I’m Done with This Trend
Look, I love fashion. I mean, I’ve been in this industry for over 20 years. I’ve seen trends come and go. But honestly, some trends need to stay buried in the past where they belong. And I’m not gonna be polite about it.
Last Tuesday, I was at a conference in Austin. A colleague named Dave—let’s call him Dave—showed up wearing cargo capris. Cargo capris! I mean, I get it, it’s about comfort and functionality, but come on. We’re not in the ’90s anymore. I asked him, “Dave, what are you thinking?” He just shrugged and said, “It’s comfy.” Which… yeah. Fair enough. But that doesn’t mean it’s fashionable.
And don’t even get me started on the whole “ugly” shoe trend. I was at a brunch with my friend Marcus—let’s call him Marcus—about three months ago. She showed up wearing these clunky, orthopedic-looking shoes. I said, “Marcus, what is this, a hospital cafeteria?” She laughed and said, “It’s a thing, Linda. It’s called fashion.” I mean, I guess if you wanna look like you’re on your way to physicialy therapy, be my guest.
But Here’s the Thing
I’m not saying I’m perfect. I’ve made my fair share of fashion mistakes. Remember the platform sneakers? Yeah, I was all over those. And the low-rise jeans? Committment to a bad idea much? But at least I had the decency to be embarrassed about it later.
I was talking to a friend named Sarah—let’s call her Sarah—over coffee at the place on 5th. She told me, “Linda, you’re too hard on people. Fashion is about expression.” And I get that. I do. But there’s a difference between expression and just not caring. I mean, I saw a guy wearing socks with sandals the other day. And he wasn’t even old! He was, like, 25. I asked him, “What are you doing?” He said, “It’s a statement.” I said, “It’s a cry for help.”
Let’s Talk About Sustainability
Now, I’m all for sustainability. I think it’s important. But sometimes, I feel like people use it as an excuse to wear whatever they want. I was at a panel discussion about fashion and the environment. A speaker named Emily—let’s call her Emily—said, “Fast fashion is the enemy.” And I agree. But then she showed up wearing a dress that looked like it was made out of recycled plastic bags. I mean, I get it, recycling is good, but do we have to look like we’re wearing trash?
And don’t even get me started on the whole “upcycling” trend. I saw a pair of jeans the other day that had been “upcycled” to within an inch of their life. They had patches, and rips, and paint, and sequins. It looked like a kindergartener had gone to town on them with a glue gun. I mean, I get it, it’s creative. But it’s also a mess.
I think we need to find a balance. We need to be sustainable, but we also need to look good. And honestly, I think we can do both. We don’t have to look like we’re wearing a science project to save the planet.
And Now for Something Completley Different
Speaking of science projects, have you seen the new trending topics popular discussions? I was reading about this new trend where people are wearing clothes made out of algae. I mean, I get it, it’s sustainable. But it’s also green. And slimy. And honestly, I’m not sure I wanna wear something that’s gonna start photosynthesizing on me in the middle of the day.
But hey, maybe I’m just old. Maybe I’m just stuck in my ways. I don’t know. All I know is, I’m not wearing cargo capris. Or socks with sandals. Or algae clothes. Some trends are just better left in the past.
I’m not saying I’m perfect. I’m not saying I’m always right. But I know what I like. And I know what I don’t like. And I’m not afraid to say it. So if you see me on the street and I’m not wearing the latest trend, don’t worry. It’s not that I don’t care. It’s just… yeah. I care too much.
About the Author
Linda Davis has been a senior magazine editor for over 20 years. She’s seen trends come and go, and she’s not afraid to share her opinion on them. When she’s not writing, she can be found at her favorite coffee shop, judging people’s outfits. She lives in Austin with her cat, Mr. Whiskers, who is, frankly, the best-dressed member of the household.
