There’s no doubt social media overwhelms us with trends, and we can certainly learn a lot from it. You probably follow Instagrammers or influencers who drive you crazy with their amazing looks. The trendiest magazines make your eyes sparkle like Christmas baubles, and you want everything. You’d wear it all.
But… come back to earth, my friend. Look at your wardrobe. Go out into the street. Is that really how people dress when they’re rushing from work to home or doing the weekly shop?
Let’s pause for a moment and look at reality. Very few people can afford to have a few pairs of Manolo Blahniks sitting in their IKEA wardrobe — though maybe after saving for a few years, we could treat ourselves. Or that €700 Givenchy black shirt Julia Roberts wore as the face of the brand. Sure, maybe one day we’ll buy it and pass it down to our granddaughters.
There are countless fabulous luxury brands that captivate us and make us dream of being princesses in a world that simply doesn’t exist for most of us — the thousand-euro-a-month crowd, with or without kids, with or without mortgages. We are the true consumers of fashion retail, and the reality is: it’s just not feasible.
True style and real fashion trends are found in the shop windows of your local city and out in the streets. We need to learn to observe the woman passing by who catches our attention for her outfit, her walk, her sunglasses or the sway of her hair. These women are the real trendsetters — because from them, we can learn how to mix what’s already in our wardrobe with new pieces we can afford or already own from this season.
Let me show you a few examples:
Carmen is a renowned lawyer and beauty and health consultant. She balances both careers as best she can and always aims to dress well from morning to night — formal yet fashionable. The printed dress is her best ally, looking divine with or without a blazer. It never fails. Feminine and full of movement, it’s a piece you’ll find in all styles and prices, and you’re bound to see it every day.
Cari is a very detail-oriented real estate consultant. She loves to feel free and wear flowing garments. For her, black is a go-to for client visits. Notice how she wears basic shirt and trousers, adding flair with an outer layer that brings balance and originality to the look.
Elizabeth stands out for her bold naive style, a look that never fails in spring. She layers different pieces with a T-shirt as the base of her outfit. Be brave — mix prints, throw tulle over anything you can think of, and you’ll smile all day long.
As I said at the beginning, social media also gives us a hint of streetwear trends. Vintage is back — think bold 80s jumpers — and influencer Ana Sáez knows it. That’s why we caught her looking this fab in her Oliver look. Don’t miss her posts — she’s always ahead of the curve. Follow her on @anasaez___
Now you know: the best school is the street itself. Your city and its people will show you what’s truly in trend.
