SS-17: Trends vs. Style: Exploring Fashion's Endless Debate
In the fashion world, there is a distinction between fleeting trends and enduring style. While trends may come and go with each passing season, style remains a timeless expression of individuality and self-awareness.
As Iris Apfel aptly says, "Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. It's about self-expression and, above all, attitude."
Fashion can often seem enigmatic, speaking a language that not everyone understands.
However, style is universal—a narrative we all weave into our daily lives, from the boardroom to the bedroom. It's a deeply personal statement that reflects who you are and how you want to be perceived by the world.
I echo Iris Apfel's sentiment when guiding clients through their style journey. I say, "I don't do trends. My job is to help you find your style."
Style, much like learning a language or mastering an instrument, is a practice that evolves over time.
It's about building a relationship with your wardrobe, where your image becomes your currency—the first impression you make on others.
So, what sets trends apart from style?
Trends are transient, while style is eternal, innate, and a personal projection.
Trends may dictate what's fashionable in the moment, but style is about embracing who you are and projecting that authenticity outward.
To further illuminate the distinction between trends and style, let's draw inspiration from ten timeless quotes:
"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live."
—Gianni Versace"Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it."
—Diane von Furstenberg"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak." —Rachel Zoe
"Style is part of you, trends are something you wear." —Donna Karan
“Style is a personal expression, and trends are reflections of what our culture is embracing at the moment.” —John Bartlett
“Style is a thread that you take with you and can work trends into.” —Araks Yeramyam
“Style must be developed over the years and changed to suit oneself as they grow older and wiser. Trends are of the moment and sometimes work, sometimes not” —Isaac Manevitz
“Style is a personal choice. Trends are someone else’s choice for you.” —Charlotte Ronson"If you don't get out there and define yourself, you'll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others." —Michelle Obama, Former First Lady of the United States of America
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
—Maya Angelou
While trends may offer fleeting moments of excitement or provide a directional cue for what to wear, style is a profound reflection of your true self and personal brand.
It transcends the transient nature of trends and is rooted deeply in your values, intentions, aspirations, preferences, and personal history.
Style is not just about clothing; it's a narrative that speaks volumes about who you are and what makes you unique.
To discover and cultivate your style authentically, consider the following questions:
Do you know what you like and dislike to wear, and can you articulate the reasons behind these preferences?
What style resonates most with you and aligns with your personality and lifestyle?
Does your wardrobe reflect who you are and support your self-expression?
By exploring these questions with curiosity and self-awareness, you can unwrap the true essence of your style. This style is not confined to fleeting trends but becomes an enduring part of your identity, speaking volumes without uttering a word."
I am a stylist & image consultant with a decade of successful experience working
with executive women. My specialty is helping executive women leverage their professional style to drive their leadership forward and leave a lasting legacy.
Visit www.susanaperczekstyling.com for more details.