From pantones to Eco fashion tips, chasing trends is tricky business. As designer Ralph Lauren once said, “Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.”

There is so much to think about when following fashion trends. Trend reporting has become big business. I noticed years ago after my 2nd season at fashion week in New York, and critiquing the collections from Europe, how most of the top designers followed similar themes. If it weren’t color palettes or textile choices, it was hemlines, identical appliqués, shoe styles, makeup and styling choices—this usually was apparent after witnessing endless collections while attending endless fashion weeks. The garments incorporated the same twists. When you’ve seen that many collections in one sitting (approximately 160 shows annually), it becomes increasingly easy to communicate the next season’s trends.

I refuse to be a slave to fashion. I will, however, admit that I LOVE clothes. I don’t care about what’s popular, and I have cultivated my own personal style. I am conscious of how my choices affect others, but I refuse to give up my individuality. So, what stops a fashion choice from becoming a fashion trend? First, let’s define “trend.” A trend is something that becomes popular and spreads quickly. For example, I am ashamed to admit that I remember when MC Hammer started a trend. (For all you Millennials, he’s a rapper.) The Hammer Pants were harem pants. They were baggy, tapered at the ankle, and sagged in the crotch. They became a very popular symbol of hip-hop during the 80s and 90s. MC Hammer had his own specialized clothing line, and every time I saw some poor, fashion challenged person in Hammer Pants, I cringed! There were several problems with the Hammer Pants. For starters, they only worked on MC Hammer. Anyone else wearing the ridiculous fashion piece, stood out like a sore thumb and was immediately dubbed a fashion moron. The pants were awkward, badly designed, and rarely fit its victims. But that didn’t stop fashion slaves from purchasing them and wearing them in public.

“Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers.
And style is what you choose.” –Lauren Hutton

We must consider a few things before buying clothes. Just because Nikki Minaj is spotted wearing an haute couture costume, doesn’t mean you should be wearing that monstrosity to work, or school, or while mowing the lawn. First of all, let’s say that you’re pear-shaped. You like the look of Audrey Hepburn in tight-fitted leggings and a matching turtleneck. Okay . . . so you have classic fashion sensibilities—but do those sensibilities help or hurt your overall look? Ask yourself the question, “Will Audrey’s outfit look as good on my frame as it does on hers?” If you have junk in your trunk and are a D-cup, chances are those cute capris and fitted ribbed shirt are going to pick a fight with your décolletage. She’s a waif, and you’re not; and you’d better inventory those generous assets of yours. Maybe you’d shine in a shoulder-less imperial top and a skirt with a flared hem, paired with cool wedges. Make sure you get the right size—the fit is everything. If this is a difficult concept for you, look at celebrities who have your body type, and dress accordingly. Why celebrities? Because they hire stylists! They frequently take photographs, and for the paparazzi must look red carpet ready at all times. These veteran A-listers rarely get it wrong.

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak!” ―Rachel Zoe

Color is also important. Just because fuchsia is popular or orange has become the new black, it doesn’t mean those colors will look good on you! If you’ve ever followed the color keys, depending on your complexion, certain palettes just won’t work. I’m not going to go into detail about color keys and winters, summers, autumns, or springs; you can do your own research online about what colors work with your complexion, hair, or eye color.

“Think pink. But don’t wear it.” –Karl Lagerfeld

OR

“Women think black is the most flattering color, but they’re wrong. Pink adds a cosmetic-like radiance and warmth. Black drains the skin of color; pink delights the eye.” –Oscar de la Renta

To whom do you listen . . . Karl Lagerfeld or Oscar de la Renta? This one is tricky. Each designer has his preferences. Compare the cool and brooding Lagerfeld to the delightful, flamboyant de la Renta. Different personalities make radically different fashion choices. I guess the answer lies within you. Be smart about fashion. Know that fit matters; know what colors flatter you. Follow celebrities who have similar body types as you, and learn from their fashion choices. But just don’t rely on trends. Don’t ask for opinions. Become confident in your own decisions, and look in the mirror with your eyes wide open. Ask yourself the question, “Do I look good in this?” If the answer is not a definite yes . . . take off that dress, and go back to the drawing board. Clothes are like couples. There are plenty of fish in the sea, and somewhere (or at some store) you WILL meet your perfect match!

Did you enjoy this article? It came from Agenda Issue #1 October 2017!  You can purchase the issue here.