Being "on trend".. Why??

[roundandround]

I'm not a trendy person. I don't follow what's on trend but keep my eyes opened, admired some, disgusted by most.

I've bought a number of things, returned them because I doubt it if I like them enough to use/wear when the "it of today will be gone by tomorrow".

 

[Sparkletastic]

Well...carry a designer bag, why? Ensure the bag is in good condition - why? A worn out but structurally sound, simple pouch would do the job of carrying our stuff. But, those of us on tPF see value in style - different types, etc. But, none of us ignore and are immune to style.

Being on trend is absolutely important to me.

When I say I like to be on trend, I am saying that I enjoy fashion and like participating in that world as much as makes me happy.

I would very much disagree that this means I don’t know my own style. I absolutely do. I prefer dresses and heels which aren’t common. I like dramatic but uncomplicated architectural styling with a feminine flair which is my own “thing” that I haven’t seen described elsewhere.

And, I would disagree that this means I chase trends. I absolutely don’t. I like designer items but despise logomania, love Chanel bags but hate the Gabrielle and like smallish bags but wouldn’t buy a true mini.

But, I love borrowing from and playing with trends and current styles as pleases my eye. I like looking “on trend” - not trendy - when I go out and about. To me, it’s a sign of conscious care about my look.

And, to that point, I would avoid the entirety of my look being dated like the plague. I don’t want to look tired, unfocused, blah, etc. That being said, mixing older items with newer ones is actually one of the most chic looks IMO. I don’t know that any item (unless it’s hopelessly kitschy, overdone, or worn out) can ever look dated if well styled. But, from a pure “fashionable” standpoint, an older item can look dated and tired if not well styled. Personal style is thankfully whatever we want it to be. Fashion however, isn’t “fair”, egalitarian or something that can easily be shaped by a contrarian army of one.

Enjoying being fashionable and on trend doesn’t mean a slavish devotion to whatever the designers spit out. It means loving and participating in those current fashions that make you happy to accentuate and freshen up your own look. Nothing more. Nothing less. It’s no different (nor any less acceptable) than someone who loves innovation in personal technology, cars or cookware.

 

[papertiger]

Buying a trendy bag can be fun.... But only if it doesn't cost you an arm as we say in French...
i didn't buy the lovely Fendi Spy or the gorgeous Chloé Paddington when they came out because they were too expensive for me at the time.
Had they been affordable , I might have taken the plunge...

I still love both those bags too. I don't think either dates because they're both unique in their own right and iconic

 

[papertiger]

I never understand why buying a bag that is "on trend" is so important. Or why people won't buy a bag they think looks dated, even if they love it. Ok I can understand it if the person intends to resell the bag at some point. But what if you have no intention of reselling? Some of these bags cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars. If I'm going to spend a lot of money I want something that will last for years. And years. Any bag can look great with the right outfit.
I guess I am really asking why someone would refuse to use a bag that is no longer popular.
Do you think wearing a bag that is "in" or "out" is important?

People want other people to think they just bought a bag therefore most discontinued bags don't qualify.

Do I care? No I don't

I would think these days, when every other concern is about sustainability or personal significance, any handbag we love, have for a long time or buy preoved should be applauded.

 

[doni]

I would think these days, when every other concern is about sustainability or personal significance, any handbag we love, have for a long time or buy preoved should be applauded.

But aren't buying pre-loved and suistainability right on trend?

Plus, when we buy vintage stuff, don't we often buy what was once on trend? There is this sense that trendy things age badly. I think the opposite is the truth: things that become classic tend to be representative of the time when they were born. For example, the Hermes Bolide, which is beyond classic, a bag that has been in continuous production for practically 100 years and never looks out of place. It was conceived to allure bob-haired girls who would travel by motor car (the novelty!) for a weekend of swinging and had need for nothing more than a feather weighted flapper dress and skimpy silk undies. Was there anything trendier than that in the 20s (or ever)?

 

[Shelby33]

People want other people to think they just bought a bag therefore most discontinued bags don't qualify.

Do I care? No I don't

I would think these days, when every other concern is about sustainability or personal significance, any handbag we love, have for a long time or buy preoved should be applauded.

Exactly!!

