To Trend or Not to Trend? Fall 2009 Fashion Trends Contemplated

As I went out to lunch this Friday in the city of glorious San Francisco, I couldn’t help but notice a burst of fashion and style.  Perhaps it was due to the casual Friday practiced by most offices, or an unusually warm weather, or the Fashion Week, but women sported myriads of colors and trends.

Some women looked incredibly chic in bootcut jeans from past seasons, others looked marvelous mixing trends and classic pieces,  while some who were “trending” head to toe  had something  just a bit off in their outfit.

This made me think about the best strategy to approach trends.  Here it is:

1. Don’t blind trend – don’t buy an item just because it’s “in” (even if it works for your body type).  Unless picked out strategically,  today’s trend is tomorrow’s goodwill donation.

A good example is this season’s sharp shoulders.  They look dramatic on the runway, but have less application in real life.   They may also be hard to pull off with the “non-fashion” majority who do not follow trends.  But the biggest issue with certain styles is that they will leave just as fast as they came.

2. Optimize styles that work for you – trends are a wonderful thing, but if they don’t look good on you, what good would it do to buy that style?   One shoulder blouses are popular this season, but if you are self-conscious about the shape of your upper arms,  it will most likely end up “locked up” in your closet to never see the day light.

A better option would be to look for trends that optimize your strong areas. If you have a divine cleavage, flaunt it in a low cut ruffled top.   If you have long and legs,  wear a pair of leggings that are so popular this season and help elongate even more with a dramatic platform pump.

3. Think global - about your closet.   Don’t buy stand alone items.   Consider how the color and style will mesh with the items you already own.

If you have earthy colors like browns and greens in your wardrobe, buying  a pink coat may be “out of alignment” for your wardrobe.

4. Be Age Appropriate – some trends, regardless of how much you like them and how dashing they are, just shouldn’t be worn by everyone. While I don’t know the exact “cut off” age for a mini skirt, it seems that women in their forties should consider a more age appropriate trend. That is of course unless you look like a dashing 20 year old, in which case I am not sure standard rules apply.  (The key here is to be an objective judge of self).

On the same note, a young girl may look more appropriate in hip above the knee dresses and skirts than a maxi dress.

5.  Spend wisely – when buying new things, identify whether the item you are buying is just trend or a classic in trend’s disguise.   If it is a trend, spend accordingly. Something that is going to be worn for one season, shouldn’t cost you an extreme amount.

If you are paying $250 for a one shoulder dress that you are going to wear twice this season, the cost per wear is $125, which may or may not be too high (depending on  your budget).

On the contrary, if you are buying a trench coat that is well made, and can be worn with many things; this peace will likely last for years to come.   In this case it may make sense to invest in a better quality item for longevity.   For example, a Burberry trench that retails for $500 is expensive, but if you wear it  40 times per year, for the next 4 years, that’s about $3 per wear, which is a lot better investment.

6.  Buy Less - Before doing any shopping, shop your closet.  Who knows, you may still have that 80′s metallic dress that you haven’t worn in years.   Which still fits you.   And looks good.  And is a vintage Versace (gasp).

Chances are you already own most of what you need that only needs a small enhancement.   Then head to the store and choose dramatic accessories to uplift the things you already own.

In summary, trends like anything else should be evaluated on case by case basis, and customized to your situation.

Trends to Buy This Season:

Now that we have the trend shopping strategy down,

Worthy Investments:

1. Trench Coats: Trench coats are an undeniable classic.   Pick quality and wear it for years to come.

1. Juicy Couture – Trench W/ Bows (Black) - $378 2.Marc by Marc Jacobs Fine Twill Trench - $498 3. Thakoon Tulle Edge Trench Coat -$795

2. Beige Platform Pumps: – These beige pumps are timeless.   The platform is in this season, but will always work to elongate the leg and make you stand out from the crowd.

1. rsvp – Kaiya (Natural Patent/Satin)- $80 2.Dolce Vita – Madison (Biscuit Crinkle Patent) -$97.92 3. Stuart Weitzman – Sashay (Hummus Aniline Patent) -$298

Trends to Buy on the Cheap

Skinny Jeans

1. Black Skinny Jeans - $45 2. Blank Classic Skinny Jeans - $78

Trends to avoid: Bunny Ears

Photo from inStyle Magazine

What is your trends strategy?  Do you wear things because they are in?  Or do you carefully pick and choose what works for you each season?