Trends vs Style – Trends I’m currently loving

Ah, trends! Whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny its existence. If you know anything about fashion and trends, it is that it’s always recycled. You will also most likely know that trends come and go – bell bottoms today, skinny jeans tomorrow. The average life cycle of a trend is three to four months, it changes with the season. I’ve always been averse to trends because it encourages a fashion slave mentality.

A fashion slave mentality is a breeding ground for capitalism. You just keep acquiring and spending money unnecessarily without ever feeling fulfilled. Someone who is a slave to fashion is never truly happy and most likely has no real identity (style-wise). True style does not buy into trends or fashion, style is knowing what suits you and dressing accordingly. It is never about nor should it ever be about altering yourself to suit a trend. If you have to feel uncomfortable or be someone that you’re not, then you’re doing too much.

This is not to say that trends are all bad or that you can’t like a trend, I’m just saying that style says a lot more about you than trend does or ever will. A stylish person is generally seen as refined or polished and able to put a great outfit together. A trendy person, on the other hand, follows the latest trends and fashion and is usually thought of as confused, maybe even silly-looking.

When I think of a trendy person, Kim Kardashian comes to mind. She doesn’t always dress to complement her body shape but you will always find her in the latest fashion outfits and accessories. And when I think of a stylish person, I think of Cate Blanchette. Beauty, elegance, class are just some of the words that come to mind to describe this woman. She knows how to dress for her body shape and she always looks good and comfortable in whatever she wears.

I’m aware of trends, I even like most, but my wardrobe is balanced consisting of more stylish items than trendy. There are actually a few trends that I’m currently loving, the off shoulder look is one as is the choker and ripped jeans. I decided to combine three of my favourite trends into one with this look.