I recently received an emailed report from someone reporting about fashion trends. According to this report from boohoo.com the most popular fashion decades and trends searched today online are the 1980s followed by the 1990s. The 1970s and 1960s are the least popular according to the powers that be. The report didn’t shock me, really, But it did surprise me. That is, until I gave it a little bit more thought.
Trends:
I personally believe that it’s challenging to believe what you read in “print” or in other media sources these days. Just because it is written down (or in digital media) doesn’t make it a definite truth. Do people really want 80s-style big hair, baggy jeans, and mullets again? I’m not sure. The 1990s trends were high-waisted jeans mostly sneered at as “mom fashion.” Popular preppy fashion was the trend of “masters of the universe” during an economic boom. So why are these trends being searched today?
Who is Searching?
I photographed this 1960s-inspired trend on the fashion week runway in 2012
With all good intentions, I know that Boohoo.com simply wants positive attention for their company. I don’t fault them for that. But is survey is only as good as how it’s constructed. If you are doing a study of people searching for a trend or trends, who are they and does the population of users skew the survey from the get-go?
It is obvious to me that many younger people were searching for “what my mom wore” from the 80s and 90s while their grandmoms and dads were probably searching for the 1950s, 60’s, and also the 1970s (it ranked third). Older folks, especially those who are 80+, also use the internet. But probably somewhat less than kids still in elementary and high school who are still learning what style means…at least for them. So this isn’t a well-balanced study IMHO.
Screens Influence Us:
a cute vintage hat is always in style
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel brought back a rush of women running to second-hand and vintage shops for everything from dresses to hats. The first season of Emily in Paris brought tons of searching for her charming camera phone cover (the clothes were too costly for most to aspire to). There are so many other trends inspired by the big and small screen.
Following Fashion Trends is Fine but Make it Your Own.
if it looks great on you, fine. if not, try something else
I think that’s ok as long as it’s in moderation. It’s obvious that television shows and movies do influence and inspire people when it comes to fashion. Inspiration to look at a style and make it work with your style is great. However, none of us are going to be the characters or have the body types (or wardrobe assistants) of the actresses we see on our screens. Experimentaion is a good thing. If you want to try blue lipstick, for example, get a cheap one to see how you like it before you spend more.
But it isn’t great to be a slave to fashion trends. Advicesisters.com has received lots of previews of these and some are just downright not flattering to everyone. I took the photo above at a runway show in 2012 during New York Fashion Week. Then, a couple of months later I saw that crazy trend everywhere from black lipstick and white or light flesh lipstick to babydoll dresses that might make a grown woman attractive to “certain types” (I can’t say the words without being censored by Google).
Every decade as its devotees. I love learning about a new trend. And I have also been influenced by a trend I’ve seen on the big and small screens. I searched for months to find that “Emily in Paris” camera phone case, only to find out no one made it for my particular phone.
Consider, there have always been trend setters. Are you one of them? It’s fun to try out different things and a hot trend but keep it real. If it looks good on you, do it. If it doesn’t, try another trend or classic that is flattering to you.
