Health
Your Style: Trendy or Current?
Now that spring is almost upon us, it's time to think about lighter, brighter clothes and accessories. Yet deciding on a new look for each season can be confusing. Should you go for the trendy, must-have look of the moment? Or would you feel more comfortable with something less trendy, but still more current than what you have now?
What's the difference between being trendy and being current, you ask? Trendy looks can be fleeting and are often youth-driven. People who look current, however, are not driven by fashions or trends. Rather, their influences come from culture and their very own take on fashion and trends.
What's Trendy?
Trendy clothes are all about following the leader; they are not designed to promote the wearer's personality. They are specifically marketed to the young, and are not intended to be around for more than one season. In fact, fashionable items can stay on the radar screen far longer than trendy ones. For example, for young women, pairing very low hip-hugger jeans with a midriff-baring top was at one time a trendy look; however, for women of all ages, a less dramatic hip-hugger jean or pant has been fashionable for several years now. Similarly, leather and suede have been fashionable for decades, but the fringed version of a suede jacket was really only trendy for one season, when fashionistas followed a whim of the western cowboy look.
In order to be able to wear anything trendy, one cannot be at all self-conscious, and must be prepared to treat the item as disposable. This is because fit, quality and value for money are not part of the trendy equation. However, trendy clothes can be fun and are used best when you purchase an item to "spice up" your look. Here are some trendy do's and don'ts.
- Don't buy trendy so that you can look younger -- it never works.
- Don't buy a whole outfit that is trendy -- it will overpower your personality.
- Don't spend a lot of money on anything trendy.
- Don't be tempted to buy a trendy item if it doesn't enhance your personality.
- Do be aware of what is trendy -- it's good to be in the know.
- Do be careful to get the best fit possible for any trendy item.
- Do consider your own tastes and your self-image when you decide to make a trendy purchase. Ask yourself, "Do I really feel this is right for me, or am I just trying to be trendy?" You will feel disconnected from the item if it's not right for you.
Being current brings about confidence and reduces the stress of feeling "un-together." In order to have a current wardrobe, you must be aware of when it is time to replace an out-dated clothing item with a more current one. What will you replace the item with? Choose a newer version for its own unique merit, not because it is "in." It should also fit well, flatter your personality, feel great and fulfill a real need, both practically and aesthetically. Being current means that whatever you purchase, it must have a life of more than one season, and it must be of high quality.
Being current is having the savvy to interpret the season's fashion statements and trends, and to then create your own look by drawing inspiration, knowledge and perhaps more importantly, igniting your creativity. Consider an item that is on the runways and may be a hot look for the season coming up. And for any number of reasons, perhaps the item won't be on your shopping list -- budget, lifestyle or maybe it just doesn't suit your taste. That's fine, but how can you integrate elements of this "in" item to fit your own look? For instance, the elements relating to a "romantic" look are longer length skirts, femininity, colorful prints and a nod toward "retro." Even if you include one of these elements into your spring wardrobe, you will be more current.
Being current also means that your hair, makeup and accessories must all send the same message. For instance, a current-looking hairstyle with out-of-date makeup will appear incongruent, mismatched. A great current-looking suit worn with an out-of-date purse or shoes will appear just as messy and will create a jarring effect. Here are some do's and don'ts of being current:
- Do read magazines on style and culture and fashion to keep yourself informed of what is current.
- Do visit different stores and areas other than those you are used to -- feed your imagination.
- Do study style icons; look for those who you feel exude a special something in more than just their clothes.
- Do take great care of all the details, including your accessories, watch, bag, jewelry, etc.
- Do keep your clothing color palette simple and uncluttered, so that no matter how you feel, you will feel confidant that your clothes send the same message.
- Do make sure that you have a maintenance regime for your clothes, shoes and any other apparel item.
- Do give yourself the luxury of being unique; a person who makes an impression that sends a positive message. That way you will always be in style.
- Don't wear something current with anything that appears out of date.
- Don't wear anything that needs repairing, cleaning or tailoring.
- Don't confuse "current" with trendy or fashionable. Think outside the trendy box! Start trying to identify those items that you think will last longer than the trends.
- Don't rush into buying a significant purchase such as a suit. When you rush a purchase, it is usually because you were emotionally attracted to a trendy item and didn't really think about the consequences. Take your time to shop for the right item for you.
