Slow style over fast fashion

Many of us enjoy flicking through magazines and people-watching in cafes for clothing inspiration. Perusing for up-coming or current fashion trends can be fun - but it seems to feed inevitably into fast goods turnover, and increased purchasing of 'brand new' items.

Now, I am all for searching for style inspiration, because it helps evolve one's style and keep it interesting - but fashions should not be the sole influence of style. Style is (for me) innate, personal and cannot be ruled simply by trends. Style also requires consideration of an individual's shape; something fashion does not always seem to address. I am petite, so anything bulky at the neck shortens it and is always going to be a no-no for me; if feather boas suddenly become the latest must-have, trust me I will not be rushing out to buy one.

Mixing up pre-owned pieces can nod to trends without the risk of falling victim to fashions. I like to think of this strategy as reducing the odds I will be groaning with embarrassment when I look back at photos in a decades's time. The bottom line is, whatever is in fashion at any given time, style it your own way if you decide the trend is worth a nod. Keep your own in-built style in mind.

Some examples might be useful here.

Floral patterns and flowers seem to go in and out of fashion. For me they will always be timeless and in style. A flower corsage (or indeed, a strategically placed fresh flower) may be sufficient to nod to this trend, or you may prefer to commit to some floral print worn 'your' way (whether that be bold colours, or subtle darker prints). If you're like me you'll begin by rifling through your closet (and probably your relatives' wardrobes too) to find the perfect item. If there's not a single flower on your scarves, shoes, skirts or dresses but you really want to embrace something floral that you can style your way, you can find amazing thrifted pieces in vintage and charity shops everywhere. The same can be said for bows. which seem to be a key item at the moment too.

L-R: i - floral Zara dress with floral bag (thrifted), ii - floral Coast dress (thrfited) with velvet bag (thrifted), iii - dress as before with jacket (thrifted), iv - floral corsage with LK Bennett bow courts (thrifted)

This bag is a thrifted find and was well loved before I found it so the strap handle had almost worn through. I added this ribbon as a new handle and I adore it. It reminds me of some of the previous seasons (especially '90s) D&G floral bags.

The bow adds a nod to the bow trend and finishes off the handle nicely so it looks like less of a DIY project.

Do you renovate items you find? Please feel free to comment below!

I have seen a lot of scarves used as hair ties in recent weeks. Surely everyone has a narrow, or square or small scarf of some kind lurking in a drawer?! It can be tied onto a hair-tie to dress up a ponytail, or for a less literal interpretation of the trend it can be tied onto a bag handle.

Matalan bag with thrifted monochrome scarf (left) and with shirt-dress belt used as a scarf (right)

Rattan, wicker and straw bags (as well as hats, sandals etc) seem to be all over the high street at the moment and are perfect for summer outfits. As above, I have a black woven bag which serves as a nod to this trend I love, but can be accessorised for impact and makes a statement in a way which complements my personal style. This bag was a considered purchase as it is not thrifted but it has already become a wardrobe staple for me and will persist in my closet long after the woven trend has faded.

Freedom at Topshop earrings

I love gold jewellery, especially when pearls are involved. It is my birthstone so I was given several pearls as a teenager. I recently asked for these earrings for my birthday from my family (keep your fingers crossed!) but also have an inexpensive string of pearls which I thrifted and will never go out of style. They make skin glow and feel so luxurious to wear. Pearls as trend pieces may come and go but I will be wearing them forever.

Earrings can be thrifted (especially clip-ons) but if you buy studs second hand make sure you soak the posts and butterfly fastenings in surgical spirit or similar before wearing.

Thrifted mock croc bag (vintage)

I also love animal print trends, but mostly prefer to nod to it rather than wear full outfits. I find this classic top-handle vintage bag in a latte colour with gold accent hardware perfect.

Once leopard print leggings and snake-print jackets are likely only found in discounted sales bins at fast fashion retailers, this bag will remain timeless and classic, continuing its life in my closet and out and about with me!

So, as hinted above, you are not going to have everything you need to not at every passing trend - AND THAT IS NO BAD THING! In fact, it is fine and probably the same situation everyone else finds themselves in. On top of that, not every trend needs you to embrace or even nod at. Choose only the trends that resonate with you.

By being more aware, you won't fall for trends you don't really identify with. For me, nowadays, it seems so easy to buy something new with the click of a button without actually consciously considering it. We all know that trends / fashions are cyclical, coming around again and again with some minor tweak that puts us off recycling items from "last time". Trends fade but style persists so items bought with thought 'this time around' can be modified and worn with more 'current' items to give them fresh twists and allow them to persevere in your closet without becoming tiresome.

I am trying to be more mindful about what I buy, ESPECIALLY if it is a trend piece, and even more so if it is not second-hand or vintage. For me, I have deleted the shopping apps, reduced the number of magazines I peruse and started to browse my wardrobe more than social media so what I already have is at the forefront of my mind. I try to buy with caution and with thought, something I would encourage others to do too!

What are your thoughts on trends? Are you embracing any trends in your own unique way? Please feel free to comment below.