I am completely immersed in media on a daily basis. Whether it’s through magazines, social networks, TV, music, or film, the media penetrates my mind.

The fashion world uses the media as its vehicle for communicating all of the latest trends. While I understand that trends are fun, fresh, and time markers in a sense, I have never been one to keep up with them. Am I aware of trends? Yes, but I am not in the pursuit of them, unless I happen to really like a particular one.

It might sound strange that I am not fond of trends, so it’s probably best that I explain why.

1. Trends are not timeless

Remember how I said that trends are “time markers?” Well, this phrase is basically another way of saying dated. Trends come and go, and they are often something we laugh at ten years down the road. One year a certain top might be a hot commodity, and the next year, maybe even month, it will be considered trash. Despite this, I will admit that it is fun to look back on old trends. Sometimes the clothes we wear remind us of the past that we wish to remember.

2. Trends create a homogenized society

I realize that fashion is a business, and if a new trend comes out, everyone will want it. That is where the money is made, but fashion is also about self expression. If everyone is wearing the same style of top, where is the identity? How does anyone stand out? An added benefit? Having a sense of style makes you less vulnerable to dreaded “Who wore it better?” comparisons.

3. Trends push people to spend money and keep up with the Joneses

Everyone wants to fit in or gain acceptance in some way or another. Trends provide another avenue for people to feel like they don’t fit in or can’t keep up with their peers. Clothes cost money, and as much as I love them, I don’t think it’s worth it to blow money in order to keep up with everybody else.

I would rather be referred to as stylish, and here’s why.

1. Having a sense of style transcends time

I’m a big fan of fashion from the early 2000s. It was very quirky and fun. I would like to believe that a stylish person could construct an outfit based around that time, and still make it look good. Being stylish means that a person could be put into any era or any place, and still look fabulous.

2. Being stylish means you can work with anything and save money

Many college students are essentially broke, and they learn to love Ramen noodles. In addition, the clothes a college student chooses to bring with them may not encompass their entire wardrobe. So, college students probably can’t keep up with trends, and they really have to work with what they have. A stylish person would still manage to look sophisticated and cool even if they lived out of a suitcase, and all they had to wear were trash bags. A “trendy” person might come down with a case of “I have nothing to wear” syndrome.

3. Being stylish allows people to have an identity

Maybe you’re like me, and you really enjoy clothing from past eras. Having a sense of style would allow you to delve into your retro tastes and true fashion identity without looking out of date or becoming a laughing stock. Having a personal style also allows for people to stand out and resist being defined by the day’s trends.

Trends aren’t necessarily bad. Over the years, I’ve adopted a few. Boyfriend jeans might be considered trendy, and I wear them quite frequently.

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I just wanted to take away the perceived importance of being trendy. It makes me sad that people feel lesser because they can’t keep up with their peers or can’t look like everyone else. To those of you who feel this way, I want to say that it is better to stand out, and you can work with what you have and still look good. Own your style and develop it! Trends are always departing, but your style will remain constant.

The great Coco Chanel once said, “Fashion changes, but style endures.”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

❤ Couturely Sound