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Introduction
I’m fairly certain that everyone who reads this article has been asked at some point in their lives, by a disgruntled parent, irate teacher or responsible adult of any kind – “So if they jumped off a cliff would you do it to?” The answer would invariably be yes, because everyone likes to think that they’re cool, and if everybody is doing it then jumping off a cliff has to make you super cool and anyone that doesn’t, can thenceforth be referred to by any number of cruel and childish names, like ‘Stinky loser pants’ or ‘Cliff loser’ or ‘Would like to preserve his own life rather than jump to an almost certain death with the misguided idea that it will make him cool. . . . Loser.’ But what does all this have to do with fashion you may be asking. To put it simply, do we follow the crowd, or do we remain the individual?
Fashion is largely dictated by trends. What designers send down the catwalks each season becomes the staple from which the fashion conscious public draw inspiration, style choices and new looks, give or take a few modifications. Occasionally we see trends or items that rock the boat a little – skinny jeans for example, cargo trousers or the much maligned camo print that made an appearance last season. The Turban concept (check Jacob Kamara’s article for the full read up); men’s crop tops or skirts are all attempts by fashion designers to try something new, push the boundaries and encourage our own creativeness. Obviously certain items have more success than others; skinny jeans and cargo trousers to a lesser extent, while others fall by the way side.
The Big A/W Trends
But of the trends and ideas that do make the big time, which do we choose if we do make that choice at all? Style is as much about individuality as maintaining a handle on what is currently the ‘in’ look. But how can you be an individual when you look the same or at least very similar to every other Tom, Dick, Harry and perhaps Terry on the street. The whole Topman Model stereotype/concept begins to ring very true. However, you could also argue that to not follow trends leaves you at an immediate disadvantage in the fashion stakes, as these become the big fashionable styles. How can you be fashionable if you don’t follow what is new and cool? Let’s take some of the current A/W trends:
The Urban Bohemian
A Preppy Chap
Geek Chic
The Military Man
I’m sure that every one of you reading has seen at least one person, if not more, sporting what could only be construed as an outfit pertaining to the above trends, and if you haven’t, then the pictures will provide you with the evidence. This is not to say that the people that adopt these trends are unfashionable – far from it – rather it could suggest an over reliance on the current big thing to create a fashionable personal style. We like these trends because of the fabrics, cuts, shapes and the textures they make use of; the overall image they project. From an outside perspective it might seem like the person that does fully embrace a particular look is exceedingly fashionable and completely in tune with the fashion world (or the opposite if you are engaging with a fashion philistine), you clearly understand the nature of dressing well, the complexities of colour etc. But from within it could be seen that you are simply following the crowd, blindly purchasing whatever everyone else happens to be sporting, which, while you do understand fashion, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re being an individual.
You could argue that even here at FashionBeans, we are guilty of promoting a devotion to the upcoming trends of the season, with articles focusing on specific looks; what to wear, how to wear it, even providing product picks. All very true, but this it is up to you to then make use of the information to become the individual. We often stress the importance of a transitional wardrobe, not just from season to season, but from style to style. Personally, I feel the best wardrobe is not one that changes every time a new trend comes around, but one that has more invested in timeless, key pieces that transcend most (if not all of) past, current and future trends. Using truly variable items that can and do suit almost anything. In this way, you save yourself wardrobe space, money and time, and you still have a hugely fashionable selection from which to create your outfits. You pick and choose certain items from that seasons looks, and work them into your own style, mixing new ideas with traditional or classic pieces – the more options a piece of clothing gives you, the better it is.
However, this creates a situation where in there is a very fine line between becoming too focused on trending or disregarding them completely. In a similar way to the reactions or use of some of the more controversial men’s fashion items – meggings, skirts etc, there is a balance that has to be struck. Certainly the use of a skirt in men’s fashion is very daring and could be seen as hugely fashion forward, but I haven’t seen it work anywhere outside of designer circles, and even then, they’re pushing it. You, as master of your own style, must find that point between following the trends and creating your own look which makes your style truly unique and fashionable at the same time. To help you along, here is a list of some of the key transitional and timeless pieces that I think can be taken from the current A/W trends:
This of course, is by no means a comprehensive list of transitional items. As long as it can work with a variety of outfits, any item can become transitional. If you feel that one particular style is too common or not individual enough, go for an outside choice, a different colour or style. A good example of this is the quilted jacket, a hugely popular coat choice in the current season, and possibly a bit too popular. Go for the slightly rarer waxed jacket, or duffle coat, or be really on the ball with a shearling jacket. Tell us your items that are transitional in the comments below and we will add them to the picks shown above.
The Debate
Well I’ve had my say. I’ve told you what I think a good wardrobe should contain, but what do you think? This is all about personal opinion, you dress the way you dress for a reason, what is this reason?
