How to Know If A Trend is for You
A men's personal stylists' guide to navigating trends with confidence and clarity.
Trends: a men's wardrobe essential or to avoid at all costs?
If you've crossed the 30- or 40-year mark, you've likely found yourself at a turning point—not just in life but also in your wardrobe. Questions like "What's appropriate for this stage of life?" or "Can I still pull off a very current trend?" may have crossed your mind.
You're not alone. These are typical concerns for driven men – it's something I hear more often than not from the commanding men I work with. Especially while navigating the waters of personal style and changing life phases. Let's unpack how to approach trends in a way that feels authentic, intentional, and entirely you.
Why trends can feel overwhelming
Menswear trends have a way of sneaking in and creating pressure. They can make men's style feel unnecessarily complicated, intimidating, or even exclusive. This "keeping up" mentality is why many give up on fashion altogether. Out of fear of doing it wrong or overdoing it. But what, if you don't want to be seen as the typical dad who just gave up, and still want to look modern, and with it?
Here's the truth: while I believe trends are everything but a ticket to effortless style and a great wardrobe, they shouldn't be labeled as inherently bad. Trends only become problematic when they steer you away from your personal style. When they cause you to doubt yourself and make you feel like you're dressing for approval instead of the style being an extension of who you are.
Fashion trends and psychology
In the book The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichirō Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, a dialogue about Adlerian psychology between a student and a philosopher, the philosopher explains that most personal struggles stem from interpersonal relationships and the need for approval. The conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing on your own responsibilities and letting go of external validation.
The way I see it, trends are like the interpersonal relationships of men's personal style. They can create FOMO, self-doubt, and a silent but so unnecessary urge to seek approval through your wardrobe. Without a clear understanding of your personal style, trends can lead you off course. You might find yourself asking, "What will they think of me?" rather than, "Does this feel like me?"
To break free from this, you need clarity. And the good news? It's simpler than you think.
The easy way, for the style-savvy
From day one, my promise to you was to make style more accessible and less intimidating. So when deciding whether a trend is right for you, your first way to go at this is simple yet effective:
After considering your personal preferences, it simply comes down to the sum of these three factors:
1. Your daily life
Does the trend align with your lifestyle? Think about practicality and your core values. If it doesn't serve your day-to-day life or feel authentic to who you are, it's likely not worth pursuing.
2. Comfort level
Does the fit suit your idea of comfort? Or does this particular item require you to compromise on it?
3. Your desired message
What do you want your clothes to say about you? Trends can be a great way to experiment, but they should still communicate something meaningful about who you are.
When you have a clear understanding of your personal style, these factors will help you decide instantly whether a trend is worth exploring.
Not quite there yet?
The simple 3-step method for navigating trends
If the above didn't give you enough clarity to decide, this fail-proof method will help.
1. Does the trend feel just on the cusp of your comfort zone?
Think of trends as an opportunity to take small, intentional steps forward. For example:
- If you love classic pique polos, try a knit polo for a fresh twist.
- If workwear jackets are your staple, experiment with the same silhouette in an unexpected fabric–a subtle yet effective shift.
2. Can you create at least five outfits (you genuinely like) with it?
If you can't style it with pieces you already own, it's not a wise investment. This step also ensures your wardrobe stays cohesive and intentional moving forward.
3. Do you like the item beyond the trend?
This is my personal favorite. Ask yourself if you still love the piece when you see it on people with styles vastly different from yours.
A good example was the Adidas Sambas, as they were (and are) loved by men of every age and aesthetic. Do you love the shoe or just the hype? A.K.A: would you still wear it if it weren't trending? Do you indeed like the design? In case of the Samba's; the slender silhouette, the flatter sole, or are you more drawn to the total aesthetic of the people who wear them?
By following these steps, you'll ensure your wardrobe evolves in a way that feels authentic and true to you.
Why this matters
The goal isn't to abandon trends just because you've hit a certain age–on the contrary. The goal is to approach them with intentionality. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or chasing approval, you'll make decisions that reflect your unique style.
At The Curated Outfit, we're here to make style accessible and empowering, regardless of your age or stage. Trends can be a tool for self-expression; when chosen thoughtfully, they enhance rather than dictate your style. Need help navigating trends and creating an intentional, minimalist men's wardrobe? Get started here.
So, the next time you debate whether to follow a trend, remember: it's not about what's popular. It's about what feels right for you.