Trend Spotting: My Approach, What’s In, and What’s Next
It’s always fun making predictions and charting the rise (and fall) of the zeitgeist.
Trends aren’t something I used to actively seek out. My ethos for dressing is focused more on fit, function, and personal aesthetics - but there’s something beautiful about what’s current matching up with your M.O..
Now, the trend cycle is shrinking, thanks to the rapid Instagram and TikTok hype cycle and fast fashion brands rapidly manufacturing cheap garments (that are also often toxic and exploit garment workers… but that’s a topic for another day).
My prediction/hope: In the next few years we’ll enter a ‘trendless’ fashion landscape as aesthetic references collapse into each other.
In response to this hyper-consumerism era, thrifting, DIY, and narrative-driven pieces will gain popularity over must-have ‘it’ pieces that feel generic and date quickly. Personal style and originality will take precedence over the moment.
My Approach to Trends
Overall, I try to take a trendless approach to dressing. I’d rather have an organic source of inspiration than be told what the newest, shiniest objet du jour is. After all, trends can be bought but personal style cannot. In the words of some TikTok video: “Do you have style or are you thin and shop in the new section?”
But sometimes, in the age of endless images and algorithms, it’s hard to tell if the desire you’re feeling is because that look is very good — or if you’ve just seen it enough times to get accustomed to thinking it’s very good. When it comes to fashion trends of the moment, I try to ‘zoom out’ to get a better sense of longevity. I usually ask myself a few questions:
Will this look very ‘2022’ in 2 years? Oversaturated and impractical trends tend to date faster. I’ll be passing on the Y2K revival and ruching.
Is this a style I’ve worn before? If it’s a shape I’ve returned to, I know I like having it in my wardrobe. This season, I’m signing up for sky high platforms: I was a Jeffrey Campbell ‘Lita’ girl and was raised on Spice World.
When it comes to beauty, I only dabble in impermanent trends. No hair dye, no (more) thin eyebrows, no fake eyelashes, no extensive hair straightening (anymore). I like a natural look anyways, so we trust the genetics with the basics and add crystals or switch up the lip colour if we feel like experimenting.
Trends I’m Watching
Transparency: Surprisingly wearable, I think this trend will keep gaining steam. It adds great layering potential and interest to otherwise simple looks.
Emo Revival: Warped Tour moshers unite. We saw the girls bring back the checkered Vans a few years ago, the return of the ‘Tumblr’ girl, and other Y2K moments take centre stage. Now’s the time to dust off the Santa Cruz tee and black eyeliner.
Uniform Dressing: The youth are all wearing some version of my Catholic school uniform and the preppy/academic ‘old money’ aesthetic is being embraced with gusto. I love knits, layers, and button downs and it’s an easy one to adapt across seasons.
Trends I Think are Due
Motocross: I’ve wanted a pair of motorcycle pants since I tried them on in the Philippines and have yet to see a brand do them in a way that feels both intricate and wearable. We’re getting a hint of this with the Diesel revival and shield sunglasses but I think it will be pushed further into fall and 2023.
Movement: Fringe is in and I think it’s just the beginning. Appliqués, embellishments, beads, layers - if it adds some whimsy, interaction, and movement, it’s a winner.
Natural textiles: No more new micro-plastics, please! Natural fibres tend to wear more intimately (think a vintage cotton tshirt and your trusted leather jacket), break down sustainably, and are super comfortable. I’ll be saving the (recycled) polyester for the gym.
What trends are you watching - or avoiding - now?