- Are you something of a Trend follower? If so which is your chosen look?
- Would you agree that a transitional wardrobe is the better option?
- What kind of Timeless, key pieces do you own or would recommend?
- Is fashion entirely dictated by trends?
- Should we embrace everything that appears on the catwalks and shelves?
Get your opinions across in the comments below. And be on the look out (with a touch of irony) for the up coming trends of S/S11.
Will
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I believe that it’s personal style that matters. Trends are only mere suggestions which like spices in a dish could or could not make the dish taste better.
Coming from a small city, Newcastle to be exact, I can honestly say that I am becoming more irritated towards fashion trends. The amount of times I have seeing guys sporting their cuffed drop-crotch chinos, military boots or denim shirts is a bit excessive, and the quilted jacket is exactly the same (although quilted jackets don’t bother me as much). Generally, particular fashion trends aren’t very practical either, like wearing shoes with no socks, or sporting a t-shirt that exposes your chest.
I agree with the point you made about having items in your wardrobe that are timeless, and nowadays I mainly look at staple items such as the All Saints Merino wool jumpers, which remain the same style every year. I’m also a lot more keen on brands such as Levi’s and Ralph Lauren, which remain predominantly the same year after year, and always maintain that effortless style and affluence that come with the products and the brands themselves. I generally try to avoid a lot of the fashion trends for the reasons you have mentioned already, cost and repetitiveness.
Certainly an interesting article. 1. I would say that fashion trends are useful for creating a BENCHMARK rather than a rigid structureR RIGID MUST WEAR clothes, and that’s what I recommed and personally use it as, essentially a guide.
A transitional wadrobe is always the better option, it costs effective and allows you to rather than buying everything in Topman buy what suits you on the long term.(e.g. I never bought espiradles because they weren’t practical in the winter, or automn whereas boat shoes awesome all year round :P)
What kind of Timeless, key pieces do you own or would recommend?
Ultimately you will inevitably influenced by trends, but that does by no means prevents you dressing for you, and adding your individual taste.
The preppy chic and geek chic thing aren’t really trends. That look has been going on for the last 70 years at least. pretty classic really.
@JOMAN, I agree and disagree, They’re definately looks that have always been around, but the fashion industry latched onto them in recent times and the public caught on to make them some of the most saught after looks of the past few years. They will die down yes, but never go out of style.
We are not all that individualized as we think we are. Quite frankly, we are all one of the same, but we just don’t want to be like anyone else. Which sometimes fail in the process.
Trends are only good if you already have a closet full of timeless pieces and wanted to add a FEW seasonal, trendy pieces to keep you modern enough. Please don’t go out and renovate your entire closet based on a trend since it would hurt your wallet when a new trend comes around the corner.
One may think trends are a bad thing, but you can turn that around to take advantage of it. If everyone is sporting the military look with the military coat and boots, maybe you could go a more heritage or preppy look. You will stand out that way.
Trends do offer some good guidelines if you’re very new to fashion and have no idea to start. You can always branch off when you start to develop your own personal tastes.
Best way to get great transitional pieces for me is to hit the outlet malls. We have an abundance of them here in the States offering lower prices than their full retail stores counterparts. They have Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Levi’s, Banana Republic, Gap, etc. I’m not sure what kind of outlet stores England has to offer, but they still have great, affordable clothing that are very consistent every season. Trends have little influence over these kinds of stores.
IMO, its simple. If YOU like it, wear it. If it’s not on trend, who cares, so long as it suits and you feel confident. If it is, then you’ll know inside your wearing it because you like it, not because a designer told you to. Don’t blindly subscribe to trends, but don’t be afraid to take things from them either.
Some good ideas coming across here guys. Certainly seems like everybody has the same sort of opinions to, but is there anyone out there that likes to stick specifically to trends?
As Tim mentioned, rather than specific trends or all encompassing looks, you could say certain styles of clothing are the more dominant trend. I live in Brighton, a small city, more like a large town, but hugely diverse and yet I still see the same styles everyday, cuffed jeans are big as well as quilted jackets. Vintage is also huge (North Laines being the major factor) but it isn’t particularly unique or individual, because so many people are wearing vintage pieces, you might be wearing something different to someone else, but the overall image is pretty similar.
You could of course argue that there isn’t really any individuality in fashion, there will always be someone else that dresses in a very similar way to you.
As for other timeless pieces – Brogues, Harringtons, Leather Jackets, Knitwear, it has to be something that will transcend looks and still be fashionable in 3 or 4 years time.
Sometimes it’s right to buck the trend, but sometimes it’s right to follow it. The decision of which parts of each trend you choose yourself is what gives you a sense of style. Fashion is always moving, evolving, and trends help to keep things fresh and help past styles resurface, they should be embraced but not relied upon.
