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A trend is a garment or look popular at a given time but then falls out of vogue. The trends that stick around long after others fade become what we refer to as classic styles. These items remain popular, no matter what other trends are around at any given time. Straight-cut blue jeans, a well-fitting white buttoned shirt, and a leather jacket started out as trends but have stood the test of time and been inducted into the Classic Looks Hall of Fame. A good wardrobe has a mix of items from both categories that you combine to form your style.
Should I choose trends or classic pieces?
A well-rounded wardrobe often comprises pieces from both divisions. A womens designer sunglasses sale — or one where you can get your favourite clothing brands at a reduced price — is an excellent place to look for new options to weave into the wardrobe you already own. Classic pieces that will almost never go out of style make an excellent basis for any wardrobe because they’ll be wearable at all kinds of events for years, possibly even decades, to come. These are the summer classics that we love
- Wayfarer or aviator sunglasses
- Any gypsy style boho dress, cute, festival-friendly and effortless
- Loose, linen trousers
- Cutoff denim shorts
- Plain tank tops
- Loose-fit button-down shirts (natural fabric like linen or cotton is best)
- T-shirt dresses
- Sundresses
- Pointed-toe boots or slingbacks
If you choose unpatterned classic pieces — or only feature well-loved patterns like checks or stripes — these garments will form a foundation to which you can add decorative, fun, trending items. Our current favourite summer trends are ones like these:
- Cut out everything, from dresses to pants to tops;
- Shades of purple in every garment under the fashion rainbow;
- Low-rise pants and skirts — the lower, the better. A trend recycled from the early 2000s;
- Bralettes as tops or under open shirts;
- Oversized blazers for the cooler evenings or to dress up a casual look. A trend recycled from the nineties;
- Asymmetrical hems on skirts and dresses. Another trend recycled from the early 2000s;
- Preppy looks like tennis skirts, knitted vests, and polo tops. An eighties trend that came back in the late 2000s and again today;
- Clear, plastic frame sunglasses with coloured lenses;
- Extreme platform shoes.
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Whether you choose trends or classic items is not in question. Since your wardrobe is an extension of yourself and your clothing an expression of your personality and your creativity, you should choose the pieces that make you feel good and appeal to your aesthetic sensibilities. That said, if you want your wardrobe to stand the test of time and to minimise your contribution to the world’s fashion waste problem, you should think before you purchase any new items. Ask yourself these questions:
- Will I still want to wear this garment in a year?
- Will this garment go with at least 70% of my wardrobe?
- Is this garment wearable (or will it only be suitable for one occasion)?
If you can answer yes to these questions, then the garment in question is a good buy! Even trending items that may fall out of vogue before the next season can form a functional, attractive part of your wardrobe if you love the piece and know how to style it well.
Seasonal and occasion fashion
There are exceptions to this rule, of course. Seasonal items like heavy coats and boots are one, formal wear is another. Though trans-seasonal dressing is another great way to make the most of a smaller wardrobe and avoid contributing to fashion waste by cycling a large amount of clothing in and out, some jackets and boots will only be wearable in the cold part of the year. Sneakers and denim or leather jackets can dress formal outfits down but will also, for the most part, be wearable for only a few occasions. A statement piece is another exception to the rule, and you’ll often find excellent options among the trending pieces in your favourite stores. Statement pieces are usually only one part of an outfit: a sequined jacket, a printed silk top, or a leather skirt, for example. This trending item will be displayed at its best when paired with classic pieces like a plain tank or blue jeans.
Wrap up
Choosing between trends and classics is the question: what do you like, and how do you feel when you wear it? Both styles of items belong in your wardrobe as long as they make you happy and fit into your existing collection. Choosing your garments is easy when you have a firm grasp of your personal style and how to make different items work well together. Whether you turn to trendy items or more classic pieces, your wardrobe will always bring a smile to your face.
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