In Defense Of Silly Little Trends
Some of you take getting dressed much too seriously.
Can I speak freely on the topic of trends? Is this a sartorial safe space? I certainly hope so.
As is standard for any fashion editor or shopping enthusiast come the tail end of summer and the preamble of fall, I’ve been thinking a lot about trends. While it’s often a large part of my job to report on and recommend the trends of the moment, it’s no secret that many fashion folk have become disillusioned with the unprecedented pace of the current micro-trend cycle.
Gone are the days of Miranda Priestly’s retelling of cerulean taking months (nay, years!) to trickle down from the runways to fast fashion clearance bins. Now, a trend as decidedly un-groundbreaking as florals can bloom and wither away all within the first week of spring.
As a result, trends and trendy pieces are getting a worse rap than ever before. Being on-trend is no longer a flex; in fact, the opposite is true. I no longer see a stylish girl rocking the It Bag of the moment and think her chic and on the pulse. Instead, she reads to me as a style sheep, quick to buy whatever’s hot before waiting to see if she actually likes the piece once it cools off.
It screams I don’t know, not I’m in the know.
As a result, many of us have refrained from waxing poetic on fleeting trends — even the ones we like. Instead, we emphasize a prioritization of personal style and core closet essentials that will prove long-term benefits to any wardrobe.
But I’m not here today to chastise you for buying the pieces you keep seeing your favorite influencers posting on Instagram. I take no pleasure in mocking you for buying the bodysuit you get ads for on TikTok Shop. Today, I’m here to let you know that it’s perfectly fine to indulge in a silly little trend every now and then.
You hear that, self-proclaimed Fashion Police? You are not Joan Rivers, and you do not get to make the girls feel stupid or uncool for enjoying a fun-but-fleeting trend every now and again.
Contrary to popular believe, you can most definitely enjoy the occasional trend without falling prey to the rapid trend cycle. In fact, trying new trends is an important part of the research that helps you find and define your personal style. What starts as a trend piece might end up your signature; if you never try, you’ll never know. So what’s wrong with giving in every now and then?
Let’s be frank: Some of you are taking this whole “getting dressed” thing way too seriously! I certainly don’t condone splurging on trendy pieces you don’t like because you think you need them to look cool, nor do I recommend buying into tons of trends without pairing them back to pieces that speak to your true personal style. But, if a trend you saw on TikTok makes your heart sing and gets your creative juices flowing, I say have at it!
There’s nothing wrong with indulging in the fashion vice that is an overly-trendy item. Is it any different than binge-watching reality TV, or devouring a bag of Baked Lays in one humbling sitting? If you like it, you’ll wear it, and you can afford it, nothing should stop you from getting it (within reason, of course).
Now, don’t take this advice and buy a bunch of crap that will end up in a landfill in three months when you’re over the trends. This is a special occasion type of indulgence. But while you should be considerate, you need not overthink it to the point of having zero fun with your look. Some of these too-cool-for-contemporary girls are so dead-set on having wardrobes full of ~acceptable~ basics, they don’t realize their dedication to avoiding trends has them stuck in a never-ending loop of the most boring outfits ever.
A perfect example of a trend that won me over enough to indulge is that of the colorful Sambas movement. First it was Bella Hadid, then her sister, Gigi, and then suddenly everyone had a pair of Adidas in a quirky color-blocked combo. Personally, I don’t love the look of low-profile sneakers on my frame, so I knew I wouldn’t be partaking. But after months of enjoying how these kicks added an unexpected pop of color to the everyday attire of those around me, I caved and got a blue pair in London last week.
Part of me felt ashamed for succumbing to the trend…and then I realized how bizarre it was that I should feel bad about liking something, and then buying it. Over-indulging in trends gives me the ick, yes, but there’s nothing wrong with buying a piece you like, just because it’s trendy!
And if you deem your wardrobe so hallowed, so sacred that you simply couldn’t fathom a trendy piece damaging its sanctity, then maybe you’re being a little too strict, sartorially speaking. It’s just not that serious!
As you hone your personal style, you’ll develop a knack for identifying Good Trends and Bad Trends. Good Trends might be having a moment, but you can indulge safely with the knowledge that they’ll stand the test of time and work in your wardrobe long after their fifteen minutes of fame run out. Bad Trends are truly of the moment and the moment only, doomed to be donated the next time you clean out your closet. Avoid ‘em at all costs.
