From Trendy to Timeless: Discover Your True Style
From high-waisted to low-rise jeans, Jordans to Sambas, keeping up with fashion trends can feel like a full-time job. Have you noticed how fashion trends come and go within months, sometimes even weeks? It’s all part of the industry’s master plan to keep you constantly buying new things to "stay in fashion." While it can be thrilling to snag something trendy and feel oh-so-fashionable, have you ever wondered if you'll still love that item once the trend fades? Spoiler alert: you probably won’t.
So, how about a more stress-free and sustainable approach to dressing? Finding your true, timeless style might sound challenging, but it's actually much easier (and way more rewarding) than chasing after every fleeting trend. Here's how to get started:
Express Yourself: What’s Your Style Statement?
First things first, how do you want to present yourself to the world? Do you want to radiate creativity, sophistication, boldness, playfulness, elegance, or edginess? Your style should be a reflection of you, not just what's hot right now.
Wardrobe Audit: Love What You Own
Take a good look at your closet. What pieces have you had forever and still adore? Is there a common theme in color, silhouette, or fabric? These beloved items hold the key to your true style.
Pinterest: Your Personal Style Mood Board
Create a Pinterest board filled with outfits, styles, and vibes that speak to you. This visual collection can help you pinpoint your personal style. For instance, my board is all about neutral colors and versatile pieces, styled effortlessly but chic. This style feels authentically me, and I know I'll love these looks for years to come, regardless of current trends.
Shop Smarter, Not Harder
Only add pieces to your closet that reflect your true style, are versatile, and built to last. Choose items that you'll love wearing regardless of current trends. This approach will help you maintain a wardrobe full of reliable pieces that pair effortlessly with multiple outfits and stand the test of time.
Benefits of Timeless Dressing
Saves You Money: You’ll save money by not buying items you'll only wear a few times. Consider the cost per wear of your clothing. For instance, I recently splurged on a $300 jacket. Initially, I hesitated because I'd never spent that much on a single piece. But then I thought about its versatility, quality, and how often I'd wear it. It's already my go-to jacket for almost every outfit and occasion. If I wear it at least once a week for the next year, it costs me less than $2 per wear. Compare this to buying trendy mesh ballet flats for $20. They might be in style for a few months, but after that, I'd have worn them only a handful of times, resulting in a cost per wear of about $5. So, the classic jacket turns out to be the smarter investment.
Elevates Your Style: By not following every trend, you won’t end up dressing like everyone else. When a trendy piece hits the scene, you'll see it everywhere. But true style is about feeling confident and cool in pieces that suit you and express who you are. A closet full of thoughtfully chosen pieces makes putting together outfits a breeze, unlike a random mix of trendy items that can be frustrating to style.
Better for The Planet: Fast fashion is incredibly harmful to our planet. The resources required to produce clothing that ends up in landfills after just a few wears are staggering. Every garment takes a toll on water, energy, land, emissions, and human labor. By choosing to buy less and buy better, you’re conserving these precious resources.
Finding your timeless style can save you money, elevate your wardrobe, and contribute to a more sustainable planet. Next time you shop, think about whether an item aligns with your personal style or if it’s just a fast fashion trend. By focusing on timeless pieces you love, you’ll create a wardrobe that stands the test of time and makes you feel cool and confident every day.