Navigating Trends with Confidence
Hello, Fashion Talk readers! Happy Tuesday! Let’s talk about trend navigation.
In today's fashion scene, it often feels like everyone is striving to conform to a particular aesthetic— "core this, core that." But why try and fit into a specific aesthetic when you can BE the aesthetic?
Don’t blend into the crowd— that’s boring. Infuse your individuality into every trend you encounter. While drawing inspiration from various aesthetics is perfectly fine, make sure to put your own spin on them.
Allow me to introduce you to Hannah Brong. She'll be your trusty guide on your journey of confidently navigating the labyrinth of trends and discovering your aesthetic.
From digital escapades to cultural influences, Hannah's quick guide will steer you toward embracing your aesthetic with assurance, all while staying true to your distinctive style.
Happy reading,
Amarissa
Navigating the fashion world has become increasingly challenging over the past few decades. It feels as if I am traversing through a vast sea of trends, trying to distinguish between the ones that are worth embracing and those that are merely fads of fast fashion.
The motivation behind exploring this topic stemmed from my curiosity, leading me to the realization that fashion doesn't need to feel this difficult. Uncovering personal style and navigating fashion trends can be an exciting journey, albeit one that requires a certain level of knowledge—a resource fortunately accessible to everyone!
Trends, Style, and You: Charting a Stylish Pathway
Before we dive deep into this vast sea, it's crucial to remember that following trends should involve aligning them with your unique style and being mindful of their longevity. In this quick guide, informed by thorough research, we’ll navigate together, exploring strategies to remain informed of current trends while also grounding ourselves in practicality.
As I set on my fashionable journey, I've discovered that staying up-to-date with all the latest trends doesn't have to feel overwhelming, leave you feeling disconnected from reality, or be excessively time-consuming. It’s not about following the crowd, but rather about honoring personal interests and desires. “But where do I even start?” you may ask. Start by asking yourself these questions:
“What trends resonate with me right now and why?”
“What do I look for when shopping for a new garment?”
“Where do I prefer shopping?”
I’d recommend getting yourself a style journal and jotting down these questions for easy reference as you navigate your fashion journey! Remember to consistently reflect on yourself rather than getting overwhelmed by the multitude of trends out there to ‘hop in on.’
1. A Digital Exploration: Riding the Waves of Fashion Blogs
Numerous resources are available to help you navigate these trends more easily. Consider fully embracing digital media, particularly fashion blogs and newsletters like Who What Wear, Vogue, Rocky Barnes Blog, and obviously, Fashion Talk! It's easy to underestimate the wealth of information at our fingertips. Fashion-focused blogs and newsletters serve as invaluable primary sources, curated by experts who have already done the legwork for you.
For those who frequently use email, I recommend signing up for a fashion newsletter or blog using a separate email address from your primary one. Consider creating a new email account specifically dedicated to fashion-related content. This way, you'll receive timely updates and news about fashion trends directly to your inbox.
What I particularly appreciate about this approach is the ability to preview the subject line and decide whether it's worth delving into. Sometimes, just the subject line of fashion blogs can convey all the information you need to know!
If you find yourself short on time, don't worry, you can always save the email to read later– possibly during your lunch break, before bed, or during personal self-care time to catch up on fashion updates. This method allows you to stay stylishly informed without feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of information, making it a convenient and time-friendly approach to staying abreast of fashion trends.
2. Runway Rundown: Anchoring the Latest Trend
Now, one of my favorite strategies for exploring fashion trends is attending or watching runway shows. Fashion shows, whether experienced virtually or in person, offer a firsthand glimpse into what will be trending for the upcoming season.
You may be thinking to yourself, “Now you expect me to go to a fashion show?” But what you may not realize is most designers will post the full show on YouTube or their website, and there are photos of every single look online within the same week!
By devoting some time to watching these virtual shows, I can immerse myself in all the upcoming innovations and trends. Through this strategy, I gain visual insights into what’s going to be popular for the season and envision how I can incorporate these styles into my wardrobe. Something to note here is that the fashion industry announces each seasonal collection well before the season unfolds; for instance, I was preparing for spring/summer fashion trends during the cold winter months.
3. Diving in Deep: Trends in Music, Movies, & TV
Beyond the runway, another accessible avenue for observing trends is through current cultural influences. From the latest music videos to newly released films, I draw inspiration and glean current trends from these resources. Stylists for current movies, television shows, and music videos meticulously curate some of the most on-trend outfits. The next time you're indulging in one of your favorite shows or movies, pay attention to the style and clothing worn by the actors.
One of my favorite television series is Saturday Night Live. Each time I tune in to the most recent episode, I eagerly observe the fashion choices of the weekly guests. From the guests to the musical performers and other featured celebrities, you’d be amazed at how many stylist outfits you see. SNL, in particular, serves as an excellent resource for cultural influence and trends due to the diverse talent pool encompassing the cast and musicians.
Considering recent movie releases, “Anyone But You” premiered at the end of 2023 and starred the renowned Sydney Sweeney. Throughout the film, the actress prominently showcased her collaboration with Frankie’s Bikinis. So, what might we anticipate seeing this summer? We'll probably witness the increased popularity of Frankie’s Bikinis and similar aesthetically appealing products!
4. Printed Currents: Steering Towards Print Magazines
Lastly, a tool I've discovered to be an underestimated strategy {nowadays) for staying informed about trends versus fads is print media. Explore this article from GQ for further insight into the resurgence of print magazines. Amid the digital age, it's worthwhile to rediscover the joy and value of print media.
From all the editorial spreads to concrete trend forecasts, magazines offer underrated resources that offer a direct connection to the world of fashion. There’s such a wide array of magazines available, including home, fashion, cooking, and health publications; within their tacky-glossy pages lies a wealth of information waiting to be discovered.
I'll leave you with this: don't overthink it. Navigating the world of fashion trends can be a fun journey as well as an accessible undertaking. By utilizing various resources such as digital fashion blogs, newsletters, runway shows, cultural influences, and print media, you'll uncover valuable guidance and insights that you may have overlooked.
Who would have thought that simply watching SNL and observing minor details in newly released movies could provide clues to the trend you’re striving to embrace this season?
Ultimately, fashion should be a means of self-expression and pure enjoyment; a space where everyone can confidently explore styles that resonate with them while staying true to their aesthetic.
Trust your instincts, remain authentic to your style, draw inspiration from a variety of sources, and let your wardrobe reflect your inner confidence and creativity.
Final oversight & edits by Amarissa.
Today’s writer…
Hannah is a participant in Fashion Talk's Winter 2024 Student Writing Program. Aligned with our mission to uplift emerging voices in the fashion industry, we’re excited to share her fresh and insightful perspective with our community.
Get to know Hannah here.
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Great article providing areas of exploration while focusing on what makes the individual happy. Individuality is important in fashion and minimizes the stress of having to “fit in”. Looking forward to reading more…