Style Buzz: Staying Current, Your Way + Styling with Burgundy
- Eugene Stylist
- Nov 21
- 4 min read
Three Ideas to Inspire Your Style This Week
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"'In' is right if it suits you."
There are so many layers to this quote, but it really boils down to knowing your style. Trends are set by the fashion industry and are often an expansion of previous trends, a designer's artistic inspiration, and the current culture (like how the pandemic did a number on office wear and bumped athleisure to the forefront, which is so not me). They're not looking at you as an individual. If your style, your shape, your personality align with a trend, great! If not, you can skip it. Don't force the issue - your time will come.
xxx rachel
STAYING CURRENT, YOUR WAY
Wearing clothes that are "in" and current is important for a couple of reasons. It signals that you're engaged with the world around you and in step with your environment; it keeps your wardrobe feeling alive and reflects self-investment; and it lets your style evolve without losing yourself. It communicates awareness, curiosity, and a willingness to grow.
You don't need to study trend reports, subscribe to fashion magazines, or even wade through the mire of social media to know what's current. The easiest way to see what's trending is to simply walk into a shop. The buyers have done the work for you, sourcing what's new and upcoming and stocking their store with what they feel is on trend.
Earlier this year, I wrote very briefly about opting out of trends because they really come and go so quickly. This season's "in" colors and silhouettes will eventually be replaced with something new but if you wait long enough, they'll be back. (*cough* mom jeans cough - And now a word about repeating trends: "Everyone is wearing X and mine are original so I look current, right?" Nope. The current version of an old trend has been updated in subtle but significant ways. You look like you're hanging onto your past self.) But there's more to our relationship with trends than just opting in or opting out. There are so many variations on a trend's theme that you can adapt it in your own way without compromising your style or regretting a purchase.
1. Change the placement, not the trendIf a color drains you but you love the idea of it, keep it away from your face and let it shine somewhere less… confrontational. Handbags, shoes, belts, hair clips, even a phone case can incorporate the color without committing to a top that makes you look like you’ve got the flu. Or if you can, find the color in a tone that is a nod to the trend but suits you, such as swapping out a trendy bright, cool burgundy for a warm, muted maroon. (credit: paletteme)
2. Adjust the silhouette to suit your proportions If the trend is boxy, cropped, oversized, or otherwise baffling, lengthen or slim-line it with layers underneath. A long tee, a sleek tank, or a button-up peeking out can rescue your shape while still nodding to what’s current. Same goes for wide-leg trousers. Pair them with a sleeker top or a structured jacket so only one piece is large and in charge.
3. Swap in a fabric that behaves better Sometimes the issue isn’t the cut but the fabric. If the trend is shiny, sheer, scratchy, or too precious, look for the same overall look in a more forgiving material. Matte instead of metallic, textured instead of sheer, soft knit instead of stiff denim. You get the spirit without the discomfort or drama.
4. Use the “one piece” rule If a trend feels loud, limit yourself to one piece in an outfit. A single statement item, like a trendy sleeve shape or a metallic shoe, keeps you feeling modern without trying too hard.
5. Borrow the idea, not the literal piece If everyone’s doing giant bows, maybe your version is a softer tie-neck blouse. If cargo everything is everywhere, maybe you try a trouser jean with a front-hip pocket. Capture the energy, skip the extremes.
6. Prioritize your comfort If you’re tugging, adjusting, overheating, or underwhelmed, the trend has failed you, not the other way around. Adapt it until it fits your body, lifestyle, and personality or let it go entirely. Style should never feel like punishment (unlike mom jeans!).
3 WAYS TO STYLE IT: Burgundy
When I travel, I like to stick to a palette of consistent, complementary colors so that I've got a lot of mix-and-match options. And if I've got a couple of pieces in this season's go-to color? SCORE! I recently found the sweatshirt at Gilt + Gossamer, and the coat is from Macy's. They're in a wonderful burgundy that really suits me, so of course they went to England. It's a color that works really well with the blue, black, cream, and brown in the rest of my wardrobe.
This was a fabulous travel outfit - the sweatshirt was comfy for the flight, and it was easy to wrap around my shoulders if I got warm racing through airports.
The burgundy was a nice pop against all the black, and I felt polished and appropriate for an evening event that might be warm inside but cool outside.
I wanted to be comfortable and prepared for rain while being touristy, so the raincoat was a perfect addition to a Texas Tuxedo and cream/brown accents.
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