THE ENIGMATIC ALLURE OF TRENDS

Style

Sep 7

Date

09.07.23

time

9:00 AM

Place

Kona Cafe

TRENDS.

In the ever-evolving world of fashion, trends are a fascinating phenomena that dictate our choices, captivate our senses, and often shape the way we present ourselves to the world. They emerge in a way that seems entirely organic and rapidly gain steam, especially with the help of social media and the virality of the Internet! Sometimes, trends fade away just as quickly as they appeared. Almost always, trends cycle back around in one way or another. From the macro perspective of global fashion to the microcosm of personal style, trends weave a complex tapestry that intrigues the curious mind. So gals come along with me, and let’s dive into this fascinating realm and explore how trendiness has become a trend in itself!

So, what exactly are trends?

At their core, a trend is a prevailing direction or a sort of pattern in how something develops. These directions or patterns emerge and gain momentum within a specific domain, such as fashion. These trends emerge on both the macro and the micro levels. On a macro level, we see the ebb and flow of trends, often in the cyclical nature of styles from past eras coming back to life. There is an adage that, “everything comes back around,” and this tends to ring quite true in the fashion world. Vintage aesthetics are often incorporated into contemporary looks both on and off the runway.

On a micro level, trends can be more nuanced. A trend can be something as simple that captures our attention for a particular season such as a fabric, color, silhouette, or even an accessory. These micro trends are snippets of a larger narrative that shape our style choices. The idea of trendiness gains speed as we embrace these directions and patterns and adapt them to fit into our day to day lives.

It all comes down to psychology, really.

Throughout my years of studying fashion, I’ve been intrigued to find that it’s not just the trends that captivate our attention, but also the allure of trendiness itself. Simply put, people enjoy participating in what’s “in.” The fashion landscape becomes much more fun when it goes from simply wearing clothes to making a statement. Trends are, in a way, cultural phenomena in which we seek belonging. When we align ourselves with a certain aesthetic, we can project a part of our identity to the world. But, like all things, there is another side to the coin. The paradoxical nature of trendiness is that it is fleeting. We’re drawn to what’s “in,” but fascination often wanes as soon as the next trend rolls around. This cycle, where the act of following trends becomes a trend in itself, proves the dynamic nature of fashion and the psychology that underpins it.

Who makes the call on what’s trendy and what isn’t?

Trendiness can be a whirlwind, and it’s not unusual to wonder, “who is holding the trend-setting reins?” Trend forecasting is an intricate blend of trend analysts, designers, influencers, and the cultural pulse of society at large. In a way, these stakeholders collectively create the trends. The runways, the curated looks on a blog or an Instagram post, and even street style snapshots converge and influence what is deemed as stylish. This web of influence showcases the ever-changing nature of trends. What’s considered “in” is often a reflection of the broader cultural zeitgeist, and our creative expressions within that.

Using trend forecasting to understand consumerism.

Trend forecasting is ultimately an attempt to anticipate the future whims of fashion. This process merges science and art: analysts study historical patterns, consumer behaviors, and cultural shifts to predict what is coming next. Understanding consumer psychology is paramount - what drives us to chase after certain styles and abandon others completely? The psychology of fashion is both an effect and a cause - it reflects our aspirations and emotions while simultaneously shaping our self-perception. Fashion marketers and designers hold significant sway over dictating trends, as their very job is to construct narratives that tell us what is desirable and influence our purchasing decisions.

There is a duality that exists within trends.

A fascinating aspect of trends is their duality. Styles that seem to contradict each other can coexist and thrive alongside each other. We can see maximalism flourishing in one arena and minimalism still shining in another. This coexistence highlights the diversity of personal preference. Embracing the duality that exists within trendiness allows us to experiment and explore to find the style that resonates most with us as individuals.

Regardless of what’s “trending,” it’s important to find your personal style DNA.

Trends are ever-evolving, and that can sometimes feel chaotic. It’s crucial to remember that your personal style is your North Star guiding you through each season. Instead of obsessing over the latest trend, work to cultivate your personal style DNA - the unique combination of silhouettes, aesthetics, fabrics, and colors that most speak to you. When you purchase a piece that really resonates with you, it can become timeless for your personal wardrobe. These pieces can transcend trendiness to reflect your individuality. What I’m recommending is that we pursue authenticity first, and trendiness second.

As we navigate the world of fashion, the allure of trendiness remains a constant. The psychology behind trends can be a reflection of our own aspirations and our collective pursuit of style identity. As the fashion pendulum swings and trends come and go, we anchor ourselves with our personal style DNA, and allow ourselves to embrace the trends that work for us.

So, the next time that you’re tempted to chase after the latest “it” item, remember the essence of who you are. Allow your personal style to be the driving force, and let trends be an intriguing addition to your fashion journey - not the defining factor. In a world of ever-changing styles, your authenticity will always be classic.