I’d say the best thing to do is to make sure that you’ve got a wardrobe full of classic pieces, leather jackets, shirts, chinos, jeans, blazers, ties, etc etc and then each A/W or S/S you can then pick out one or two on-trend pieces that you like and incorporate them into your outfits. It works for me.
You can’t go wrong with preppy, military or geek chic in my opinion. I went for a duffle coat in the Autumn and it’s still doing me proud, a change from previous pea-coats and trench coats that I’d previously gone for. Grey also means it’s thoroughly versatile! Another emerging jacket appears to be the sort of thing we’re seeing in Topman’s new Topman Design range – sort of fisherman/harbour style? With toggles. Great – bit of a vintage twist, even Next are doing them!
@Tim
Definitely with you on that one. All too often I’ve seen people dressed purely as trend followers, with dropped crotch jeans, beanie, military boots, hooded faux leather jacket and scowling face.
This is in fact very similar to the military look on the right, but what they do wrong is throw the lot on without consideration for colour and a thorough lack of style. Dressing like that simply shows that you blindly follow trends rather than attempting to pull off a good look.
As for myself, I tend to stick to the classics and pick out bits of trends that I find I like. Even then, I tend to keep my references to trends fairly subtle.
I always tell people to wear you and wear it well,whether its trending or not.
I think the most important thing with trends is to add your own ‘spin’ to them. Anyone can go to All Saints or wherever and pick up an outfit that’s on trend, so in order to be individual it’s important to add those little details through the use of accesseries which most would not think to wear. For me this is the best way to stand out from the crowd.
I agree that you need to follow trends in order to be fashionable, however with timeless pieces you can still touch on the latest trends and remain fashionable even if you’re not dowsed in the latest military items. Having the confidence to wear something a little bit different like braces or cropped tees or even a turban (not something i would personally wear!) is also an easy way to remain somewhat individual.
I think Matt Allinson really sums it up well and in simple terms that are hard to do wrong by. Achieving a versatile yet timeless foundation to your wardrobe is definitely where the initial emphasis should be placed. Going form there in terms of adding the occasional trend piece that really appeals to you is definitely a way of keeping things fresh, but I would say that it is also a good idea to always keep hold of your own little trademarks. An accessory, style of shoe or a type of coat or jacket say that your wear often to the point that people would associate it with you (I’d say my ‘trademarks’ are Chelsea boots and wearing plaid shirts with blazers). In short, I would say only buy into trends when they truly and unequivocally ignite that ‘I need to have one of those!’ spark, and try to have a trademark item/look or two that you really adore, and everything will fall into place on its own accord in terms of balancing out timelessness with appearing fashionable but also somewhat individual.
Just clicked onto here to read the latest articles and saw myself in the pictures! made my day haha cheers :)
I remember when G-star came out. That was refreshing at least. You could dress like a futuristic garbageman. Now it’s played out. Now it seems everyone is dressing how fashion blogs are influencing them and the fashion blogs are influenced by people on the street and the people on the street are being influenced by fashion blogs so it’s a chicken and the egg thing. So it’s people on computers who are pressing f5 refresh who pretty much have the leg up on everyone else as things go. Right now the biggest trend is for heritage workwear to be tailored to a young man’s slimmer silhouette and charging 500% more for it.
Joman,can you give some photo examples of heritage workwear?Thanks
What a fantastic article. These very issues have been on my mind for a while but could’t find the words to succinctly express what I do and don’t like about trend following. I think everyone would agree that some kind of balance is key, but to go the extra mile individually you need to know yourself. For example people obviously gain inspiration from their favourite actors, musicians and designers, but there’s also films, shows or even comic books!
I tend to lean away from trends, as I don’t have the small skinny body type perfect for topman. (I’m skinny and ridiculously tall actually) and so stuff that small people pull off effortlessly I look dopey in :S Totally agree with timeless pieces. Would H by Hudson leather boots count? (not military)
For myself being 18, the whole fashion industry is still opening up to me as I gradually dig within myself and shape my character. Trends help me find new styles and ways to make an outfit. They are often influenced by cultures, from different parts of the world, and different time periods of these parts of the world. This helps me look into these time periods and see what I like from these places, helping me build the image of what I want to wear.
However, I definately do not just buy trend pieces just because it is on trend. I have this thing, I feel like everyone else would be wearing the same thing as me and I just wouldn’t feel original. Being part of the bunch just because someone says this bunch is currently cool really doesn’t sit well with me. However, if I do see a particular piece currently on trend, I wouldn’t think twice about buying it. It all really depends on how I can work a piece of clothing into an outfit to make a complete individual look. That’s my problem about trends, e.g, the ‘sailor’ trend. Everyone still sports the white and blue striped t-shirt/knitwear thing, as the signature part of their outfit, because it’s on trend. It shouldn’t be the main focal point of the outfit for that reason, but for the reason of complimenting the other colours you are wearing for a completely original look that compliments YOU, not the piece of clothing.
