Separating Style From Trend
Staying up to date on the trends each season can be time consuming and exhausting, both for you and your wallet. As a stylist and a fashion consumer, I wrestle with this myself. I may be hyper aware of the fashion cycle, but I still have to evaluate which trends I will enjoy wearing and are worth spending money on.
Here’s a little secret that I promote: great style has nothing to do with seasonal trends. The key is looking modern and relevant, in whatever your personal style may be, so you can stand out in both professional and personal settings. This is otherwise known as effortless chic (and probably the #1 request from all our clients). Here are my proven guidelines for achieving an effortlessly chic style, without relying on trends to do the job:
QUALITY
A high-quality wardrobe staple (like a silk blouse or well tailored blazer) can set you apart from the rest. Even better? Beautifully constructed pieces in fine fabrics are classics. They will never go out of style, so invest in quality and you can wear the pieces for years to come!
FIT
A perfectly fitted garment makes all the difference (even for inexpensive items). Great tailoring can make a piece look like it was custom made just for you--everyone will be dying to know where you got it ; ).
DESIGN
Don’t get me wrong, basics are great. They’re even better when they have an interesting detail that separates them from the pack. Think unexpected material or print, sleeve details, or unconventional shapes. Pieces with intrigue will automatically elevate your look and add intrigue to your outfit. Cue compliments and envy.
UNIQUENESS
If you find something that is truly one-of-a-kind, it doesn’t matter if it matches the flashy trends that just showed at NYFW. An amazing vintage piece will signal great style and endure beyond any trend.
When is the trend important?
Fashion trends offer useful guidelines for crafting your seasonal look. Look to trends for direction on color, print, and silhouette to keep your look fresh. Because trends will come and go, they should represent a small percentage of your seasonal buy, and never a major investment. When in doubt, remember our 80/20 rule! Your wardrobe or seasonal buy should be 80% classic, timeless pieces and 20% trend.
Looking for unique and stand-out looks to set you apart from the crowd? Book one of our In Person Styling services.
4 Steps to Styling with Intention **
Ok, I’m just going to ask: do you have items in your closet with the tags still on? More than a few? It’s ok, it happens. And if it’s happening to you, it might indicate that you’re buying at random and not based on need or intention. I see this a lot, and no matter how generous the wardrobe budget is, no one wants to waste money on something they won’t wear. It’s so easy to get distracted by all things new and shiny and forget to be realistic with yourself about whether you actually need or will wear your purchases.
I’m here to help break that cycle. One of our core values is to focus on quality over quantity and I want to get you in that mode too. Follow our proven steps below so you spend less in the long run, use what you have, and reduce your carbon footprint.
IDENTIFY YOUR NEEDS
When it comes to shopping, there are wants and there are needs. It’s easy to forget the difference when you’re staring a beautiful garment in the face, so take time to do the prep work beforehand. Make a list of the “holes” you have in your wardrobe in order to identify your needs, and prioritize those items when shopping!
CREATE A BUDGET
The most important part of creating a budget is sticking to it. Although we all wish it weren’t true, the fact of the matter is there will always be more beautiful clothes--and you unfortunately can’t buy them all. Before being hypnotized by all the beautiful pieces that scream “BUY ME!”, check in with your budget. Have you already indulged for the season? Or have you been saving for that special find?
CONSIDER THE FIT
You will never love a garment more than when you see it on in the fitting room. So, if it looks ill-fitting there, I can guarantee it’ll be 10x worse outside of the perfectly angled mirror and glowing, filtered lighting. Of course an expert tailoring session can fix most fit issues, but consider the value of the garment. Is it worth trying to make perfect, or is it best left on the hanger?
ASK: IS THIS ME?
Trendy shapes and styles have their time and place, but we aren’t made to rock every trend. You may love a certain trend from afar, but when it comes to wearing it yourself something just isn’t working. Whether it comes down to fit or personal style, don’t try to force something that just doesn't feel like you.
Need help finding the perfect pieces you’ll actually wear?
We offer customized, shoppable style boards tailored just for your needs. Contact us now to learn how we can help style you with intention.
