Why I Stopped Chasing Trends

...and why you might want to, too. 

Growing up with two sisters, my closet was built on hand-me-downs. At the time, I longed for something new - the "it" shoes, the dress in the store window - but instead, I gotpieces that had already lived a life, softened by wear, ad make my own in small ways.

Looking back, that was a blessing. Those hand-me-downs taught me soething that only deepened as I became a thrifter, and then a stylist: Style isn't about what's new, it's about what lasts.

"Real style is never right or wrong. It's a matter of being yourself on purpose." - G. Bruce Boyer

We pull jackets and sweaters to the front, eye the boots eager to be worn, and seek out new pieces to stir the joy of autumn dressing.

When I thrifted, I wasn't looking for trends - I was searching for thoughtful shapes, cozy textures, and subtle details I knew I wouldn't tire of. That's when I started asking myself: Does this feel like me today - and will it still feel like me down the road? It's a small questions, but it's a powerful filter that keeps me from chasing clothes that fade with the season.

Why Trend-Chasing Falls Short

Trends aren't inherently "bad." If one excited you, wear it! Some even stick around long enough to become classics. But when our closets are driving only by what's "in," we often end up with:

• Closets full of "nothing to wear." Trend-driven pieces can feel dated fast. Timeless pieces evolve with you.

• Environmental waste. Fast-changing fashion cycles encourage overbuying and under-wearing. That strain adds up - not just in our closets but for the planet.

• A loss of authenticity. When you dress for trends, you dress for someone else's idea of style. When you dress for yourself, you stand out.

Ultimately, trends fade, but the pieces that feel true to you - the ones you return to again and again - are what make a wardrobe timeless.

Style That Grows With You

This fall, I've been drawn to pieces that carry that essential timelessness while still feeling fresh.

• Nevins Wide Leg Pant: softly voluminous pleats and effortless pull-on fit.

• Viggo Turtleneck: a modern take on a classic.

For layers, quilted textures bring both warmth and playfullness.

• Bayek Cardigan: flows easily from a crisp morning stroll to coffee with friends.

• Osment Bomber: works beautifully as a pocket-filled, practical piece with a hint of vintage inspiration.

• Aeric Quilted Vest: brings a homespun energy to your look.

These are the kinds of garments you'll reach for season after season - not becuase they're trendy, but because they work.

Finding Your Own Timeless

Style isn't about expiration dates; it's about self-expression. Earth tones and warm neutrals this season - creamy beiges, muted olives, deep rusts - carry that classic autumnal mood without worrying about trend cycles. When you build around colors and silhouettes that move with you, you create a wardrobe that's expressive, versatile, and lasting.

I stopped chasing trends and started curating clothes that feel like home: pieces that make getting dressed easy, joyful, and entirely mine. You can do the same.

Build your closet around what's true to you, and watch how much more effortless your style becomes.