Trendy or stylish: which are you?
Fashion and style are completely different concepts, and without knowing it, most people gravitate towards one or the other. People who are into fashion are fashionable or trendy; people who are into style are stylish.
You can be fashionable, or you can be stylish, but you can’t be both.
So which are you: trendy or stylish?
Fashionable
To be fashionable or trendy means:
- you wear clothing that’s currently fashionable
- you buy clothes to keep you up-to-date
- you stop wearing them when the trend has passed
- you will wear something that doesn’t suit you or your lifestyle if the trend is compelling enough
Being fashionable tells the world that you’re outwardly focused and engaged with what’s happening around you. On the flip side, being too trendy makes it look like you have no identity of your own.
Stylish
To be stylish means:
- you wear clothing that suits your figure, colouring, personality, lifestyle and environment
- you only ever buy clothes because you genuinely need them
- you stop wearing them when they’re worn out (or no longer suit you)
- you will wear something that’s completely out of style if it suits you well enough
Being stylish says that you know who you are and are happy to be that person. On the flip side, being too stylish can makes you seem inwardly focused and out-of-touch with the world around you.
Which are you?
Are you fashionable / trendy? Are you stylish? Somewhere in the middle?
My answer: I’m somewhere in the middle, but more stylish than fashionable. I skip any trend that doesn’t suit me, but I also stop wearing clothes I love while they’re hopelessly out of fashion. I occasionally shop for things to freshen up my wardrobe, but mostly I only buy things I really do need. And I never, ever buy anything that will be ‘out’ in under a season — my budget doesn’t stretch that far!
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I think I’m more stylish. When I read the description for Stylish people I said “Ooh, that’s me! That’s me!”. I said it to myself of course, and not out loud, so no one would think I’m insane.
Glad you’re back!
I’d like to think I’m somewhat of both: Yes to the first three on each, no to the last one. Something like you (and I even have a nice handbag now)!
I think overall I am more stylish but I am fashionable too, because it doesn’t really matter where you get your clothes from…it’s all in the styling.
Thanks for the comments everyone!
Rebecca, will you be posting pics of your handbag? I’d love to see it.
I’d have to say somewhere in the middle. My biggest problem seems to be this “age appropriate” thing I struggle with. Am I too old to wear that? I’m constantly asking myself that question.
Hi Vicki,
Few styles are truly age specific. I’ve seen older friends and family pull off some styles that I wouldn’t even dare wear.
It really is more about the message you’re trying to send and how it fits/flatters your body. Of course our bodies change with time, as do our priorities, which is why we perceive some styles as more appropriate for young people.
For example, a girl might where a tight-fitting shirt and ultra low rise pants to attract attention and show off her body, whereas a woman might wear more conservative clothing to show that she wants to be taken seriously (though she might add just one or two fun accessories to show that she isn’t all business).
When you look in the mirror, don’t ask yourself if you’re “too old”. Ask yourself 1. if the outfit does anything for you in terms of your figure and 2. what message your outfit sends.
In regards to being fashionable vs. stylish, I’d say that I’m in the middle, too.
I love following trends and trying new things, but I only buy stuff that I believe flatters me.
I’ll definitely keep stuff which is older but suits me perfectly, but it might take a break if I’m bored with a certain trend.
So much for “can’t be both” ;)
i believe a person can be both stylish and fashionable!