This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Lindsay Daneen. Find her on Instagram at @_lindsay_daneen. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Like it or not, what you put on your body when you leave the house reflects who you are and how you feel. Whether you dress comfy, chic, or a combination of both, it is a part of you. With that said, fashion is endless. It’s so cyclical that we’re pulling from other decades and eras to represent our current one. We’re making them our own, mixing them with the fashion and vibe of the 2020s. But with all these fashion options, how do you categorize your style on the most basic level? That’s a great question! I tend to break it down to a trendy or modern vs. classic approach. So, let’s delve into what each of these are, how to achieve them, and what suits your personality the most. I promise you are one, the other, or a combination of the two.
What Does It Mean To Be Trendy?
Being trendy and modern is exactly what it sounds like. You stay up-to-date with all the latest fashion trends. Your style changes seasonally or annually just like the fashion cycles. But there’s more to it than that, isn’t it? You embody the zeitgeist of the time you’re in. Whether it’s retro, vintage, denim, quirky, or who knows what. If it’s in, you put it on. And you take pride in doing so.
What Does It Mean To Be Classic?
Classic is just that. What do a Corvette, a Dodge Charger, and a Ford Mustang have in common? They’re all classics. They may not be your preferred style of cars, but you know them when you see them. They stand out because of their timelessness. Any driver can exit those cars and it suits them no matter the age or tax bracket. So, when you think of classic, just know it never really goes out of style.
How To Be Trendy
I love keeping up with the latest trends in theory. But do you know why I appreciate and respect it from afar? It’s exhausting! There was a point when I made it my personal mission to be on-trend with fashion. It requires following fashion websites and blogs to see what’s trending. You need to follow designers. Be in the know with fashion shows, social media, and the latest aesthetics permeating the market. Most of all, you need to love it! It’s achievable if you’re dedicated to the cause and know where to look. It’s all about being in the know. At least that’s a common trait I see amongst the most fashionable. It’s not completely about the trends though. It’s about their love for keeping up with them and making it their own. It’s one of the coolest things you can ever watch someone do.
Being trendy screams “confident rule-breaker.” You know who you are. You’re the person who can’t be put in a box and you love a challenge or excitement. It’s not easy keeping up with the latest and making it your own. You’re the people I admire. When you walk into a room, I say, “I could never do that, but damn it looks good on them.” You keep the world interesting and give us all something to watch in awe.
How To Be Classic
This is where I live. I’ve found my comfort zone when it comes to what I wear and how often I shop. Don’t get me wrong, I shop a lot. But it’s not because I’m keeping up with what’s new. It’s because I love adding more timeless items to my wardrobe while knowing they won’t really go out of style. For example, who has ever looked bad in a denim or leather jacket? Not the ones with writing and embellishments. The ones that work for a morning brunch and bring you right into evening cocktails. A classic pair of black nude or even clear heels will go with any outfit. Take it a step further and have a pair of gold or silver in your arsenal. Denim is also always in style, although the fit varies. V-neck tees, graphic shirts, and maxi dresses, are versatile as well.
And that’s what I love the most about the classic look. The versatility! I know that no matter the occasion or vibe, I have something in my closet. I’ll be comfortable and stylish and still have the option to dress it up or down with trendy accessories if necessary. Classic is about options. Classic, to me, states, “I know who I am. I’m okay with that.”
Which Are You?
Do you keep up with who wore what at the latest celebrity events? Great, so do I. But do you know who they were wearing and the general vibe and style of the designer? I don’t either. For those of you who do, there’s some trendy spirit in your soul. Do you find yourself constantly reworking your wardrobe or at least consistently cycling outfits in and out of your closet rotation? Well, you’re on your second strike if so. Finally, do you constantly get complimented for your unique style and how you put your outfits together? Ding! Ding! Ding! You qualify! You’re one of the cool kids if you ask me. Bonus question. Does your idea of a dream night include analyzing fashion with the most talented people in the industry, like a curator at an art gallery? If your answer is yes, enough said.
These questions are for those who just failed my makeshift test above. Do you always have something in your closet that will fit any event? Do you skim clothing websites or shop just because you like to add to your clothing collection? Do you shop and wonder, “Do I have anything in my closet to go with this?” If so… you’re as classic as a Cadillac. Bonus round! Do you see the latest fashion and wonder what the hell is going on sometimes? Congratulations. You’re in the right place.
My Final Note
This is my final note. Find your fashion niche. Are you into Black designers? Maybe you support the designers and trends of other countries? Fashion is art that comes from your personality, your background, experiences, and even your mood. So, make it your own and do what feels right. I may have oversimplified the fashion categories for the sake of this conversation. But here’s the truth of the matter. We’re all some combination of both. The subject isn’t really trendy or modern vs. classic. The subject is which of these speaks to you the most and what space are you in when they do? Humans are complex. So, obviously what we put on our bodies should match that complexity. All that matters is you love what you see when you look in the mirror at all times. And I’m here to tell you, you look AMAZING!
Which do you identify with more? Modern and trendy or classic?
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