Let’s chat about trends and how much they should influence your wardrobe.
The goal is to understand the fashion trend cycle and find a style aesthetic that feels authentic to you, balancing trendy and timeless fashion effortlessly.
Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of influencers on Instagram and Facebook either styling the latest trends or comparing current outfits with those from years ago, labeling the older ones as outdated and cringeworthy.
This has started to bug me a little bit.
They’re cool and interesting, but should only be taken as info, not as a prescription for what to wear.
Here’s why: what was fashionable then wasn’t “cringy” at the time.
It’s all about the fashion trend cycle—items that are in vogue now but were unthinkable a few years ago will likely seem outdated soon.
Examples:
- Chunky-sole sneakers
- Biker shorts worn as casual wear
- Neon color clothing
- Cropped flare jeans
- Earth tones everything
- Matching sets
- Fanny packs worn across the chest (aka Belt bags)
These trends are hot right now (2025) but give it a few years, and they might just be the pieces we look back on, wondering what we were thinking!
Chasing trends can be fun, but it often leads to a costly wardrobe that feels outdated too quickly. (Of course, fast fashion makes it more affordable, but you need to be aware of the implications).
While I find these outfit comparisons helpful and interesting, if not careful they can make us:
- get into a vicious cycle of never arriving,
- make us feel we need to dump our whole wardrobe and start over every year, and
- make us constantly second-guess if our outfit looks dated too.
Trends come and go, but the key to a lasting, confident wardrobe is knowing how to incorporate trends without letting them dictate your entire style.”
So, let’s dive deeper.
KEY POINT: Items that now appear the most dated now are often those that were the hottest trends at their peak.
This is a trap we want to avoid.
While trends can be fun, and adding a few trendy pieces helps keep your wardrobe fresh, it’s crucial to balance them with a foundation of classic, timeless pieces.
Finding the perfect balance between trendy and timeless fashion ensures your wardrobe stays stylish without constantly needing a refresh.
It’s important to consider how much of our shopping is driven by fleeting trends versus timeless classics.
How Trendy Should My Wardrobe Be?
As I was mulling over this and trying to figure out a framework for us to go by, I came up with 4 main approaches to the question of “what is my style aesthetic”?
I define them below, with Instagram accounts as examples of each.
They each have their pros and cons, but you’ll probably be comfortable landing in one of these.
Each of us is different, so YOU need to decide which of these Style Types you are, and understand the pros and cons of that type.
Then once you know where you land, settle into that and don’t let any influencer make you feel like you’re “doing it wrong.”
Use our FREE Printable to Create a Wardrobe That Balances Trends and Timeless Pieces: Get the Free Checklist
Now let’s talk about 4 Style Types–which are you?
Style Aesthetic #1 – The Eclectic Wardrobe
This is all about embracing 100% of your personal style aesthetic without being influenced by current trends.
Pros of this style type
Your style never goes out of date because it doesn’t have a timestamp. You’ll have fun with it and it truly reflects your personality.
Cons of this style type
You need to have a strong sense of style and confidence to pull it off; otherwise, it might look like a collection of mismatched items.
Examples
@damasklove (bright, fun)
@laracasey (whimsical, feminine)
@dailyconnoisseur (vintage/Victorian)
@maryorton (elegant/sophisticated vintage)
@thelizwilcox (I follow her for email marketing tips, but her brand and clothing is consistently 80’s-90’s)
@emmamcmorran (Cozy, whimsical, vintage-inspired)
Style Aesthetic #2: The Trendy Wardrobe
This is for those who love looking super cute and stylish, always on point with current society.
Pros of this style type
You’ll always look super relevant and can get excited about the latest trends.
Cons of this style type
Here’s the catch: you’ll have to keep replacing your items every few years because they start to look old-fashioned.
While you look super cute in the present, you might dislike what you see in photos in 5-10 years.
It can be fun if you enjoy shopping and have a budget for keeping up with trends.
But if you don’t enjoy shopping, this approach will wear you out. No pun intended! 😆
Examples
Style Aesthetic #3: The Classic Wardrobe
This approach focuses on timeless, classic styles and pieces that won’t go out of date in a few years.
Pros of this style type
What you buy will last longer, and you don’t have to constantly keep up with trends.
Cons of this style type
Some people find it boring or feel limited in their choices, and it may not allow much room for personal style evolution.
Examples
@elliejeanroyden – Covers all kinds of style types and body shapes but follows the Classic style herself
This video by Ellie-Jean is excellent: Are you a Classic type? (She uses the Kibbe body types to help you identify your best natural style.)
I love this quote where she defines the Classic style: “It’s timeless, classic, clean, sophisticated, formal. It’s conservative, and neutral”
It wasn’t easy to find a 25-40 year-old with a classic style… please comment below with any you know of!
Style Aesthetic #4: The Blended Wardrobe
This is the one I personally follow for my own wardrobe: a blend of the trendy and classic pieces. I base my wardrobe on classic pieces but also love throwing in a splash of trends.
Pros of this style type
It keeps things interesting, allows for variety, and satisfies my shopping cravings. (That’s probably why our Women’s Essentials capsule wardrobe isn’t tiny!)
Cons of this style type
You’re still doing a certain extent of keeping up with the trends. This means shopping for a few updated pieces each season, which might be hard on your budget.
Examples
@mychicobsession – she takes classic pieces and blends them with trendy styles.
@justpostedblog – enjoys lots of trends, but mixes in her own styles
@jolynneshane – lots of trends as well, but her own classic essence remains
Me — I post my outfits throughout the week on the Interactive (@corina_holden) and on Instagram sometimes (go here to join the Interactive!)
Finding YOUR Style Aesthetic
To find your ideal wardrobe balance, ask yourself: Do I love experimenting with trends, or do I prefer timeless styles?
Knowing your answer will help you shop with confidence and avoid fashion regret or feeling like you’re following someone else’s aesthetic rather than your own.
Video: Our 5-Step Wardrobe Plan for Clarity (Before Shopping Trends)
Let’s talk about how to approach trends in a way that actually improves your wardrobe, instead of making it more chaotic.
In this video, I’m reading a key Frump Fighters email newsletter, which explains our five-step framework for getting your wardrobe to a place of clarity. This ensures that trends are just a fun addition, not the only thing you’re buying—so your closet stays stylish, versatile, and frustration-free.
Watch below to learn:
✅ Why shopping for trends first might be hurting your wardrobe
✅ The essential steps to get clarity on what your closet actually needs
✅ How to purposefully shop for trends so they work with what you already own
Conclusion
Here’s my final thought: whichever route you choose for your wardrobe, don’t fall into the assumption that what influencers share online is the only way to have a cute and up-to-date wardrobe.
Trends are optional!
Understanding the fashion trend cycle helps you decide which ones to embrace and which to skip.
Keep in mind that once you incorporate very trendy items, they’re unlikely to remain favorites for many years to come.
So where do YOU sit on the trend continuum? 1, 2, 3, or 4? Leave a comment with your number!
Get Clarity on Your Wardrobe
Not sure where you land on the style spectrum? Our FREE checklist helps you define your personal style and create a wardrobe that feels both current and timeless. Grab yours below or by clicking here.