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Hello dears! Today I am discussing the topic of fashion trends. Highly influenced by the big fashion houses and runways as well as street style/pop culture, fashion trends can be fleeting–hot just for a season–or they can have lasting effects with slight modifications to meet contemporary perspectives. Trends can be particular to specific pieces such as the high-waisted, kick flare crop denim or encompass a whole genre like athleisure. Even if you’re not one to chase after trends, its likely that we’re all influenced by what’s en vogue.

Today, I’ll be  sharing an outfit that is, for me, an exercise of sartorial stretch.  It incorporates two trends that I usually shy away from: the oversized blazer and the baker boy hat. With time (and countless fashion faux pas) I’ve developed a stronger sense of my personal style. Style evolves with time, and sometimes I like to experiment and interpret trends to fit my sense of style.

So how do I decide what trends I’d like to participate in? And how do I practically do so without looking silly or breaking the bank?

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First, I think about my style and what I tend to gravitate towards (modern architectural pieces, vintage 70s, bohemian, feminine and polished, etc.). Of course, there can be multiple categories that one can fall into. Then, I think about the trend and how it’s been interpreted. I get ideas via social media, magazines, and recently, Pinterest (I’m still a newbie but will be more active). If I do decide to try it out, I invest less monetarily toward trendy pieces; retailers such as Zara and Asos have pieces that usually are good quality and consider the details.

As a personal rule of thumb, I don’t purchase pieces that I cannot pair with many items in my existing wardrobe and if I feel like I cannot wear it for multiple seasons. Fast fashion may be fast, but I never want to be wasteful. In order to do so, I pick pieces that may be trendy but still reflect me. In the end, it’s all about self-expression. I also consider proportions and cut of the garment. For example, I don’t wear pleated A-line skirts. With my small stature, they tend Benjamin Button me (and not in a good way) to the days of schoolgirl prep.

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This is my perfect late winter to early spring transitional outfit for the Southern California weather. When choosing out the baker boy hat, I choose one in black with minimal details. Although there are other iterations in beautiful jewel tones, mustard yellow, made of velvet or leather, and had intricate buttons and braiding details, I chose this one from Brixton for its versatility, simplicity, and fit. As for the oversized blazer…surprise, surprise, I went with a micro herringbone pattern that can match casual denim or dressed up with wide leg trousers.

Styling is key when incorporating trends. If one piece is “loud,” I simplify other pieces to streamline the look. For this OOTD, I paired my hat and blazer with a striped sweater, dark skinny jeans, and heeled boots. The monochromatic color palette ties the look together. I rolled up the sleeves to prevent the jacket from overwhelming my frame. Front tucking the top would have also helped to balance out the blazer.

Those are a couple of tips that I consider when it comes to experimenting with trends. I believe that style is enduring. I am passionate about it, because it’s a means of creativity, self-expression, a peek into my mood (or where I aim to be), and…so incredibly, well, fun.

What’s your favorite or least favorite fashion trends? How have you personalized them to your own taste?

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