I’ve worked in the fashion industry for over a decade, so I like to think I have a fairly firm grasp on what trends fit into my personal style, and those that just aren’t me. But in recent years, particularly since the advent of TikTok, I’ve been feeling a little confused.
Is Margiela’s iconic Tabi actually a shoe I’ll get a lot of wear out of, or has it cemented itself as a silhouette I like because every fashion content creator owns a pair?
Do I suddenly want to put charms and trinkets on everything because I’ve been a lifelong Jane Birkin fan, or because I’ve been exposed to them every time I doom scroll social media?
If the trend cycle feels faster and more omnipresent than ever, that’s because it is. The short life cycle of trends is enough to give you whiplash, and for many consumers, the ubiquity of each new trend is making the process of cultivating and maintaining their personal sense of style much harder.
So how do people with genuinely great style who work in fashion (read: stylists) avoid the trend cycle trap, and what advice do they have for anyone who’s feeling too influenced by trends?
Rethinking your taste in trends
Pōneke-based stylist, photographer and Ensemble contributor Chloe Hill says that once she starts seeing something everywhere, it turns her off the trend – or at the very least, it makes her reconsider how much she actually likes it.
“If I see something picking up momentum I'll often actively resist buying it. If my heart is still completely in love and drawn to it then I have to make the choice to truly commit to wearing it for many seasons to come, even if it might feel a bit dated, so I think about it a lot before I make the purchase.”
She points to the Ganni-esque oversized collar trend that was huge a few years back as a trend that stands out as being authentically her. “They've dipped in popularity but I'm still 100% committed to wearing them now and for years and years to come.”
Chloe’s priority above all else is to wear items that boost her mood and feel authentic to her, so if a trend doesn’t tick these two boxes, she won’t engage with it. When I ask her how you can determine whether a trend is authentically your style or not, she says to insert it into three practical scenarios in your day-to-day life and wardrobe. “If it doesn't fit with what you love to wear on a regular basis, skip it.”
For Auckland-based stylist Sarah Stuart, versatility is key when considering whether a trend is worth adding to her wardrobe. “I do love trying out trends, but when it comes to building a wardrobe that lasts, versatility is crucial. Think about whether a piece can transition easily – can it go from casual to dressy with just a few styling tweaks?”. She points to classic items, like a well-cut blazer or timeless trousers, as pieces that tend to outlive seasonal trends because they can be adapted to a range of different looks.
“On the other hand, trends like extreme neon or bold patterns may have their moment, but they don't always have longevity. When a piece feels like it can work across seasons and occasions, it’s a solid addition to your wardrobe.”
Deepen your understanding of your style
Like many of the most well-dressed people I know, Chloe tells me she has her style and what she loves figured out so “it’s really easy now to look at trends objectively and know what fits into my wardrobe and what will be a classic forever for me”. She sticks to trends that work with silhouettes and styles she already wears, like bows, ballet flats, cute socks, midi skirts and cardigans. “[They] all fit into my personal style. On the other hand, minimalist tank tops and low slung jeans do not.”
Sarah feels similarly. “I love the wide-leg trend since it works with my smaller waist and fuller thighs. But low-rise jeans and crop tops? They're not for me, so I skip them. My tip is to think about how you feel in the clothes – if it's not giving you confidence, it’s probably not your trend. The goal is to find what resonates with you,” she shares.
Sarah views trends as a fun way to experiment within the framework of your existing wardrobe, and tells me the priority should always be on building a core wardrobe of essentials. “Think of it as your style foundation. Once you have your go-to pieces, like a perfect pair of jeans or a well-tailored jacket, you can layer trends over the top. This way, you’re not chasing every new look but instead curating a wardrobe that feels more authentic. It’s okay to enjoy trends, but they should complement your style, not overwhelm it.”
Chloe reminds me that finding (and maintaining) a sense of personal style takes time and consideration. “Don't rush it or be hard on yourself. A good way to figure out what you genuinely love is after you've worn a piece three or more times, have a think about what you felt like each time you wore it. When you put something on for the first time you have that new purchase euphoria – the real sign that something is truly you is if you still feel happy wearing it on the third and fourth wear! As you go along you'll start to figure out what your style is and what you love and then you'll be able to analyse trends that pop up and know if they fit into your own style.”
And, as she so wisely tells me, it’s more than okay to say no and not engage in a trend. “The most stylish people are definitely not the ones wearing every trend that pops up – they're for sure the ones that have found their authentic personal style.”
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