How To Make The Trends Work For You

It’s something I hear and read about all too often. It’s never made completely obvious, never the subject of the conversation, but usually tucked away in between marvellous other concepts that make you forget (or forgive) the fact that it was mentioned. It’s the subtle disregard of that which we fashion magazine readers know as a trend.

The usual life cycle of a trend goes as follows: it is splashed across the pages of your favourite fashion magazine – pieces which support the trend are made out to be ‘key pieces.’ Then, when you’re shopping for the trend, you try to buy things that evoke it but still have a timeless feel to them. In the end the trend dies, you realise those shoes you bought are definitely not timeless (and just look weird) and they end up decomposing in your closet as you pray for the trend to return.

This vicious cycle will continue until you’re either dirt poor or no longer have a passion for fashion – both of which are incredibly sad. So then it really does make sense that people have such a love/secret hate relationship with trends: it almost never ends well.

Take my advice. A hot trend (like SS12 Pyjamas) that you’re gonna love this season and feel embarrassed about wearing the next should be purchased in the form of inexpensive separates and accessories that will go well with what’s already in your closet. That way, you’re wearing what you love (for now) and you’re not breaking the bank. Only spend big on the usual must owns: the White Shirt, the LBD, the Tote… you get the picture.

Of course there is one exception. Sometimes an article of clothing will emerge from a trend that really really speaks to you. Something that goes beyond the trend. Something that brings out your personality and that will continue to do so for seasons to come. When you find this item, no matter what the price tag, buy it. Do beware, you may think there is such an item every time you see a new trend. Don’t get blinded by the hype of a new season. Look at the pieces completely objectively and then decide.

And, just like that, you’ve become a master of the trends.

Oh, none of the above applies to rich people.

For a visual element, I’ve added a little montage of Prada shows over the past few seasons. It’s really amazing how, with every show, Miuccia seems to showcase one of the key fashion trends of the season. Look at the older pieces and ask yourself: would I still love to own this now?

From left: AW10: the 50’s girl, SS11: girl in the stripes,

AW11 the 60’s mod girl, SS12: the va va vroom girl.

Images: vogue.it