My Style Is Anti-Trend, and These Items Feel Cool Without Trying Too Hard

Anti trend outfit with a knit dress and blazer

Photo:

@erika_boldrin

Age brings wisdom, and for me, that wisdom has come in the form of understanding my personal sense of style. Having spent much of my early 20s testing out the latest It trends, I’ve found myself wanting to be a bit pickier as I age. That’s not to say that I eschew trends altogether, but that I cherry-pick which ones I want to embrace, and when I do, I find a way to put my own twist on them. 

What has helped me to walk that line between what’s of-the-moment and what’s actually cool has been asking one question before I buy something new. What is the timeline of this piece? If I can only imagine wearing it for a few months, it’s too trendy for me to buy into. If I can see it being part of my closet in a year, or even better in five, then it's worth considering. Based on this single golden rule, I’ve taken a deep dive into the latest arrivals to pull together a few ideas that I still find fresh and fun but that will hold a spot in my wardrobe in the years to come. 

I’ve made sure to include a few dressier items in addition to casual staples that I plan to add into my everyday rotation. That way, no matter what occasion you might have coming up on your calendar, you’ll have something on-trend but not overly trendy to try. 

A black party dress gets a punch from rhinestone trim.

A zip-up sweater is functional but still chic.

This simple vest is my pick for days when you need to transition from the office to date night.

A little shine will make an outfit pop.

The classic loafer silhouette gets a dressy update.

A knit dress that I'd wear to the beach or a party.

I love the relaxed fit of this boxy button-down.

A square toe is a unique twist on the classic ballerina silhouette.

These aren't your average pearl earrings.

Now this is a party dress fit for a princess.

With weddings on the horizon, this is an ideal guest dress.

A casual sweatshirt to pack on your next trip to France.

I love the pop of red that this bag offers.

This is a blouse I can easily imagine wearing over a slip dress or with jeans.

The pleated texture of this simple shift dress is timeless but unique. 

It's easy to miss the feather details that make this top special.

These woven earrings are understated but oh so cool.

A chore coat is an easy mid-layer. For winter, throw a heavier jacket on top.

A peplum top is the perfect option for black-tie parties.

Never underestimate the power of a stylish pair of socks that pop out from under your pants.

I've worn this statement baseball cap for casual weekend activities for a slightly elevated twist.

Slouchy jeans are a silhouette with staying power.

Casual and cool Birkenstock clogs are my go-to for low-key days.

This unique bracelet adds a creative pop to a simple outfit.

I'm not ready to leave Barbiecore behind, which is why I'm sold on this dress.

Minimal yet unique, this crop top is an elegant night-out option.

Sculptural jewelry is my pick when I want something timeless.

This tied-up top is one that you can easily style up or down.