Below, I’ve created a few examples of what I consider to be Good Trends and Bad Trends — but again, only you know what really works for you. If my Bad Trend is the one giving you tiny fashion butterflies in your tummy, then for Cher’s sake, have at it!
What Makes It Bad:
The trending Jane Birkin-ification of handbags is meant to take inspiration from Birkin’s tendency to decorate her beloved Hermes carryalls with charms, stickers, and keychains. However, Birkin decorated bags with things she already owned or came across over time throughout her travels. Buying a bunch of random keychains from Amazon to get the look in minutes would certainly not get her stamp of approval. Save your $$$ and skip it.
How To Make It Good:
Birkin wore her Birkins until they fell apart — now that’s a trend worth emulating! Investing in a timeless leather piece, like the new Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 39 ($495), is very Birkin-coded. And if you want to channel her more decorative tendencies, it’s okay to go for something bolder (but just as practical) like the Libertine X LeSportSac Johnny Go Lightly Large Top-Handle Bag ($460).
What Makes It Bad:
The Bad Trend here is the act of impulse-purchasing luxury goods, not the Cartier watches themselves. If you’re splurging on a category that’s never interested you before — like luxury timepieces — just because it’s trending, you’re probably making a bad purchase. Never drop a ton of money on something that catches your eye just because it’s having a moment (no matter how chic!).
How To Make It Good:
If a trending luxury piece catches your eye, consider shopping the look at a more attainable price point before dropping thousands on something that wasn’t even on your radar months before. It’s true, a Cartier Tank or Baignoire is a timeless investment, but if you’ve only got eyes for it recently, you’re better off with something like Fossil’s Raquel Gold-Tone Stainless Steel Watch ($170) or Pascal’s Oval Bubble Diamond Watch ($195).
What Makes It Bad:
Incorporating trending accents like rosettes is a harmless way to modernize your wardrobe in the moment and have fun with trend — but you shouldn’t have to drop hundreds on one piece just to get the look of a fun detail. Magda Butrym definitely helped solidify the rosette trend, but unless the brand’s pieces speak to you long-term, you can definitely shop the same aesthetic on a budget.
How To Make It Good:
This Magda Butrym Halterneck Bodysuit ($357, was $715) is gorgeous, but you’re better off snagging a rosette piece that can enhance to an outfit you already own, like Lele Sadoughi’s Silk Gardenia Ribbon Choker ($39, was $65), which can be worn on its ribbon or sans-necktie as a brooch. Spending $715 on one going-out top isn’t practical, and when the trend dies down — and the piece inevitably goes on sale, like this one did — you’ll be glad you didn’t invest.
What Makes It Bad:
Sometimes an entire aesthetic (corpcore, balletcore, etc.) is trending, but other times, it’s just one item that’s blowing up all over the Internet. When one specific piece is the trend — like these colorful House of Sunny cardigans we went wild for in 2021 — the trend’s lifespan is bound to be short. Other It Pieces that grew stale fast include Bottega’s padded casette bags, Prada’s symbole loafers, Gucci logo belts, and so many more.
How To Make It Good:
A more general trend — like the cardigan silhouette, or the color red, or even Scandi influences overall — has longevity over one It Piece. A buy like the Reformation Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan Sweater ($198) will remain relevant in your closet even after the trend fades, while something like the House of Sunny The Rise Tripper Cardigan ($128) feels dated to the height of its popularity.
It’s important to note that I often advise against splurging on trends, but in this last example, the Good Trend rec is actually the more expensive piece. My advice is not always to skip the splurge and find a cheaper alternative — but when it comes to trends, there really is an art to knowing when to invest and when to go cheap.
If the trend is truly timeless (a cashmere knit), feel free to put your paycheck behind it. If it seems fleeting (keychains, rosettes, cut-outs, etc.) you might as well save some money and find a cheaper alternative. Or, better yet, try to get something vintage or second-hand!
I have to ask: What are some trends you’ve gladly fallen prey to? Any you’ve been debating adding to cart? Tales of impulse-purchase woe? Let me know and we can commiserate together.
x BG
I’ve been highlyyyy debating buying a pair of sambas but I feel like the right color way might be a great way to add to an outfit! Might just take the plunge now😋