From the boldest 80’s style to the modern monochrome ensemble, fashion has always been ever-changing and evolving—and the same can be said for individuals. Everyone has gone through an evolution of style and personal fashion changes, some with trackable timelines and others quite spontaneously. In this article, we will explore the trends that have influenced our own style evolution and the elements that make up our current fashion choices.
1. Unpacking the Evolution of Style
Since the beginning of time, fashion trends have come and gone. Over the years, what was seen as stylish in the 1970s may be a far cry from what is deemed chic today. With an ever-changing landscape of styles, understanding the journey of fashion can be complex.
- What is ‘fashion’ anyway?
Fashion isn’t just about the clothes we wear – it’s a reflection of many components, including lifestyle, politics, music, art, and more. It is the visual representation of a point in time, constantly in flux. Society’s opinions and tastes shape the trends that become popular and eventually dwindle in relevance. - What are fashion cycles?
Style cycles, or trends, move in cycles of between two and eight years. The cycle consists of four phases – introduction, rise, peak, and decline. A trend that is quickly becoming popular starts in its introduction phase before reaching its peak, then subtly fading out. This cycle has been happening for centuries. - Who influences fashion?
Fashion is influenced by a variety of sources, from the street style of everyday people to the couture runway creations of famed designers. Celebrities, influencers, brand campaigns, and countless others contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of fashion. Tastemakers, such as bloggers, designers, and stylists, also act as drivers of trends, helping determine what the public deems in vogue. - Is traditional fashion making a return?
There’s an increased appreciation for classic style nowadays, with timeless designs coming back into fashion. This appreciation might be down to an increased demand for longevity which makes sustainable pieces more desirable. Traditional elements, such as jeans, tailored silhouettes, and blazers, remain popular amongst trendsetters.
While fashion is generally thought of as frivolous, it is instead a reflection of an era – ever changing, yet constantly informing where we are and where we’re going. It’s an incredibly fascinating journey that continues to evolve and give us ever new expressions of identity and culture.
2. From Trends to Timelessness
With new trends in fashion, home decor, and lifestyle rising every season, it can be difficult to decide what’s right for you. While it can be fun to keep up with the latest styles, it’s important to choose items for your home and closet carefully. Invest in timeless pieces that work with all of your outfits, colors, and patterns.
Below are a few ways to transition from trendy to timeless:
- Opt for quality over quantity.
- Choose subtle, simple patterns and fabrics that won’t look dated in a few years.
- Examine how versatile the item is. Will it go with a variety of ensembles?
- Opt for neutral colors.
When it comes to your wardrobe, you don’t have to give up fashion. But instead of loading up on the season’s hottest trends, focus on building a wardrobe of timeless basic pieces that will help build a great base:
- A classic white button-down with a sharp collar.
- A black blazer that will never go out of style.
- A good quality black jacket that you can dress up or down.
- A neutral cardigan with a flattering neckline.
Adding some timeless pieces to your wardrobe now will help you stay ahead of the trends. You’ll be able to feel confident no matter what the current trends are, and your timeless wardrobe will become your signature style.
3. Examining our Unique Style Journeys
Exploring our unique style journeys can be an exciting but humbling experience. We are all innately stylish in our own ways, and it’s fulfilling to find out exactly what makes us look AND feel fabulous. Here are some tips for :
- Focus on more than just the clothes – look to your inner values and passions to help your style evolve.
- Research different fashion eras and styles. You can find inspiration for modern looks that draw from classic fashion eras.
- Try new trends and experiment with colors, silhouettes, and textures.
- Listen to your gut, and don’t be pressured into wearing something just because it’s “in”.
- Pay attention to what styles make you feel most confident and define your personal aesthetic.
All of these tips can help us better understand our unique fashion journeys. Take some time to experiment and enjoy the process— it will be rewarding in the end. Creating and exploring your own personal style is one of the most liberating processes out there. It’s easy to start getting creative in your wardrobe and find out what really fits your own individual taste.
Fashion has no labels. As long as what you are wearing makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, it will automatically look good. You can find something to wear for any occasion that won’t compromise your personal style. A look that’s stylish and entirely yours is one worth investing in.
4. Embracing the Art of Self-Expressin
Expressing yourself is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. As individuals, we use creative expression to make sense of our emotions, experiences, and beliefs. This often manifests itself in the form of writing, painting, playing music, dancing, or speaking. Allowing yourself to engage in self-expression is deeply rewarding and helpful when it comes to managing difficult emotions and situations.
Challenge Your Creative Muscles
The idea of “challenging your creative muscles” refers to committing yourself to expressing yourself. It’s about caring for yourself enough to create whatever it is that needs to come out, even if it doesn’t look or feel perfect. It’s about being gentle with yourself and your artistic ability, and remembering that the process is more important than the product.
Engage Your Craft
- Creative expression helps make sense of the world we live in.
- You don’t need to have a “natural talent” to get something out of the process.
- Challenge yourself to add a new technique, tool, or form of expression in your artwork.
- Be mindful of your process and the feelings that come up when you’re engaged in self-expression.
- Give yourself permission to explore and make mistakes.
Welcome Mistakes
The fear of mistakes can be paralyzing, but it’s important to remember that making mistakes is an essential part of the creative process. It doesn’t mean that something is wrong with you or that you don’t have “what it takes.” Embracing mistakes and learning from them will help you to foster a healthier and more productive creative practice.
Take Away
Self-expression is a key piece of our human experience. By challenging your creative muscles, engaging your craft, and welcoming mistakes, you can do wonders for your mental health and overall sense of self-worth. Creative expression invites exploration and provides movement through difficult times. Embrace your self-expression and let it lead the way.
Style evolution is an exciting way to figure out how our fashion preferences have changed over time. From the bright colors of childhood to more refined looks of adulthood, it can be interesting to pick out the influences of time and taste on our choices. Understanding the journey of our personal style can help us become more informed and mindful of our fashion choices going forward.
