I’m Tired of Chasing Trends
Look, I’ve been in this industry for over two decades. I’ve seen trends come and go, and honestly, I’m tired. Tired of the pressure to keep up, tired of the waste, and tired of the constant cycle. I remember back in 2003, during Fashion Week in New York, I was sitting in the front row at a show, and the designer came out with this ridiculous collection. It was all about the low-rise everything. Pants, skirts, even swimwear. I turned to my friend Marcus and said, “This is never gonna work.” And guess what? It didn’t. But not before everyone and their mother tried to make it work.
And that’s the thing. Trends are like a bad boyfriend. They promise you love and excitement, but in the end, they leave you with a closet full of regrets and a lighter wallet. I’m done. I’m committing to a trend-free life. Well, at least for the next 36 hours.
But What About the Fun?
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But Sarah, isn’t fashion supposed to be fun? Isn’t it about expressing yourself and all that?” Yes, yes it is. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to follow every single trend to have fun. You don’t need to buy into every new thing that comes down the runway to express yourself.
I had coffee with a colleague named Dave last Tuesday. He was all worked up about the latest fashion trends 2026 season. He said, “Sarah, you gotta see this stuff. It’s gonna be huge!” And I said, “Dave, it’s 2024. We don’t even know what’s gonna happen next week, let alone in two years.” He just looked at me, all wide-eyed and excited. I mean, I get it. I really do. But I also think we need to take a step back and think about what we’re really buying into.
The Environmental Impact
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. The environmental impact of fast fashion is completley devastating. According to a report I read, the fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of annual global carbon emissions. That’s more than the emissions of all international flights and maritime shipping combined. And it’s only getting worse.
I remember reading an article about a landfill in Chile. It’s called “The City of Lost Things,” and it’s basically a graveyard for fast fashion. Mountains of clothes, just sitting there, rotting away. It’s a stark reminder of the impact our fashion habits have on the planet. And it’s not just the carbon footprint. It’s the water usage, the chemical pollution, the waste. It’s all kinda overwhelming, honestly.
But What Can We Do?
So, what’s the solution? Well, I’m not gonna sit here and tell you to stop shopping altogether. That’s not realistic, and frankly, it’s not even what I’m doing. But I am gonna suggest a few things. First, buy less. Buy better. Invest in pieces that are gonna last, both in terms of quality and style. And second, think about where you’re buying from. Support brands that are committed to sustainability. Do your research. Ask questions.
I had a conversation with a friend last week. She was talking about how she’s trying to be more mindful about her fashion choices. She said, “I used to buy into every trend, but now I’m trying to be more selective. I’m focusing on pieces that I really love and that I know I’m gonna wear for a long time.” And I said, “That’s exactly what I’m talking about. It’s not about depriving yourself. It’s about being more intentional.” She nodded and said, “Yeah, I think you’re right. It’s just… yeah.” (Which, honestly, is the most accurate description of my feelings on the matter.)
A Tangent: The Rise of the Influencer
Now, let’s talk about influencers. I mean, I get it. They’re everywhere. They’re on your Instagram feed, your TikTok, your YouTube. They’re telling you what to wear, what to buy, what to think. And honestly, it’s a lot. I remember sitting in a meeting with a group of designers a few months ago. We were talking about the impact of influencers on the industry, and one of them said, “They’re dictating trends now. They’re the ones calling the shots.” And I said, “But at what cost?”
I’m not saying influencers are bad. I’m just saying we need to be critical consumers. We need to think about who we’re following and why. We need to ask ourselves if we’re buying into a trend because we genuinely love it, or because someone with a million followers told us to.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. My honest thoughts on fashion trends. I’m not saying I have all the answers. I’m not saying I’m perfect. I’m just saying I’m trying to be more mindful. I’m trying to be more intentional. And I’m trying to be more honest with myself and with you.
So, let’s have a conversation. Let’s talk about the trends we love and the ones we’re over. Let’s talk about the brands we support and the ones we’re trying to avoid. Let’s talk about the future of fashion. Because, frankly, it’s about time we did.
About the Author
Sarah Johnson is a senior magazine editor with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. She’s worked with some of the biggest names in the business and has seen trends come and go. She’s passionate about sustainability, intentional living, and honest conversations. When she’s not editing, you can find her thrifting, hiking, or spending time with her cat, Whiskers.
