There is absolutely a difference! Knowing the difference between the two will not only revolutionize the way you shop, but save you from frivolous spending on things that you'd probably only wear once (twice at the most).
Initially I was going to put this behind a paywall, but i’m feeling rather generous.
Trends, Fads
and a secret third thing.
The two terms often used interchangeably. To a simpleton these terms mean and describe essentially the same thing; a style or look that is popular at the moment. But we know better (if not don’t worry, i’ll have you together by the end of this read)!
Trends are the things that come back around every 10 years or so. A fashion trend is a naturally, developed style that has gradually made its way (back) into mainstream and popularity (again). Trends are also not just a change in clothing, but also behaviors, opinions (as they feed off of society, cultural shifts and consumer preferences) and again style. Trends are adopted by a greater audience and usually have historic roots or past references and can (and typically) last several years.
Fads however are the total opposite. Fads come as quick as they go and are almost completely forgotten after the fact. The way I see it fads are how companies (Forever 21, Fashion Nova, Shein, Zara, etc.) try to emulate various trends, under the guise of novelty and excitement as a way to encourage frivolous spending on clothes that (little do you know at the time) will have no future style longevity whatsoever. They usually have intricate silhouettes, design/pattern or are exhuberant and loud in color (neons, metallics). Fads are an overnight popularity (that is short lived) in a particular product, capturing attention for only a brief moment, but never holding the short lived gaze. Fads are typically consumed by a niche/ small audience.
Examples:
Sun Dress:
(classic)
(trend)
(fad)
Muscle Shirts:
(classic)
(trend)
(fad)
Classic
Some things just never go out of style. Classics are clothing that doesn’t deviate from their original, typical silhouettes (think crew neck t-shirt (classic) v.s. crop top (trend). Theyre usually in solid staple colors (black, white, khaki, navy blue) or staple patterns (black and white horizontal stripes, leopard print, polka dots. These are generally the clothing that you wouldn’t (aside from the quality) be able to tell in it were made today or 20 years ago. You can never go wrong with classics, especially if your a girl like me who love statement pieces (a fad to some, but a trend to me).
So how do I incorporate this information into my everyday life?
I do not want your take away to be “Fads bad, and trends good”. The cool thing about fads are that they cater to a certain niche. If my whole style is skimpy, sexy, and girly and I live in a climate where its always warm, that pink shirt above, which may be considered a fad to most is on brand and a trend to me. Use this knowledge to know the differences between your purchases and why you’re purchasing. Are you purchasing soley because of novelty, freshness and its popularity (if so you’re succumbing to overconsumption (SHAME!) and wasting your money, because you’re going to wear it twice and forget about it), or are you purchasing because it’s something you’d actually wear even if it wasn’t popular and it coincides with your personal signature style that you exude (if so go ahead and swipe that card!). This is what you call buying with INTENTION. This will take practice and a conscious effort, but you can get there. Half the battle is just remebering to practice the intention in the moment. However, if all else fails just remember Rule #1:
“Just because it’s cute, does NOT mean I need to buy it!”
Stay Strong!
My first article for my “The Art of Getting Dressed” series. Shopping with intention is one of those things that just came to me one day after going through my closet thinking why did I buy this stuff having only worn it (literally) once. Now before I buy something I picture myself wearing it several different places if that vision is realistic and I feel it acurately reflects how I want to present in the world I buy it. If I can see myself wearing it several times I don’t indulge. This is hard and does take practice, but the saying “Just because it’s cute doesnt mean I need to buy it and wear it” has saved me plenty of times!