from trying fun trends and styles that you’re loving just to avoid looking back with regret, that’s no way to live. Fashion is supposed to be fun.
And while I know trying new trends every year is not fully sustainable, there are ways you can try to be. From shopping sustainable brands. Investing in just a few trendy pieces, while mixing them with more classic items. To ensure you resell your items once you’re done using them.
Wardrobe basics are always good to have
I think every closet should have good wardrobe basics. Simple tees, sweaters, good jeans and white sneakers. A solid blazer and trench, and so on. You can explore my wardrobe basics checklist here to get an idea.
But I can assure you in 5 years, I’ll likely feel the need to update this post. Not with the types of basics (as great tees, blazers, trenches and jeans are all necessary) the styles of each will have evolved slightly, or massively, over time. Some items may be safe, but not all.
I Think We Should Have More Fun With Fashion
And this is why I say, have fun with fashion. I can’t believe I’m typing these words, but yes, baggy cargo pants and a crop top have become one of my favorite outfits. Two things I never thought I’d want to wear or even feel and look good in. But new trends are fun to try and this is a perfect example of that.
Some trends we also tend to lean into more than others. And that to me is a good sign that you’ll wear it a lot and that it’s a trend you can and probably should invest more in. I clearly am into the cargo trend. So I am feeling more confident in purchasing pieces as they work with my current wardrobe basics. Allowing me to easily mix in fun trends with ease is what also makes fashion feel less stressful.
