You’ve likely heard both words bandied about—”That’s so trendy!” or “She’s got such a distinct style!”—but do you ever sit back and think: what’s really the difference between style and trend?
If you’ve ever been left scratching your head over these two fashion terms, don’t worry, you’re not alone. And understanding how they differ can turn shopping, dressing, and even self-expression into a whole new game.
So let’s dive in—not with fashion theory, but in a way that feels tangible, understandable, and helpful for your day-to-day wardrobe.
What Is a Trend? Fast, Loud, and Always Changing
A trend is a party guest—arrives with panache, commands centre stage, and departs before dessert.
For fashion purposes, a trend is something currently trending. It’s oftentimes driven by celebrities, influencers, runway shows, or perhaps trending social media content. Consider Y2K fashion, baggy blazers, neon, low-rise jeans, or those clunky platform shoes that seem to be everywhere.
Trends are:
- temporary (a couple of months to a couple of years)
- Mass adopted
- Tending to be bold, experimental, or exaggerated
- Heavily pop culture-influenced
You can find trends taking over your Instagram feed, appearing at fast fashion retailers, and materializing in influencer hauls. They’re thrilling—but temporary.
Example:
Remember the off-shoulder tops that were everywhere a few years ago? That was a trend. Everyone wore them for a season or two, and then—poof—they were gone (or buried in the back of your closet).
What Is Style? Personal, Timeless, and All About You
Style, however, is like your best friend—it ages with you, remains faithful, and brings out your best.
Style is personal. It’s the way you always show yourself via fashion, accessories, and even attitude—that intangible, personal touch that embodies who you are. Unlike trends, which might come and go and return, your style is true to you—regardless of age, change, or milestone moments in your life.
Style is:
- Timeless and as individualistic as you are
- A personal expression of personality, mood, culture, and lifestyle
- Built on what makes you comfortable and confident
- Not about what everyone else is doing
It’s not about keeping up with what’s “in.” It’s about dressing in what feels right for you.
Example:
Maybe you love soft cotton kurtis with basic prints. Or you love monochrome clothing and gold accessories. That’s your style—no matter what’s in.
Style vs. Trend: Let’s Break It Down Simply
Why Does This Difference Matter?
In a world that’s always dictating what to wear, understanding the difference between style and trend allows you to:
- Shop more wisely
- Save money
- Create a more thoughtful wardrobe
- Feel more assured in your choice of clothes
When you understand your style, you’re no longer on the hunt for the next hot thing. You buy items you’ll actually use—again and again.
So Should You Avoid Trends?
Not at all! Trends are fun. Trends break rules and allow you to play around. The thing is, just experiment with trends that fit your style—instead of something blindly following what’s trending.
Here’s the way to do it properly:
- Select one trend at a time. Experiment with a ruffled sleeve or a wide-leg pant—just one trendy item with your basics.
- Test with accessories. Want to avoid spending a lot of money on cargo pants? Use a hip bag or earrings instead.
- Be loyal to your comfort zone. If it doesn’t look like you, it’s not worth it.
Fashion must be like freedom, not stress.
A Real-Life Example: Zara vs. Grandma’s Saree
Suppose you go to Zara and find a display of leather mini-skirts. They’re trendy, daring, and plastered across every influencer’s feed. You purchase one. After wearing it twice, you come to the conclusion that it’s not you.
Consider instead that old handwoven saree your grandmother passed down to you. You put it on for special occasions and always feel graceful, elegant, and yourself.
That’s the difference. Trends get you to feel “cool” for a moment. Style makes you feel like yourself all the time.
How to Find Your Own Style
If you don’t know what your style is yet, don’t worry—it’s a journey, not a destination. Here are a few tips:
- Audit your wardrobe. What items do you reach for most frequently? What colors or shapes reign?
- Make a mood board. Keep outfits that look like you, not just someone else who looks great in them.
- Identify your 3 style words. Minimal? Boho? Feminine? Bold?
Try new things gradually. Introduce it to your basics, and take note of what comes naturally.
Last Thoughts: Make Trends Work for You
Trends are always going to come and go. That’s what they do. However, the element of fashion that is uniquely yours is style. You get to create it, claim it, and improve it over time.
So the next time someone tells you what’s “in” this season, smile, take note if you wish—and then ask yourself:
Does it feel like me?
Because being true to yourself is ultimately more important than following trends when it comes to authentic fashion.
