I’ve been a supporter of having a unique style all my life. Does that mean that my style choices were sometimes questionable to the extreme? Yes, it sure does. But at least I never went unnoticed! Discovering one’s personal style is a game of trial and error, but also so much fun.
How’s that better than being trendy, though? Especially if you’re one of those people who do not want to stand out but would rather blend in the crowd. Following trends is an easy way to not stick out like a sore thumb. But have you ever considered what you might be compromising on when following these hollow, ever-changing trends?
Because there might be things you wouldn’t want to be compromising on if you actually thought about it. And that’s exactly what we are discovering here; what are the benefits that having an authentic personal style offers in comparison to fleeting trends. These are the biggest 5 reasons that came to my mind:
Unique Style is Better Than Being ‘Trendy’ – Here’s Why!
Fashion can be so much fun when we really allow it to be! And no, it actually doesn’t need to cost you anything at all. Because here’s something that the people pushing a new trend on you every week won’t tell you:
You already have everything you need to be stylish as hell!
Our wardrobes are bursting at the seams and yet we still wake up every other day thinking “I don’t have anything to wear”. This is a mindset taught to us by the capitalistic yolk that has already destroyed the fashion industry. They’re not pushing that agenda on you for your sake, obviously.
But because it is a learned mindset, it can also be unlearned! And that unlearning starts by shopping your wardrobe:
- go through everything in your wardrobe: throw away broken items, recycle pieces you know you won’t wear, keep the classics and the favourites
- get acquainted with the items left in your closet: how can you mix and match them in new ways?
- discover completely new outfits without spending any money by mixing and matching the clothes you already own in new ways.
When we remember the fact that fashion trends are “replayed” every 7 – 10 years, it means that you are always trendy enough with what you already have. They don’t say that fashion is a lie in vain. Anyway, once you get your wardrobe sorted it’s time to consider why a unique style is so much better than being “trendy”.
Reason 1: Your unique style should reflect the authentic you, not someone else’s vision
Why has fashion been so prevalent in so many people’s lives for so many centuries? Because it’s the most brilliant way for us to express ourselves!
- Our personality,
- how we feel any given day,
- and our values (for example, by supporting sustainable brands).
Personal style can also help us dictate how we are seen by the outside world. For example, a jobless graduate can still look like a millionaire when they know how to style their outfits right.
Whereas if you follow trends, you are actually allowing someone else to dictate to you what you “can” and “cannot” wear. In other words, you are representing someone else’s vision of who you should be. For someone like me, who absolutely detests taking orders from anyone but herself, such a notion is truly disgusting.
It’s no coincidence that the most confident people out there are the ones who have a unique style and who aren’t afraid to rock it. When you wear what truly feels like you, it enhances your self-esteem and literally makes you feel comfortable in your own skin in the most wholesome way.
Reason 2: You can be ‘trendy’ only for a short while
The thing with trends is, you won’t be “trendy” for long. These things come and go, and to keep up with them is not just senseless, it’s a waste of your time, energy and obviously money. Not to mention how destructive this compulsive need to “be trendy” is to the planet!
Staying up-to-date with trends requires buying new stuff constantly. And of course the quickest and easiest way to do that is by shopping fast fashion. And in case you don’t know why that’s a huge problem, please civilise yourself.
Unique style is all about expressing yourself, which should mean investing in yourself through the clothes you wear. That doesn’t mean you’d need to shop luxury brands. Instead, it means paying a little bit more attention to the shapes, sizes and materials of the clothes you buy. The thing about unique personal style is that it remains relevant for decades.
Reason 3: Trends are a waste of money
As mentioned before, obsessively following trends will lead to your financial ruin (if it hasn’t done it already). Useless trends, like the Labubus, are designed for one purpose only: to relieve you of your money. I mean, what actual value does a toy hanging off your bag offer?
Buying fast fashion can seem cheap at the time, but over time the bill grows to a surprising size. While many people complain about sustainable fashion being expensive, they just showcase their own ignorance. Because investing in timeless, unique pieces is actually much more cost-effective than fast fashion could ever be.
Discovering your unique style is all about emphasising quality over quantity, which actually leaves you with more money at the end of the day. When you buy quality, you buy rarely because you can enjoy the clothes for much longer and in a versatile manner.
So, stop playing the capitalism game, there’s no benefit for you! Instead, it only hurts you in the long run.
Reason 4: Being “trendy” shows that you are controllable – Why would you want that?
We are entering a time of pervasive surveillance where our privacy is under threat like never before. If you aren’t yet, now is the time to start finding ways to protect your personal rights. And you can start that by fighting capitalism.
We need to be aware of the societal standards that we are suppressed with in order to fight those standards. Remember, the standards are not there to benefit you, so why should you comply? Obviously those standards also include fashion: what is an “acceptable” way to dress and what isn’t?
While there are places and circumstances where dress code should definitely be respected, your unique style can be a way to rebel against the system. It’s time to stop conforming and instead let our personal style take the front row! It’s an easy and effective way to showcase your independence and sense of self-reliance.
Reason 5: Unique style showcases & enhances your creativity
Fashion and style are all about creativity, right? But what’s creative about wearing something that somebody else tells you to wear? A unique style can still be very trendy, but it makes sure you’re not dictated to. A personal twist is all it takes to bring a bit of creativity into the mix.
Shopping your wardrobe is one of the best ways to let your creativity loose. It’s incredible how many outfits you can create from just 3 pieces of clothing that you already own. All you need is a little bit of creativity and thinking outside the box.
As I mentioned in the beginning, I have always preferred my own unique style rules. And that has led me into realising something pretty cool: when your personal style stands out, you inspire others to be more creative with their fashion choices too!
It warms my heart when people close to me say they’re happy to wear their most outrageous heels and dresses when I’m around because they know I would never judge or criticise. Simply because I’m always over-dressed myself 😉
Final Thoughts on Unique Style
Having a unique style isn’t just about standing out from the crowd (because you don’t have to!) but also about taking your power back!
Not doing what other people want you to do, especially when it goes against your values, wants and needs, is more important now than ever. Your personal style is one big chunk of that resistance: you decide what you wear, not those old men who own all the major fashion houses.
When you express yourself authentically and shamelessly, it also becomes easier for you to find your people. And at times like these a genuine community is everything! ♥
FAQ
What is the difference between having a unique style and being trendy?
A unique style showcases your personality and individuality through fashion, also reflecting one’s values and experiences. It’s all about curating a wardrobe that feels authentic to you and timeless. In contrast, being trendy means following the latest fashion fads that are popular at a given moment. Trends change constantly, which leads to a less personal and more conformist approach to fashion.
How can I develop my unique style?
Developing a unique style starts from identifying what your favorite colors, patterns, and styles that resonate with you and then looking for inspiration from various sources, such as art, nature, or different cultures, rather than just fashion magazines. Be fearless and try different combinations of clothing and accessories to see what feels right. Invest in quality items that you love and that reflect your personality, not the fading trends.
Is it possible to blend unique style with trendy elements?
Absolutely! You can incorporate trendy pieces into your wardrobe while ensuring they align with your personal aesthetic. For example, you might choose a trendy color or accessory but style it in a way that reflects your unique taste. This approach allows you to stay current while maintaining your individuality.
Why is it important to have a unique style rather than just following trends?
Having a unique style is important because it fosters authenticity and self-expression, which showcases your personality. It leads to greater confidence and comfort in your appearance, and also tend to be more sustainable, as they often prioritize quality over quantity and encourage thoughtful purchasing. Following trends, on the other hand, can lead to a cycle of constant buying and discarding, which is not only financially destructive but also detrimental to the environment.
