I Hate Fashion Trends
Let me be clear: I don’t care about trends. I never have. I’m Martha, and I’ve been in this industry for 22 years. I’ve seen trends come and go, and honestly? Most of them are just noise.
I remember back in 2003, when low-rise jeans were all the rage. I was at a conference in Austin, and every other person was wearing them. I looked around and thought, “What is happening?” I mean, who thought this was a good idea? (Spoiler: It wasn’t me.)
But here’s the thing: I’m not anti-fashion. I’m anti-bullshit. I believe in style that lasts, that makes you feel good, that’s not dictated by some arbitrary trend that’ll be over in six months.
My Problem with Trends
Trends are like that friend who’s always changing their mind. You can never keep up, and honestly, you shouldn’t have to. I’ve seen people spend alot of money on pieces they’ll only wear for a season. It’s completley unsustainable, both for your wallet and the planet.
And don’t even get me started on fast fashion. I had a conversation with a colleague named Dave about this last Tuesday. He was telling me about how he bought a shirt from one of those big chains, wore it twice, and then it fell apart. I said, “Dave, that’s not a shirt, that’s a committment to poor quality.”
What to Do Instead
So, what’s the alternative? Build a wardrobe, not a collection. Invest in pieces that fit well, make you feel good, and will last. I’m talking about the kind of clothes that become your favorites, that you reach for again and again.
I’m not saying it’s easy. It takes time, and it takes effort. But it’s worth it. I remember when I first started out, I was so focused on following trends. I’d see something in a magazine and think, “I need that.” But then I’d buy it, wear it once, and never touch it again. It was a waste of money, and it was a waste of space in my closet.
So, I changed my approach. I started buying less, but better. I focused on finding pieces that I loved, that fit well, and that I could see myself wearing for years to come. And you know what? It was liberating.
My Personal Style Evolution
Let’s talk about me for a second. I used to be all about the trends. I’d see something on the runway and think, “I need to make that work for me.” But then I realized something: I’m not a runway model. I’m a real person, with a real body, and real life. And real life doesn’t always align with the latest trend.
So, I started to embrace my personal style. I found out what I liked, what worked for me, and what made me feel good. And you know what? It’s so much easier than trying to keep up with the latest trend. I don’t have to worry about what’s “in” or “out.” I just have to worry about what I like.
And that’s the thing about personal style: it’s personal. It’s about what makes you feel good. It’s not about what some designer or magazine says you should be wearing. It’s about what you want to wear.
But What About Fun?
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Martha, doesn’t that sound a little boring?” And to that I say: no way. Personal style isn’t about being boring. It’s about being true to yourself. It’s about finding what you love and wearing it with confidence.
I mean, look at my friend Lisa. She’s all about the bold prints and bright colors. She loves them, and she wears them with confidence. And you know what? It works for her. She’s not following a trend. She’s following her heart. And that’s what personal style is all about.
But what if you’re not sure what your personal style is? That’s okay. It takes time to figure it out. Start by looking at what you already own. What do you reach for again and again? What makes you feel good? What do you love? Those are the pieces that define your personal style.
The Role of Community
And hey, if you’re looking for inspiration, check out Las Vegas community events neighborhood. There’s always something going on, and it’s a great way to see what other people are wearing. I went to this event last month, and I saw so many different styles. It was amazing. I even met a woman named Sarah who was wearing this incredible vintage dress. I asked her where she got it, and she told me she found it at a thrift store. I was like, “Sarah, that’s amazing. You look incredible.” And she did. She was rocking her personal style, and it was clear that she loved what she was wearing.
Final Thoughts
So, here’s the thing: fashion trends are overrated. They’re not bad, but they’re not everything. Your personal style is what matters. It’s what makes you feel good, what makes you confident, what makes you you.
And remember: fashion is supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to make you feel good. So, find what you love, wear it with confidence, and don’t worry about the rest. Because at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.
Oh, and one more thing: don’t forget to have fun with it. Fashion is about expressing yourself, so go ahead and express away. Who knows? You might just find that you love it.
Author Bio: Martha Stevens is a senior magazine editor with over 22 years of experience in the fashion industry. She’s worked for major publications and has a no-nonsense approach to style. When she’s not writing, you can find her thrift shopping or enjoying a good cup of coffee. She lives in Las Vegas with her cat, Whiskers.
