We’re inundated with fashion inspiration these days, there’s no question about it. As a result of Instagram and Pinterest especially, we can easily get caught up in the overwhelming urge to stock up (and spend a pretty penny) on the hottest trends. Now I know this topic won’t be top of mind for me forever (like, say when I’m saving up for a deposit on my first house in a few years). But at the age of 27, I’m attending a lot of events and weddings, saving for the future, and paying off student loans, so I have to be strategic about where my disposable money goes…and if I’m not careful, it usually all goes to clothes. In a dream world, I’d always recognize forever-pieces from the duds. In REALITY, though, it’s sometimes hard to resist the season’s latest trends because even wardrobe staples need a little flair sometimes.
So what’s helped me not go broke over the irresistible new fashion trends? Knowing where to draw the line, and being able to say no. I’ve become so wise (in my old age) that I’ve learned that some trends work for my friends and not me, and vice versa. For the record, I look SILLY in jumpsuits and rompers with my wide hips, but I have a friend with an hourglass waist who looks dynamite in them.
Another trick? I like to think of trends as the category to have a little fun in, and that means getting creative with their sources (read: finding them on sale or highly discounted)! French style icon and blogger Garance Dore wrote in Love Style Life, “It’s more about building your wardrobe with great essentials and using the trends for fun updates.” I strategize a save-and-splurge technique by checking out discount sites like The Outnet and setting up sale alerts on ShopStyle (a great site to search for specific items) for the trendy items I’m looking for. As an example of my save-and-splurge strategy, I’ve found that these affordable lace-up sandals look just as good as the designer version, and this affordable panama hat is exactly what I need, without costing as much as this one. Lace-up sandals and panama hats are very trendy right now, and I feel better about buying the affordable options especially if I’m not 100% the trend will last through next year. (And to my delight, these sandals and this hat actually have!) A wardrobe staple like a classic black blazer, on the other hand? I’m going to buy one I know I’ll have for at least the next decade.
So I’d love to know: what fashion trends are you loving right now? Have there been trendy pieces that you have turned into staples? Has there been a fashion trend you’ve fallen trap to? What trends have you avoided? Lastly, where do YOU score your trendy pieces? Cheers, Kat
Ahhh, this is something all young women need to understand. Yes, thee are the items which you will be happy your splurged on, the brilliant designer pieces you can wear forever, or at least for a few years. If you’re really on a budget, rely on accessories to make dramatic changes to a single outfit. I could go around the world with a few black & white pieces, but with killer accessories, pieces to take you from AM to late late late, just by changing jewelry, handbag & shoes. I used to be the Fashion Director of the Houston Sak’s 5th Avenue, now I blog, along with selling lovely handbags on my site. You see, one never knows where life will lead us. And, OMG, absolutely at your age, jump on the fast trends, but find an place you can afford and get them there. Great post btw !!! Marsha