As a fashion editor, here’s why I’m sick of reading about ‘trends’

“Even if you don’t work in fashion media, it’s hard not to get sucked into the eternal pendulum that seems to be swinging faster and faster.”

With fashion month wrapping up in Europe and a lineup of Australian fashion events just around the corner, it’s an exciting (and hectic) time to be an editor at Fashion Journal – a role I have recently stepped into. I can’t wait to see new collections from local designers debut down the runway, but I’m equally excited to see all the looks outside the main event. 

As much as I adore a good runway show, street style is where so much of the next season’s outfit inspiration happens. It’s where the fantasy of fashion meets reality. Something about an outfit put together by an individual with their own outlook, purpose and destination (other than the end of a catwalk) just feels more ‘doable’. Fashion designers give us a vision so we can piece together our personal style.

For more on the circular economy, head to our Pre-Loved section.

Ah yes, personal style. It’s one of those things that’s easy to recognise on someone else and notoriously hard to describe about yourself. It’s personal, yes, but not exactly original. Even for those whose style has become iconic, it’s always just a mash-up of cultural references, whether you’re being intentional about it or not.

I’m embarrassingly intentional about it. Lately, when I’m getting dressed, I’m aiming for a look that’s roughly 20 per cent preppy, 30 per cent ’90s It Girl, 30 per cent frazzled English woman and 20 per cent Brat. I don’t think anyone who sees me on a regular basis would say I’m pulling this off, but I try.

Since moving from New Zealand to Melbourne’s inner north, I have been inspired by all the incredible street style around me. I don’t want to say ‘uniform’ but there is a real identity here (notably bomber jackets, camo hats and skirts worn over pants). It’s trendy, yes, but it feels authentic and tied to a community that is proudly repping its local designers and shopping pre-loved, two things Fashion Journal is all about.

It’s not until I get on social media or open the PR inbox at work that I start to feel extremely cynical about trends. One day it’s office siren, the next day it’s mob wife, then it’s Brat, then it’s demure. With every new trend comes a flurry of press releases, all pushing products and, ultimately, overconsumption. Even if you don’t work in fashion media, it’s hard not to get sucked into the eternal pendulum that seems to be swinging faster and faster. 

I am very aware of my position as a cog in this machine. I’ve written multiple stories about ‘blokette’ fashion, quiet luxury, Y2K, indie sleaze makeup and many, many more. Trends are enticing to write about because if you dig deep enough, they inevitably reveal something interesting about the cultural moment we’re living in. To get really meta, the fact that I’m writing about writing about trends says to me that our culture is far too dictated by them. 

Fast fashion brands are the only ones ‘winning’ at the speed of our current trend cycle. Aside from the serious environmental impact of overproduction and overconsumption that this promotes, my other gripe is that it’s making everyone look the same. If we’re all falling victim to the same micro-trends and becoming more fickle about the way we dress, will true personal style cease to exist? 

Circular fashion over cyclical trends

Something I’ve learnt from working in and writing about fashion is that shopping pre-loved and vintage will always ensure your style is your own. Of course, you can buy quality designer pieces if you want to invest, but if a good chunk of your wardrobe is thrifted, chances are you won’t look like anyone else but yourself. 

Sometimes, a trend will really speak to you. I was so excited at the return of ballet flats that I headed straight to eBay and set email alerts for any listings that combined my shoe size with the words ‘ballerina’ and Margiela, Miu Miu or The Row (still waiting, the curse of having size 41 feet). Last summer, when I saw all the cool girlies styling soccer shirts, I went straight to my partner’s wardrobe to try it out for myself. 

My point is you can ‘buy in’ to the fleeting trends you like without buying into fast fashion. But do it to experiment with your own style further, not just to copy the girlies on Instagram. Try scouring pre-loved marketplaces like eBay, your local consignment stores and op shops to find something more unique (a shortcut to true personal style, really).

Buying pre-loved is a great way to play with trends because if you get over something quickly, you can simply rehome it with less cost to the environment and your wallet. Sell it on eBay and put the money towards the next piece that helps you explore your style further. 

At the end of the day, that’s what we all want to see (and write and read) about: personal style, not a rehash of trends. It’s exciting to see what emerges on the runways each season but this year, consider it through a different lens. Instead of letting trends dictate your wardrobe, let yourself digest what you’ve seen on the runway (and beyond) and go for what you genuinely like – a radical concept, I know.

To explore your personal style further, head to eBay.

eBay is not endorsed by or affiliated with any of the brands referenced in this article.