You have complete permission to hate the current trends. Fashion trends, that is. Between this bizarre bolero situation I can’t wrap my head around (never say never though, right?) and dress styles dating back to the prairie days, there are some odd ones. I, personally, am loving all things 90s revival. Sweater sets, loose denim, graphic sweatshirts, chunky shoes, claw clips. Even though these styles are recycled – as everything typically is – I think these elements feel fresh and fun. Something we need right now, yeah?
But what if you truly, truly do not like anything you see on the shelves or while browsing online? I’ve heard many complaints and none I find overrated. The pandemic didn’t help any industry, fashion included. I think retailers are still trying to find their footing after cancelled orders, global production shut down, etc. Save that topic for a rainy day. What I’m trying to get to is.. there’s still a way to dress stylishly even if you hate the current trends. I swear!
What To Wear If You Hate The Current Trends
It’s pretty simple, really. I’ve been thinking through this a lot, trying to come up with more than one “rule”. How can women get creative while shopping? What items can we still buy that aren’t super trendy? Are there ways to participate in trends without actually going all in? And it all boils down to one idea.
Stick to classic styles
There will always be certain items that never seem to go out of style. Think a good pair of denim, a white button-down shirt, simple black flats, blazers, crew neck t-shirts. You get the idea. When nothing trendy seems to strike your interest, take a step back and revisit some classic styles you already have in your closet. If you need an upgrade, these are items retailers never run out of. These are also pieces that are easily adjusted to look more trendy without sacrificing longevity. Meaning, you’ll still look “with it”, but can keep them around for the next few years. Here’s how.
Buying updated classics
The key to buying anything “basic” is paying attention to the details.
Denim
I start here because the skinny jean dilemma has rocked more worlds than I ever imagined. I know it’s hard to part with those figure-pleasing ankle huggers, but I promise, there are some really amazing silhouettes worth exploring. However, if you’re not quite ready to part, I completely get it. An updated skinny look would be something high-waisted. Pair with a more cropped top versus long and flowy like the past decade. It’s all about the natural waist these days. Also, try a black pair with some distress – an easy way to make an outfit feel a bit more edgy and modern.
Cardigans & Blazers
Quite possibly the easiest way to modernize a total look is to focus on your top layer. That means, a good blazer for the office or a cardigan for running errands. The blazer rage right now is looser fit. Over the last year we’ve seen everything go a little more relaxed and blazers weren’t left out. I personally love the look of a boyfriend blazer, but I’ll admit, they can be hard to pull off. Make sure you get a nice fit through the shoulders and let waist fall straight. I love scoring trendy blazers like this at H&M because of the affordable price point. As for cardigans, think shorter and boxier. Try a collar. Bonus if you opt for a sweater vest! You know I love ’em. And I’m straight up obsessed with this one right now. Anyway, show off your waist, layer, it will be ok!
Tees & Sweatshirts
Graphic tees and sweatshirts are becoming a closet staple, for real. The whole idea right now is to look as “throwback” as possible when putting on a graphic tee or sweatshirt. I definitely cringe a little when I see Friends and the OG MTV logo being used ironically. It really doesn’t feel that long ago! IYKYK. But the 90s are back and you want to look like you’ve pulled out a perfectly worn sweatshirt from your older siblings spring break adventure in 1994. Good news is, band tees are still a thing though, so if you don’t want to stray too far, stick with a neutral Beatles tee. Never fails. A solid white tee goes a long way, too. I wear my favorite one from Mango layered all the time. Chic and no fuss.
Sandals & Sneakers
If you like Birkenstocks, you’re in luck. They’re going to kill it this year. That and platform sandals. And these Chanel knock-offs that I’m dying over. Really, it’s all about the double strap look. So regardless of your heel or platform height preference, start there. Sneakers aren’t going anywhere, either. The “dad” style rage is still around, but we’re finally headed back towards the simple classics I never gave up. A white pair will go with everything and last you quite a while.
What I’m taking from current fashion trends
As I stated before, I’m a huge fan of the current 90s revival. I’m definitely not a fan of every trend out there right now, but as I asked myself why I’ve been so excited about current fashion, I realized…
I feel like women are being freed of over-sexualized clothing and we’ve been given permission to be more androgynous without giving up femininity. If that makes sense. It’s an area I’m personally more comfortable in. And a huge reason I’ve resonated with trends lately. I find a loose silhouette to be just as sexy as a body-con dress. Actually, probably more so. It’s a personal taste. Our world has been going through so many growing pains and maybe this is another one we’re slowly starting to navigate. We definitely didn’t need permission for this to happen, but you know how it goes.
The moral of the story…
Trends come and go. If you hate the current trends, maybe next season will serve up something better. And the ones enjoying current quirky trends may find themselves in a rut a few seasons down the road. The key is to take what the fashion world serves up and turn it into something that feels right for you. I will never preach anything other than wear what makes you comfortable. What makes you feel like you.
xoxo. B
