The Trend Cycle: 5 Items I'm Still Wearing But Wouldn't Buy Today
This all started with a bunch of questions I’ve gotten about ripped jeans after my post last week. Are they still “in”? Can I still wear them? And my answer is this: You can still wear them with confidence - I certainly do. But I probably would not invest heavily in them today as I think they’ve hit their peak.
So what does that exactly mean? Well… First, we need to talk about the trend cycle and the life of a trend…
The Life Cycle of a Trend
When it comes to “buying into a trend,” we need to be mindful of how far into the trend cycle we are. Trend cycles typically run about 10 years - beginning to end. When it comes to the life cycle of a fashion trend, there are generally five stages: Introduction, Rise, Peak, Decline, and Obsolescence.
Stage 1: Introduction
The first stage of a trend’s life cycle is the introduction. The life cycle of a fashion trend typically begins with a small group of people who are considered to be trendsetters. These individuals are considered “early adopters” and tend to be those who are highly influential within the fashion industry (think the high fashion “it” girls).
Stage 2: Rise
Once a trend is introduced, it gradually begins to gain popularity throughout the fashion industry as more and more people start to adopt it. This is usually followed by a rapid increase in popularity, known as the rise stage. The trend gains momentum and is now being acknowledged and accepted, creating consumer demand. It’s at that point that we regular folks are ready to partake.
Stage 3: Peak
Eventually, the trend will reach its peak, at which point it will begin to decline in popularity. When a trend reaches the peak stage of the trend cycle, it has become fully saturated in the general public. Many consumers are wearing the trend and retailers have replicated it. The trend is available through mass production at a wide range of price levels. At the peak stage, the trend is no longer seen as new or edgy.
Stage 4: Decline
Then at about year 6-7, the trend has become saturated, and begins to decline. Those same “it” girls are moving on to something new. Now, again, for us regular folks, and even for “it” girls, we can still keep wearing the trend for another 3-4 years. And wearing it with confidence. However, this decline stage is when I recommend no longer investing heavily into the trend. At this point, it does not allow for enough return on investment.
Stage 5: Obsolescence
As the trend becomes less popular, it may eventually become obsolete. However, some trends manage to avoid obsolescence and enjoy a second life cycle after being revitalized by a new generation!
Now that that’s been cleared up let’s talk about what trends (IMHO) have peaked - meaning I will absolutely wear them still, with complete aplomb. However, I would likely not buy them new in a store today.
5 Items I'm Still Wearing But Wouldn't Buy Today
Jeans with Holes and Rips
Very distressed denim can give off a super cool, casual vibe. And I wear my beloved (and very old) Citizens of Humanity distressed pair regularly. However, when I am out looking to diversify my denim collection, I have my eyes open for something different…
What I’m Looking for Instead: Straight Leg Mid Wash Denim
This style still has a casual feel but is slightly more polished and wearable when looking ahead.
School Boy (Shrunken) Blazers
I am absolutely still wearing mine - especially with wider leg pants and dresses. However, I find myself opting for my oversized blazers more and more often.
What I’m Looking for Instead: Oversized Blazers
This style can work, even for petite gals. It should have a more relaxed fit and ideally hit, lengthwise at your fingertips.
Golden Goose Sneakers (the OG styles)
I truly love my GG’s and find them to be very comfortable. And I am so glad I bought them at the beginning of the trend, because on a cost per wear basis, they’ve earned their keep. Nonetheless, I find myself choosing more retro styles lately when I want to feel casual and current.
What I’m Looking for Instead: Retro Sneakers
Retro sneakers are typically visually narrower in the vamp so they pair well with a wider leg pant.
The Gold Gucci GG Belt
I feel like a broken record - I will and you can wear your Gucci belt. However, I feel like it was a piece that was knocked off a lot so it lost some of its specialness.
What I’m Looking for Instead: Belts with more subtle buckles
I’m obsessed with the new monochromatic GG belt and also seem to be picking belts with less bling these days.
Blingy Statement Necklaces
Do not give your statement necklaces away - I believe they will come back with a vengeance. But for now I’m preferring necklaces that have less rhinestones and a bit more natural grit.
What I’m Looking for Instead: Modern Pearls + Layers
Instead of blingy statement necklaces (think JCrew, enamel and rhinestone) I’m selecting necklaces that fill up that face framing space but in a more natural and casual way. Modern pearls (aka, paired with fabric, color or leather) do just that. Especially when layered with other necklaces.
What are some trends that you’re not sure if you should continue to purchase?
Comment below or ask in my Facebook group and we can figure out where in the trend cycle that item is!
