The trend cycle is faster and faster every month because of fast fashion and overconsumption (read more about that here and here). Trends are in one day and out the next. In a matter of weeks, items can go from your favorite to sitting in the bottom of your drawer. Instead of just following trends, I’ve tried to hold onto styles that I like and continue to wear them to extend the life of my garments, slowing my personal trend cycle.
Ultimately, this has led to some development of personal style. It’s so easy to just follow the trends and think you like something every time, conveniently when everyone else does. However, by thinking about which trends you really like and would wear for more than the month it’s popular for, and revitalizing older trends, you end up creating a style that is uniquely yours.
- Low Rise Pants
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This one is now coming back into style, but some people still have such a strong hatred for it. I will say that I won’t ever be quite as low rise as the Hollister shorts that were maybe 4 inches long from top to bottom, but I enjoy a low rise moment every now and again. High rise will always be a favorite, but if you’re always wearing the same rise, the silhouette of your outfits are always going to be the same.
- Animal Print
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It’s controversial as to if this one is still in or not, which is why I include it. I am still fully obsessed with zebra and cheetah print, as you will soon see in my “What I wear in a week to school.” I wear either my brown zebra top or my classic zebra flares at least once a week. The cheetah button up makes it out less often, but is still a loved piece.
- 2014 Tumblr Aesthetic
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Some of you will hate this one. In most contexts, skinny jeans are not okay, but I do make an exception for the black skinny jean with a graphic tee. Something about this era of fashion has a grip on me and I can’t let it go at all. If you see me wearing a choker and listening to 5SOS, I expect you to join in.
Anna Schultz / Her Campus - Corduroy
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When I think of corduroy, I think of the denim jackets with the corduroy lining from 2018 that had an absolute gorilla grip on everyone’s wallets. During this time, I thrifted two pairs of corduroy pants that I wear all the time now. They’re comfortable and soft, very warm in the winter, while still wearable in the summer. Plus the added texture makes any outfit that much better.
Nappy - Biker Shorts
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Before I start talking about biker shorts, I do need to self plug and say I had them before everyone else. Did I start the trend? Maybe! There’s really no way to tell, but I’m just saying that after I wore them, other people began to. Do with that information what you will. Biker shorts make for the ultimate PJ to running out of the house look to going-out look. These versatile queens will not be leaving my wardrobe any time soon and if they do, please send me to a doctor. At just the right length to be comfortable and seen under a large t-shirt, people know you’re not naked in the Target makeup aisle. Dress it up with some jewelry and a more casual going out top and you have yourself a comfortable outfit to dance all night in.
- Canadian Tuxedo
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I don’t think this was a trend that existed in our lifetime, but each fall suddenly all I know is a jean jacket. The Canadian tuxedo is warm, stylish and almost camp. If you don’t like it then you just don’t have a good jean jacket yet and I stand by that.
- Bras That Are Tops
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This is a trend that comes every summer with the warm weather, but I love it in all seasons and demand everyone see my bra. Layered with jackets over or long sleeves underneath, this is such a look and I will not let go of it simply for snow.
Kristen Bryant / Her Campus
