Do you enjoy being at the forefront of fashion trends or do you prefer more timeless styles that endure? Or perhaps you fall somewhere in the middle, seeking styles that are have both contemporary and timeless elements?
If you enjoy showcasing your forward-thinking or imaginative personality, openness to new ideas, enjoyment of the unusual or creativity through your clothing choices, embracing new trends early may be the best approach for you. This could be particularly suitable if you work in a creative field such fashion, art or media.
However, if you have a more traditional lifestyle or values and do not wish to keep up with constantly changing fashion trends, then adopting a trend-proof wardrobe might be the better option for you.
Many individuals find themselves somewhere in between these two extremes and could benefit from having a timeless, foundational wardrobe to which they can incorporate a few trendy pieces, if they wish. This is particularly true for the Classic Style IDs, especially Classic-Dramatic and Classic-Gamine.
To safeguard your style against trends, all the Classic Style IDs could opt for classic cuts, fabrics and colours that suit their particular body shape and colouring.
For other types, look for pieces that suit your body shape perfectly, which can function as your 'basics.' They should be in your most flattering colours and enduring materials. These can be mixed with trendier or more style-specific pieces eg a cinched waist belt collection for a Romantic Style ID or a long-line blazer collection for a Dramatic Style ID .
Another strategy, when building your core wardrobe, is to pay attention to 'mega-trends' rather than fleeting 'micro-trends' that are usually seasonal. Micro-trends could include neon colours, Y2K styles, Moon boots, are often fun and can suit the Gamine Style IDs, as well as creative personality types.
On the other hand, mega-trends could revolve around themes such 'dressing for comfort' in response to the societal trend of remote work; sustainable fabrics that support society's interest in preserving the natural environment; outdoor apparel linked to growing interest in health and well-being; vintage influences from the thriving second-hand and archival markets; unisex clothing reflecting changing gender norms, as well as technological developments in manufacture and design eg. ski jackets with in-built UV protection.
For an even broader view, meta-trends - overarching societal trends spanning decades, can include the rise of social media, emotional awareness and globalism. Understanding these more subtle societal shifts, can help us to reflect on what longevity or timelessness might look like in fashion.