How to Confidently Navigate current Fashion Trends to Create a Timeless You-i-est Wardrobe

I’m in my mid-thirties and have loved fashion for so much of my life, but I think for the first time ever, I’ve realized I’ve finally figured out how to navigate fashion trends. And I want to share with you how you can also say yes or no to fashion trends so you can feel confident about what you add to your wardrobe, knowing those pieces you buy will stay with you for a long time. I’ve purposefully included the photos from the last few years in this post because I want you to know that almost all of these pieces are still pieces I have in my closet and plan to keep in my closet for a long time.

The problem with trends is that they come and go, which creates a lot of clothing waste. I’m out here working hard to add pieces to my wardrobe that feel “me” now and will feel “me” ten years from now. And just because we call them “timeless” pieces doesn’t mean they have to be boring or fit inside some box. I think we can really curate pieces that excite us that will live beyond the trends.

Here’s how you can confidently navigate fashion trends to create a timeless you-i-est wardrobe:

1. Find some colors that look awesome on you that you LOVE. I’ve cultivated a color palette I really love and know looks good on me. I don’t tend to shop outside of that color palette. Which actually makes shopping much easier. I’m super drawn to clothes that make my eyes pop. Clothes that compliment my olive skin instead of making me look sickly. Yes, I do recommend trying to nail down your color analysis if you’re into that. Wear what colors you want, tut have a few trusty colors you know look awesome on you.

Question to ask yourself when shopping: Does this trend fit into the color palette I gravitate toward (for me that’s mustard yellow, orange, latte brown, cream, greens)?

2. Uncomfortable clothes do not pass the vibe test anymore. Post-Panini, our world is embracing comfortable clothes more than ever before. To me, there’s nothing worse than a tight pair of jeans that feel like they’re constantly digging into the depths of your vagina. I also, do not appreciate clothes that feel extra restrictive as I eat and drink throughout the day. I need clothes that will expand as my body naturally expands. High-waisted skirts, linen pants, and looser jeans are now my go to.

Question to ask yourself when shopping: Is this trend going to feel comfortable on my body and be worn on a day to day basis?

3. I’m only allowed to buy a piece of clothing if I can think of 3 things in my closet it will go with. I want to make sure I can mix and match (which still leaves room for creativity, in my opinion).

Question to ask yourself: What pieces in my closet will I wear this with? (Pro tip: Have a photo of what’s in your closet saved on your phone)

4. Buying pieces that align with my current style aesthetic is also important. I actually wrote down in a paragraph what my style is. And having a statement that explains it, helps me feel more confident about what I’m wearing. I’ve included my “Personal Style Essay” here so you can read it, but definitely recommend writing out your own as it can be easy to walk into a store and be mesmerized by the trends without considering how they fit into our pre-existing wardrobe:

Stacie’s Style Essay: I have a vintage meets modern style, so some trends really resonate with me and some trends just don’t excite me and I let them pass me by. I value comfort, funky, autumn colors, and vintage. Ever since I was a kid I’ve loved a 1930’s, 1940’s 1950’s look. So now that I’ve settled more into my style, I find that I still gravitate toward those looks. So I call my style vintage modern because there are days I want to look like I’m from this Century and there are days where I could happily steal the entire wardrobe from Lessons in Chemistry and be a happy vintage girly. I love to mix the two by using scarves, shoes, usually high-wasted pants, dusters, vintage inspired hair, and collared peterpan shirts with modern pants.

Question to ask yourself: Does this fit into my already existing _______ aesthetic?

So, what do ya think?

Will you feel more confident walking into the store or shopping online with the reflection questions above? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Take Care,

Stacie