Let’s Talk Trends.
I am not an early adopter of trends. If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you probably know this about me. I tend to wait until I’ve seen them on everyone else until I decide if I like it for myself.
It’s actually the perfect method of sifting trends. When I get the chance to observe them executed many times over by people in different places at different times, I get a better idea of what is actually going to work for me. The only downside is that sometimes I catch on when the trend arc may be coming back down. However, that’s where honoring my personal style above trends comes in. If the item truly works for my style, it doesn’t matter if the trend is in its twilight.
How I Know When to Move.
I like to join a trend when it’s caught my eye a handful of times, and I find myself imagining how I would wear it. But it’s important that this happens over a span of time, and not all at once. Time is also very good at sifting how I feel about something. It allows the voices and influences to dissipate so I can examine my own, organic opinions. Because at the end of the day, I need to know it will really work for me and it isn’t just a fleeting interest. If I chased down every trend right as it caught my eye, that wouldn’t be very sustainable.
Two trends I’m (finally) embracing wholeheartedly: the quilted jacket/liner jacket and the fanny pack.
The Quilted Jacket
I have seen many iterations of ‘liner jackets’ and ‘quilted jackets’ and I have put many of them in my cart while browsing online. But when I saw this version from Everlane, I jumped on it for a few reasons. One, I had the opportunity to preview it as a gifted item and support my ongoing relationship with the brand. And two, it is the perfect color and shape!
When it arrived in the mail last week I immediately put it on and started wearing it, which is always a good sign. If I felt hesitant or didn’t immediately love it, I would have returned it. (Something that happens often, but I don’t usually write about it on the blog.) I wore it around the house the day-of because it’s so cozy and soft. And then I wore it two days in a row to school pick-ups, weekend basketball games and so on.
I have the quilted jacket in my usual size, medium, and the cut is generous and long, perfect for layering over loose sweaters or boxy tops. I also love the silhouette it cuts from the side view!
This particular jacket comes in green (a cross between army green and forest green, maybe I’d call it a deep army green) and an off-white. I love my green one so much I considered getting the off-white too. But with three kids and a puppy, it’s probably not wise! I also love that this jacket is lined with Prima Loft, which makes it extra toasty!
Other (equally gorgeous) quilted jacket options: Michons Marigot X West End Select Shop “Kamon Flowers” Jacket, made with vintage liners! And Kordal Studio’s Sawyer Quilted Jacket in Spice.
Overall I really like the quilted jacket movement because it contains all the appeal of wearing a tailored third layer, but includes the added warmth of a knit or a thin puffer. Form AND function!
The Fanny Pack
To all the women in my life who have ever felt weighed down by a purse, this is for you. The first time I put this on and went somewhere, I felt so FREEEEEEEEEEE! I jokingly told my husband, this must be what it feels like to be a man! All my essentials on hand, yet hands-free. I feel like I cracked a secret code or something. But indeed it’s just a fanny pack.
Or is it? This one is by the new brand Mandrn, started by a young, female entrepreneur. The bags are made by artisans in Bali, and they are gorgeous. But what sucked me in on this: the variety of soft, neutral shades it comes in AND the super, simple sleek design. )They also have a really cute Instagram account.)
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Quilted Jacket (M), c/o Everlane
Turtleneck (M), c/o Everlane
Jeans, Vintage Levi’s (501) (similar)
TREAD sneaker, c/o Everlane
The Remy Fanny Pack, c/o Mandrn
Hollow Hoops, Bagatiba
Sunglasses, c/o Just Human
While there are many, many trends I am not participating in, it’s fun to embrace a few because they breathe new life into my old closet favorites (like these jeans!).
Are you a trend-embracer or a trend-waiter? I’d love to hear your method for sifting trends! AND, which trends you have recently incorporated into your closet.
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I travel often and as such have been on the hunt for a good fanny pack for a couple of years now. I prefer not to spend a lot on trends because in general I’d rather save my dollars for classic, timeless items that will stand the test of time.
That said, I’m going to give this one a try because it ticks all the boxes (separate pockets for passport and keys, minimal design.) Thanks, Andrea!
Yay! I’m glad I could assist in finding you a fanny pack that works! Yes, I like that there is a ‘back’ pocket against my body and an inner pocket! It makes it pretty handy to use. I took my drivers license and debit card and put those inside the inner pocket and skipped my wallet altogether. I hope the bag works out for you!
I think there is a fine tension between prioritizing classic, timeless items and embracing fresh and interesting pieces, and it’s fun to find the best way to navigate it. To me trends employed with restraint are often more interesting! Thanks for sharing Alex.
In general I ignore trends and just buy what I love.
Nevertheless I sometimes find myself falling in love with an item that’s on trend on that moment, but like you, I always need to see it more often around me or on social media before that happens.
I do like this fanny pack (funny name; do you know why it’s called that way?) and because I’ll travel to the US in june I really need something practical which is also beautiful.
This one seems to answer all my criteria but I have to admit, I haven’t seen them yet here in the streets (in The Netherlands) which makes me a bit hesitant ;-)
I’m more of a follower than a trend setter.
Really?! No fanny packs in the Netherlands?! That surprises me. They seem like one of those countries that is always ahead of the trends. I am not sure why they are called fanny packs! Maybe because they used to be worn on the side of back of the body, near the fanny?! >< I agree, I do like that this one is practical but also beautiful (I love the leather). Thanks for weighing in Martine! I am excited for your US trip this year! ;)
Thank you for this positive idea about us being ahead of trends :-)
Maybe we’re ahead with other things but certainly not in fashion…
We always seem to be the last to accept a certain trend.
For example: the high waist pants only start to arrive here since last year, while you already have them for some years.
And I also don’t live in Amsterdam or The Haque but in a town in a more rural part of the country ;-)
So that makes a difference as well.
I just looked up the word “fanny” and now I have a better idea what it means.
Anyway, the fanny pack looks great and maybe, who knows (my partner doesn’t like them at all).
Yes, we are also very excited for our trip, I’m counting the days ;-)
I’ve finally jumped onto the chunky cardigan (Babaa) look. Took about a year to decide if I like it and since pulling the trigger Black Friday have worn it quite a bit.
Yes!! Babaas for the win! I love how warm their sweaters are. They are really hard to beat! I do feel like their look is timeless! It’s unusual for sure.
I actually miss being trendy sometimes but I know for me I just get too swept up in the excitement so I tend to stay away all together (that’s no fun!) Love your slow adaptation to them. And REALLY can see myself in this whole outfit!!
I could see you in this outfit too J!! You can try on my jacket when you get here. :) I was saying in another comment reply, I think trends are more interesting when executed with restraint, so I think your approach is a good one. You ALWAYS seem fresh and modern in what you wear, ahead of the trends even! It must be that LA cool rubbing off on you. Actually, I think it’s just you!! I need to see more pics of what you wore in HS. I have a hunch you were ahead of things then too!
I jumped on the fanny pack trend when it first came back a few years ago and have not looked back! The 2 I have are nylon and more sporty. Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for a nicer one… this MAY be the one. So thanks for showing it off!
Good luck on your decision Joanna! I love the idea of a nylon one too!!