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Fashion trends can be a double-edged sword. They’re fun, fresh, and full of creative potential, yet they can easily overwhelm your wardrobe with pieces that don’t quite feel like “you.”
But what if trends could work for you instead of against you? Haley and I have a method to take a designer-inspired approach to trends—one that lets you experiment, have fun, and stay true to your personal style.
We recorded this podcast last year, but we’re re-airing it while we take a break for the holidays. We got so many nice notes following this episode, so in this re-run, I’ve also written an article to help you with the most important points.
This article distills our discussion from the first episode into actionable advice, plus a few fun stories about the trends we’ve loved (and regretted) over the years.
Why Trends Are Worth Exploring
Trends are more than fleeting fashion moments—they’re a powerful way to spark creativity. When you explore trends, you can discover new styles, colors, and details that you might not have considered otherwise.
You can also experiment with your personal style to find what resonates with you. And beyond the personal, trends connect you to a broader cultural dialogue around fashion.
When you approach trends thoughtfully, with consideration to your core style, trends are a tool to add a touch of novelty to your wardrobe while staying true to who you are.
But trends are fleeting by nature, and that can make them feel wasteful—both for your wallet and the planet. The key is to balance the fun of trends with the longevity of your core style.
Here are some ways that Haley works with trends, for her own personal style and when designing patterns for Seamwork.
A Designer’s Approach to Trends
Fashion designers often start with a strong understanding of their brand identity. Their designs always reflect the brand’s core aesthetic.
Since Haley sews for herself and designs patterns for the Seamwork brand, she’s in a unique position to explore the power of trends. She encourages you to apply the same designer trick to your own style by thinking of your wardrobe as your “brand.”
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Define Your Style Identity
Your style identity is the foundation of your wardrobe. Here at Seamwork, we often refer to it as your core style, and recommend distilling your style into three words.
For example, my style identity includes the words “romantic,” “relaxed,” and “thoughtful.” These words act as a filter for every trend I consider.
I have a really helpful tool if you’d like to define your core style.
I teach a 90-minute Style Workshop—which is free for Seamwork members but only $10 if you’re not a member. In the workshop, I walk you through ten hands-on exercises to define your core style. You can learn more about it here.
Step 2: Identify Your Brand Icons
This is the fun part! You can get really creative here, and there are no wrong answers.
Brand icons are the details, colors, and silhouettes that show up in your wardrobe again and again. For example, some of my icons include vintage-inspired prints, flowing dresses, and earthy tones.
Are there colors, prints, silhouettes, or details that you notice about the clothes you wear the most? The ones that really feel like you? Write them down, because these are your style icons. Your icons give your wardrobe cohesion. They help you spot trends that truly resonate with your core style, so you can ignore the trends that don’t really have a place in your wardrobe.
Step 3: Blend Trends with Your Style
Once you have your core style and a few brand icons identified, you’re ready to bring some trends into your wardrobe.
Use trends as an accent, not the main focus of your oufits. Choose elements that enhance your existing wardrobe, like fabrics, colors, or small details like collars, pleats, or shirring.
For example, I sewed a 90s-inspired rib knit dress—a trendy choice that still aligns with my love for vintage silhouettes and cozy textures. Even if the 90s stop trending, I know that this dress has elements that match my core style. So, it will never go out of style for me.
Where to Find Trend Inspiration
You don’t have to wait for trends to hit your favorite stores. Look to runway shows for the freshest ideas—many of which you can adapt for your sewing projects.
The Vogue app is one of my favorite tools for browsing seasonal collections. If you’re short on time, publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar also curate trend roundups that highlight the looks of the season.
Since you know how to sew your own clothes, you have a unique advantage: You can create your own interpretation of trends rather than relying on what’s available in stores. This gives you the freedom to play with unexpected fabrics and embellishments that truly express your individuality.
Trends Are Tools, Not Rules
The most important thing to remember is that trends are a tool for creativity, not a rulebook. Whether you’re drawn to the sultry, opulent style of Dolce & Gabbana or the sleek, bold tailoring of Yves Saint Laurent, you can use their approach to refine your own wardrobe—no fashion degree required.
When a trend catches your eye, ask yourself:
- Does it align with my core style?
- Does it showcase any of my brand icons?
- Will I still love it next year?
By answering these questions, you can make thoughtful decisions that enhance your personal style without straying from what makes you feel like you.
And if you’re still a little uncertain about trends, I want to leave you with one more tool. It’s called the Rule of Three, and you can listen to a podcast epiosde about it here. Or, there is an article here: Pinpoint Your Style (While Minimizing Your Stash).
It’s really simple. If you spot a trendy pattern or garment in a store, and you aren’t sure if it’s for you or not, ask yourself, “Can I pair it with at least 3 other things in my closet?”
If the answer is yes, then this trend fits your style! If you can’t find 3 other things in your closet to wear with it, you might find it goes unworn.
So, what about you? Are there any trends you’ve experimented with, and they’ve stuck around throughtout the years? Are there any you’ve worn once and then never again? Comment and share!
