In the world of fashion, trends are often everchanging, and social media has made it more common for individuals to influence people’s decision-making habits (hence why they’re called “influencers”), including in regard to what they choose to wear.
Fashion existed long before the days of the internet, though, and it carries different meaning and value for different people. Dallas-area resident Megan England, who has an Instagram account dedicated to her daily outfits, may be fashion-savvy in her choices, but that’s not necessarily her exact intention.
“I don’t know if I’d say I’m fashionable, but I do like getting dressed up every day, as it affects my mood,” she said. “Also, as Tom Ford said, ‘dressing well is a form of good manners.’”
Dallas-area resident Ivan Alonzo also doesn’t liken himself to someone you might find at Paris Fashion Week, though he appreciates his ability to create his own dapper look.
“I’m far from a fashionista, but I like to think I have a decent sense of style,” he said. “It’s a good blend of timeless and classic looks with a touch of new trends.”
It’s not required for one to don the trendiest attire in order to look and feel chic, though. Dallas resident Hollie Rients said it’s important for individuals to embrace their own personal styles rather than what society or others are telling them to wear.
“Feeling confident and owning what you have on definitely trumps following a fad that might be gone tomorrow,” she said. “The internet is great, though, for getting inspiration from fashionistas and finding new ways to style yourself.”
Some people don’t need or desire such inspiration, though, and prefer to rely on themselves and perhaps even others whose perspectives they trust. Dallas-area resident Steve Bergsman said he does not consider himself fashion-forward but also doesn’t have a reason to be.
“I’m an IT nerd,” he said. “We aren’t required to be fashionable at work. I don’t think I’m guilty of any major fashion faux pas, though. Outside of work, I may ask for advice or opinions from someone who is fashionable, depending on the event.”
Sometimes trends return after years of disappearing (the 90s and early 2000s have been getting some outfit and accessory resurrections lately), while others seem to pop up out of nowhere. One recent style that has been spotted often on people walking on the Katy Trail is tying one’s jacket or long-sleeve shirt across the body rather than around the waist. According to some who believe themselves to be “in the know” when it comes to fashion, this crossbody trend helps to preserve fabric and not stretch out sleeves and allows a person to give off a more stylish vibe. Not everyone can get behind this option, though.
“I am always hot and won’t take a jacket unless I know I’m going to be desperate,” England said. “When this does happen, I drape it over my arm or leave it on a chair. If I’m desperate, I will tie it around my waist. As a large-busted person, the crossbody tie is a hot mess.”
Rients has encountered the situation of having on one too many layers when she’s outside, but she opts to stick to a more traditional style, mainly out of convenience.
“This happens to me all the time when I’m running, and I end up tying it around my waist so that it doesn’t get in the way,” she said. “But if I were in street clothes, I would probably just hold it for easy access when I’m cold again.”
Alonzo also doesn’t opt for any of his warmer tops to become a trendy form of an accessory. After all, it might be his only layer.
“If I get hot while I’m wearing a jacket, I just take it off,” he said. “I don’t think I have ever tied it around my waist, across my body, or over my shoulders. I just carry it. If I’m wearing long sleeves, that’s usually all I have on, so I just suffer.”
And perhaps another reason for this is because Alonzo tries to steer clear of anything that feels too trendy or “gimmicky.” He would rather have a style be his own and not stray too far from what he’s always known.
“If a new style emerges, I won’t fully adapt it but, instead, try to blend it with traditional or classic looks,” he said. “It’s cliché, but trends come and go—classics are classics for a reason. If you’re too trendy, you risk being overdressed or underdressed for any given situation. By sticking to classic looks, I feel like I can easily fit in in any environment, from happy hour to a nice dinner, etc.”
Similarly, England goes more with what she is comfortable wearing, regardless of whether or not it’s considered what’s “in” at the time.
“I’m not a super trendy person,” she said. “I think personal style is most important. If a fad looks fun, I’ll participate. However, I’m not afraid to sit things out that aren’t my taste or don’t flatter my body shape. My favorite bougie style right now is the resurgence of bracelet stacks with Yurman cuffs. My favorite street style right now is layering cami dresses over long-sleeve tops.”
And there are some current styles she simply can’t get behind.
“I tend to be more modest in my personal dressing,” England said. “I teach in a high school, so I cringe when I see crop tops and leggings worn together. But I know this is a me issue, and I appreciate the body confidence and positivity our youth are growing up with.”
Alonzo also doesn’t support every trend he sees, and there’s one in particular that he simply doesn’t understand—giant cups with straws.
“They’re not fashion, per se, but many people carry them around as accessories to their outfits,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I like staying hydrated as much as the next person, but I would not carry around a massive cup to go with my outfit.”
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