 

[Shelby33]

Well...carry a designer bag, why? Ensure the bag is in good condition - why? A worn out but structurally sound, simple pouch would do the job of carrying our stuff. But, those of us on tPF see value in style - different types, etc. But, none of us ignore and are immune to style.

Being on trend is absolutely important to me.

When I say I like to be on trend, I am saying that I enjoy fashion and like participating in that world as much as makes me happy.

I would very much disagree that this means I don’t know my own style. I absolutely do. I prefer dresses and heels which aren’t common. I like dramatic but uncomplicated architectural styling with a feminine flair which is my own “thing” that I haven’t seen described elsewhere.

And, I would disagree that this means I chase trends. I absolutely don’t. I like designer items but despise logomania, love Chanel bags but hate the Gabrielle and like smallish bags but wouldn’t buy a true mini.

But, I love borrowing from and playing with trends and current styles as pleases my eye. I like looking “on trend” - not trendy - when I go out and about. To me, it’s a sign of conscious care about my look.

And, to that point, I would avoid the entirety of my look being dated like the plague. I don’t want to look tired, unfocused, blah, etc. That being said, mixing older items with newer ones is actually one of the most chic looks IMO. I don’t know that any item (unless it’s hopelessly kitschy, overdone, or worn out) can ever look dated if well styled. But, from a pure “fashionable” standpoint, an older item can look dated and tired if not well styled. Personal style is thankfully whatever we want it to be. Fashion however, isn’t “fair”, egalitarian or something that can easily be shaped by a contrarian army of one.

Enjoying being fashionable and on trend doesn’t mean a slavish devotion to whatever the designers spit out. It means loving and participating in those current fashions that make you happy to accentuate and freshen up your own look. Nothing more. Nothing less. It’s no different (nor any less acceptable) than someone who loves innovation in personal technology, cars or cookware.

Well, I agree with the points you make. I wouldn't go out wearing a dress with shoulder pads, you know? But I am really only talking about bags. I agree mixing something old with something new looks great. The thing for me is, why shell out 1,000 or 2,000 or 5,000 for a bag and then be afraid to use it in 8 months or a year because you think it looks dated. Even if it is a bag you love. Does the love go away when the trend does?

 

[Shelby33]

But aren't buying pre-loved and suistainability right on trend?

Plus, when we buy vintage stuff, don't we often buy what was once on trend? There is this sense that trendy things age badly. I think the opposite is the truth: things that become classic tend to be representative of the time when they were born. For example, the Hermes Bolide, which is beyond classic, a bag that has been in continuous production for practically 100 years and never looks out of place. It was conceived to allure bob-haired girls who would travel by motor car (the novelty!) for a weekend of swinging and had need for nothing more than a feather weighted flapper dress and skimpy silk undies. Was there anything trendier than that in the 20s (or ever)?

Yes vintage stuff was once a trend. But the fact that it is not current now, even if it is beautiful and functional and almost a work of art, will keep many women from using it-it will sit in the closet. Some classics did start out as trends, but became classic over time. Classics like the Hermes Bolide or even the Chanel Flaps to me are in a different class. They will always look beautiful and nobody worries about them looking dated because I don't think they ever will.

 

[doni]

Yes vintage stuff was once a trend. But the fact that it is not current now, even if it is beautiful and functional and almost a work of art, will keep many women from using it-it will sit in the closet. Some classics did start out as trends, but became classic over time. Classics like the Hermes Bolide or even the Chanel Flaps to me are in a different class. They will always look beautiful and nobody worries about them looking dated because I don't think they ever will.

Yes. But my point is, you ask how come some people care about trends. And it is in fact the existence of those people that explains bags like the Bolide or the Chanel classic flap. The Chanel flap was totally novel and trendy and never intended to appeal to the women of the time who would consider themselves classic (and were practically still in pettycoats). Had it not been for the trend-following Parisians (including Coco herself) falling on the trend, it would have never made it. So, it takes all kinds.

 

[Shelby33]

Yes. But my point is, you ask how come so me people care about trends. And it is in fact the existence of those people that explains bags like the Bolide or the Chanel classic flap. The Chanel flap was totally novel and trendy and never intended to appeal to the women of the time who would consider themselves classic (and were practically still in pettycoats). Had it not bene for the trend-following Parisians (including Coco herself) falling on the trend, it would have never made it. So, it takes all kinds.

