by Evelyn Feldman

As the infamous Ralph Lauren said, “Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever.”

Nothing drives me crazy more than when the girl with the tiny frames, polka dot button-up, micro shorts, and ballet flats gets told she has good style. What they should be complimenting is how well she recognizes fashion trends online and incorporates them into her wardrobe in a timely fashion (while they’re cool).

There’s something deeply frustrating about how “good style” gets misinterpreted. This isn’t a critique of the hypothetical girl in question. There’s nothing inherently wrong with choosing popular trends, but we must distinguish the concepts of trend-chasing and curation of authentic style. What we’re seeing is not the embodiment of personal taste or creativity. She’s not showcasing a distinct flair or voice in fashion, but rather a keen ability to spot what’s hot online and incorporate it into her wardrobe precisely and quickly. Let’s call it what it is: it’s an exercise in timing, not taste.

Real style is found in authenticity—the thoughtfulness behind the selection, the mix of textures, playfulness and willingness to take risks, and personal touches that reflect who someone truly is. This doesn’t necessarily mean an outright rejection of trends, but there’s a vast difference between making a trend your own and simply replicating it.

The cultural impact of confusing trend-following with real style runs deeper than just a skewed perception of fashion. It influences the way we engage with creativity in general. When we put the ability to follow trends on the same level as the original expression, we subconsciously reduce the value of individuality. At its core, fashion is a mirror to society—a way of projecting who we are and who we aspire to be. It’s a dynamic language, constantly evolving to reflect cultural, political, and personal identity shifts. When we mistake trend-following for style, we dilute this cultural function. Fashion loses its ability to serve as an authentic expression of individual personality and starts to resemble a fast-changing uniform dictated by external forces—social media influencers, fast fashion retailers, and celebrity endorsements. Following trends becomes an easy shortcut, a lazy way of participating in fashion because you already know what you’re wearing is "cool."

I completely understand the appeal. There’s a certain convenience in buying something you see everywhere and know is well-loved. Trends are also constantly accessible, often sold cheaply and quickly, making them easy to acquire. You don’t have to put in the effort to curate a wardrobe that reflects your own taste or experiment with new ideas. You can step into a safe, pre-approved template.

In a world where trends are constantly thrown at us, it’s easy to forget what true style really means. The most compelling style is about reflecting who you are through the choices you make. At its best, fashion is a form of self-expression, a way to communicate something personal. True style comes from a sense of ownership and individuality, not simply mirroring what's in the moment. As the fashion world continues to be bogged down in trend cycles and fast fashion, creativity and originality stand out to define timeless style. In the end, it’s authenticity that leaves a lasting impression, carving out a unique space amidst the fleeting nature of trends.

Good Style vs. Following Trends