I’m basically saying I wouldn’t buy clothes on trend because it’s on trend, but because I feel I could work it into different outfits (for years to come) based around ME, not around current fashion trends.
Being called stylish rather than trendy is the compliment I’d rather hear.
It’s a nice article. Some of us have certainly gone through those disgruntled comments. But ya fashionable people and trends do have strong influence on most of the people, which is in a way good. However to have a transitional wardrobe would be an all time fantastic idea. It will always work.
Its fun and fashion to develop your own style… Gives you confidence with appreciated individuality.
I know it’s all I say and you guys are probably tired of my saying this, but I think things that are timeless look better. Allow me to explain: trends are by definition quite short-lived. Drop crotches won’t be around in a couple of years. As such, prices tend to be lower–people don’t wants to buy something for hundreds and hundreds if it’s not going to last. What follows is a decrease in quality: poorer matierials are used, and that is generally visible. As I said on the article about brogues, you can tell the difference between Topman and Alden at the very first glance.
Also, there’s a curious tendency to think that items which are timeless are boring. That is untrue. Items can be timeless and unique, without following a trend, and combination of those items can be made your own without following trends.
Omar has nailed the point. I commented on an article named ‘Paying attention to detail’ by PAUL MCGREGOR. basically stating what Omar has said, be it in a more long winded way. Take Hackett London for example; a style that has never entered this “street trend” image. why? is it seen as to Old fashioned? or to sophisticated for people of the cult image. A good few years ago I wore salmon Hackett chinos with a pair of Grenson brogues; and as expected the looks i received in my home town weren’t the most welcoming. As soon as River island and co put it on their shelves, its a wonderful piece of modern fashion. Though once the ‘Topman like’ brogue fades out, Grenson ‘Et al’ will still be respected. Their prices, respectability and dedication to producing high quality items has and will remain at a maximum. Hence why people still pay £160-£200 for a pair of ‘real’ brogues, with secured knowledge that they will last much longer then the sudden imitations that have pop into high streets because the “nerd chick” look is in. When that look has passed, the true ambassadors of quintessential clothing will still be going strong. As Henry David Thoreau once said; “Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.”, If you abide by the latest trends religiously, not only does it show that in fact you are lacking knowledge in real fashion, but you are simply breeding a sense of insecurity about the person.
This is simple. Look at Steve Jobs for example. His clothes are very well chosen. At first he was dressed like a hipster. Temptated to dress brown designer shoes with red laces for example, a physical extention of a narcistic ego and the evidence of a group-consousness. But then he probably realised the primairy functions of clothing. physical and psychlogical shield. For is company his imago is perfect: the most effortless, technological modern and ergonomic shoes, and the archetypical ‘standard ‘blue jeans will fall in his ‘casual half’ whereas his black turtleneck stands for autonomity and sophistication. Yeah you can argue he is dressed like the mass. The funny thing is, paradoxically, its seems completly effortless, but in reallity HE DOES STICK OUT OF THE CROWD at the same time. He realised that less is more. That your personality and strong will be reflected if you stick to a certain style and limited (non-materialistic) wardrobe.
Great minds limitate their clothing really.
What should you do when you may only choose 4 pieces to life with? Is clothing that important in life?
I have a summer look and a Winter look which are constant.
I’ve multiple versions of the same items.
But the quality and ergonomics are outstanding. You still stick out of the crowd when you can make a perfect combo of timeless effortless without prestige and sophisticated ‘high fashion’. But I leave it to you which combo that can be. That’s how I see it.
In modern Western society clothing is not a fysical defense but a an extention of the ego, where most people use it to express a hierarchical level. Most of the time clothing say a lot about the psyche of people. It’s fasinating how intravert and extravert colors are used.
I don’t even think there is a debate. Men’s fashion has remained stagnant for the last 50 years. It’s only innovation was the trucker hat. If you looked at a magazine from 50 years ago you would see men dressed like that today. If you saw a magazine from 10 years ago you would see men dressed like that today. a 2010 hipster is dressed just like Jack Kerouac from on the road. The silhouette has changed to skinny but I’d give that to the late 60′s mods. So basically, women’s fashion has leapt in bounds and we’ve taken baby steps.
Completely agree with this article. Its seems everyone now shops at topman or Zara.
Something to add; Colour Wheels and Colour Season Palette.
transitional wardrobes are the way to go, making it easier and cheaper to change your style, i think the main items to have are accessories as they change your look dramatically, including shades ,scarves, hats and other useful accessories
IMHO, most important thing remains congruence with one’s image. So pple shouldn’t care that much about trends.
Of course we all identify what works in our entourage. But then we shouldn’t forget to define what is suitable for us, and add our own touch. And more importantly, stick to it.
Regards,
Jeff