Thank you, I get what you are saying now.

 

[papertiger]

But aren't buying pre-loved and suistainability right on trend?

Plus, when we buy vintage stuff, don't we often buy what was once on trend? There is this sense that trendy things age badly. I think the opposite is the truth: things that become classic tend to be representative of the time when they were born. For example, the Hermes Bolide, which is beyond classic, a bag that has been in continuous production for practically 100 years and never looks out of place. It was conceived to allure bob-haired girls who would travel by motor car (the novelty!) for a weekend of swinging and had need for nothing more than a feather weighted flapper dress and skimpy silk undies. Was there anything trendier than that in the 20s (or ever)?

That's what I meant about preoved should be on trend but as Shelby wrote, lots of women and girls, men and boys don't feel the same. It feels like they need to be given permission.

If course some people have no clue what they like. They may pay a designer for that guidance

 

[papertiger]

I think everybody is influenced by trends. It is what fashion is about, like Karl Lagerfeld said, the new. Even things we think of as classics, like say, a trench, are this century trends, something a Middle Ages person wouldn’t wear. Plus a trench is never just a trench, even the most subtle cut and proportion details are influenced by trend. People who are more into fashion are more trend aware, the young are more trend aware than the old, some buy into trends earlier, others when they trickle down...

Everything we think of as a classic was once a trend.

I think you're applying the philosophical argument and you're right but I don't think the point of this thread is to be against trends or what's newly fashionable but the discarding or no longer wearing older bags because they're no longer hyped.

 

[lightwave]

Well, I agree with the points you make. I wouldn't go out wearing a dress with shoulder pads, you know? But I am really only talking about bags. I agree mixing something old with something new looks great. The thing for me is, why shell out 1,000 or 2,000 or 5,000 for a bag and then be afraid to use it in 8 months or a year because you think it looks dated. Even if it is a bag you love. Does the love go away when the trend does?

Exactly. To me, staying on top of trends would be exhausting to me and my bank account. And for what? I never fussed about trends then and I don’t now. If something (or a bag) looks good on me, and is unique or interesting and I love it, I will get it whether it’s new or old...and usually will wear it until I’m tired of it, which may never happen. I won’t throw out something just because it’s supposedly out of style.

 

[lightwave]

Thank you all for your replies. I ask because I see a lot of questions here like "will this bag look dated?" etc. Especially now, with Instagram "influencers" and YouTube, I see so many who want to be"on trend", or even on YouTube, it's all about the latest trend. I guess I am curious about it because I don't see the importance of it. Also it must be very expensive to be on top of the latest trends, especially with bags. Some of them cost so much, you should get years of use out of them. Many many years!
Thanks again!

I think that’s the whole thing with the influencers and YouTube stuff. Maybe they are only interested in what is current and think everyone else should be too. It’s just not important on a whole to some people, like me.

Some people with a flair for clothes design / fashion professionals would absolutely make it their study, and to them it would be of utmost importance.

For me though, when I buy something, I want to get many years out of it, if not forever, so I take care of it so that I can.

 

[lightwave]

Yes vintage stuff was once a trend. But the fact that it is not current now, even if it is beautiful and functional and almost a work of art, will keep many women from using it-it will sit in the closet. Some classics did start out as trends, but became classic over time. Classics like the Hermes Bolide or even the Chanel Flaps to me are in a different class. They will always look beautiful and nobody worries about them looking dated because I don't think they ever will.

I think it depends on why it sits in the closet. If it’s because a person no longer likes it, that’s one thing; but if they like it but are afraid to wear it for fear of ridicule / being out of style, then that’s something else.

I feel when it’s beautiful, it’s beautiful no matter what its age. Some bags just don’t age, they are timeless. Any that I might consider ‘aged’ that I didn’t like would probably have been one I wouldn’t have liked back then either—I didn’t like that style then or now. Or maybe it just looks beaten up. But as with cars, there are things that can give away their age because of different materials, hardware or whatever.

I think it differs where someone lives. What a person wears in NYC can be different than in a small town somewhere far from a city, and both are totally appropriate. All in all even though styles exist, people can wear whatever they want and it’s ok.