Why Trends Matter

Or: Why Curiosity Doesn’t Kill the Cat!

Happy day, dear reader!

Twice a year, I run a trends post about the previous season’s shows, and how I might apply those looks to my own ordinary world. I’m not a red carpet woman. I haven’t been to a formal affair since my husband retired from the Navy more than 10 years ago. But fashion and style isn’t all about the red carpet. (Although it’s definitely a fun part of the Oscars and Grammy’s!) If you missed last week’s post about the Spring Summer 2019 Trends (Hits and Misses), you can find it here.

I don’t encourage anyone (Especially not my clients!) to run off in pursuit of fashion. That’s a fool’s game, and a great way to end up with a closet full of clothes you never wear! I do encourage my clients (Especially those of us on the “mature” side!), to splash in the trend tide-pool each season. Let me clarify… When I say each seasons, I don’t mean calendar seasons, I mean fashion seasons! I would never tell you to buy new clothes four times a year! But I do think twice a year is a good frame to look at what’s new, what’s on the way out, and pick up a few pieces to freshen up what you already own. If you are unsure about what is a classic, trend, or fad, read about it here.)

Old Styles = Old Ideas

You’ve heard the expression Perception is everything? Well it may not be everything, but perception says a lot! Old clothing and styles (as cute and ironic as they can look on 20 and 30 somethings) are associated with old thinking and old ideas, and a past focus. Do you want an investment advisor who doesn’t stay abreast of the market? Or a doctor who isn’t learning about new treatments and practices? Staying aware of the trends is especially important for those of us in the business world and even more so for those of us on the downward side of the aging bell curve. Stuck in the past is not a good way to come across as we find ourselves the senior member at the conference table! There’s a reason fairy tales begin with “Once upon a time…”

New Styles = New Ideas

The news/the now starts with “This just in….” Just as old styles are associated with old thinking and old ideas, the opposite is also true. We associate new styles with new ideas, and new ways of thinking. Having a growth mindset, if you like! I am at the point in my life when I am older than many of the people I run into in a day’s work. In an ever changing marketplace, it’s important to come across as flexible and adaptable. Projecting a trend-aware (Not trend slave!) and current image supports the idea that you are flexible and adaptable, focused on the present and future. This is key both in the “business world,” and in teaching, service professions, and when raising children!

Curiosity = Youthfulness

Age has its perks. Experience is valuable! I would posit that it’s not young we want, but youthful. Interest and curiosity are the key. What word do we associate with youth? Why? Why is the sky blue? Why can’t I stay out past 11? Why can’t I get a tattoo? Why are you the boss of me? Why is the system so frustrating?

The curiosity paradigm not only pertains to rules and the laws of physics, but style and fashion, and other parts of our lives, as well. Is your mind open or closed? What kind of movies and TV are you streaming? (Note: I did NOT say watching!) What are you reading? What blogs do you follow? Where do you eat out? What kind of music are you listening to? Yes, it’s fine to have your favorites oldies station programmed into your car radio, but if your musical interests ended 20 years ago, what does that say about the rest of your life. Have you given up? I expect that if you are here, you haven’t!

I know 75 year olds brimming with lively curiosity, and 25 year olds dying of ennui. (N is for Neville… If you get that reference, you are one in a million!) Those 75 year olds are far more engaged and engaging than the cute and bored young ones. These curious septagenarians aren’t running around dressing in the latest style, but they aren’t tut-tutting everything they see out there, and are still learning and growing. And finding life amusing!

What does all of this have to do with why trends matter? Trends are simply part of the ever-changing landscape in which we live, and staying curious about many things is how we stay young of mind and heart. That’s the fountain of youth, peeps!

Stylishly yours,