Subtle Influence: The Fashion Selective

From any era of time, history has been made by you and I … it is being made every day that exists. There are moments being recorded in printed installments and life styled sections from someone’s perspective. Is it possible to be influenced from others without knowing? Can adults be as impressionable as children in some degree.

This came to mind from an interesting discussion that went on at work as I heard a worker (from another department) proclaim to others that she was not into “older fashion” … In fact, she said, “I have never been influenced by fashion or trends.” She spoke forcefully to a third party within my hearing. Well … my, my, my, that was quite interesting given the fact that she used the word never, at the same time wearing a boyfriend blazer and floral printed trousers!

This little rant of hers went on for a bit. If it were not necessary for my presence to be in the room because of a task, I would have left earlier with the faithful few who stood alongside me during this charade of ridiculousness. But, brief chortles aside, she was so resolute about her fashion convictions of not being influenced by trends that something had to be said. Most cohorts in the room did not give her a chance to finish, however I decided to hear her out before my retort.
We all were befuddled and slightly humoured. I explained to her (think, a more succinct yet superbly tactful Miranda speech) of how we’re all influenced by fashion in some way by our mere selective daily attire. It doesn’t mean that you only wear trends. However, first explaining to her what “trend” and trickle-down effect actually meant was key. “What’s the point … I don’t even read fashion magazines,” she said. Okay, now, my patience was wearing thin, likely because I had also skipped my morning espresso. You needn’t worry though, it all ended very well.

Fashion, no doubt, often provides an uplifting source of confidence that one exudes and chooses to display. For some, it’s donning bold patterns or a minimal showcase of quality jewellery. For others, fashion may be the art of concocting a stylish ensemble from secondhand items or solely finding worthy vintage garments. The list goes on.

We create our own news in our style parading the streets with our individual gait of fashion glory. Fashion: it’s creative expression worn and distinctively styled by the wearer, and sometimes with our body alone being commissioned as the head stylist!

With that being said, have you recently remembered a specific fashion period, trend, or silhouette that you said you would NEVER wear, a colour or print that you may have flipped the finger to decades, years, months, no, just seasons ago?

Now, you find yourself embracing it because of that subtle influence. Whether it be from a blogger, an ordinary Jane or John in passing, perhaps an enjoyable film we are often inspired indirectly as well as by direct persuasion. It doesn’t mean that we have to be a trendy-wearing sponge. Yet, it just signifies that we lively exist, having a style absorbent quality in us that’s also open to evolving, even if not in a timely fashion.


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65 comments

  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you!
    Yes, blogging has inspired me as well with my style selections. 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Oh thanks so much Rachel for the sweet comment! xo

    Reply
  • Cee F. says:

    Wow -it's hard to believe that someone wearing a boyfriend blazer and floral trousers could possibly think they didn't follow trends! We're all influenced by trends, whether we're aware of it or not… Just one short year ago, I abhorred the denim-on-denim look. But it grew on me. And now I love! Everyone is influenced by something 🙂
    xox,
    Cee

    Reply
  • Da Paura says:

    So true and you are such a great writer!

    Reply
  • Fashion By Alicia says:

    I totally agree with you.  People just don't realize how they are being influenced. 

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you!
    Yes, blogging has inspired me as well with my style selections. 🙂

    Reply
  • Tiffany says:

    Very pretty collage! i love pleats and when they're on summer clothes they give this playful vibe I just want to twist!

    Reply
  • Oh to Be a Muse says:

    Haha! This was classic. Everyone is inspired by fashion trends in some way, shape or form…and whether they want to be or not. It doesn't mean you are a trend-whore or avid fashion mag reader, but something subtle or subliminal led her to wear floral pants and a bf blazer…just saying. 🙂

    Reply
  • sisters closet says:

    Well said! Love how you succinctly gave it to her.
     Pre-blogging, I (Bisola) wasn't so much into the 60's fashion, and neon colors – but now I don't mind them at all.

    xx
    5th&6th

    Reply
  • Mary Jo at Trustyourstyle says:

    Haha, love your thoughts on this. And oh yes, I had so many fashion disasters in the 80s, I swore I'd never wear any of it again, yet here I am contemplating floral jeans. Fashion is fun in my book and the moment it's too serious it's time to have a reality check.

    xo Mary Jo

    Reply
  • Oh to Be a Muse says:

    Haha! This was classic. Everyone is inspired by fashion trends in some way, shape or form…and whether they want to be or not. It doesn&#39t mean you are a trend-whore or avid fashion mag reader, but something subtle or subliminal led her to wear floral pants and a bf blazer…just saying. 🙂

    Reply
  • Cafe Fashionista says:

    I'm with Caitlin (comment below)…I can't help but to always flashback to that precise 'Devil Wears Prada' scene. It is so incredibly true in the fashion world.  🙂

    Reply
  • Anthea says:

    Thanks for your lovely comment!  I love your blog an am following now 🙂  Yes, it's great to be inspired!

    Reply
  • David Martin says:

    Great post!!!

    Reply
  • mochaccinoland says:

    love that mint skirt & floral pants! when i was in my teens, i said i would never wear pink as it's too sweet & girly. hahaha! now i wear pink unabashedly 😛
    xoxo
    mochaccinoland.blogspot.com
    //collar necklace giveaway on my blog//

    Reply
  • caroline_siao says:

    I love your point of view esp when you said trendy-wearing sponge haha!

    btw, I have a Romwe dress giveaway on my blog, if you want to join :
    http://missoline.blogspot.com/

    Love,
    Caroline

    Reply
  • Cafe Fashionista says:

    I&#39m with Caitlin (comment below)…I can&#39t help but to always flashback to that precise &#39Devil Wears Prada&#39 scene. It is so incredibly true in the fashion world.  🙂

    Reply
  • David Martin says:

    Great post!!!

    Reply
  • caroline_siao says:

    I love your point of view esp when you said trendy-wearing sponge haha!

    btw, I have a Romwe dress giveaway on my blog, if you want to join :
    http://missoline.blogspot.com/

    Love,
    Caroline

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you. 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Absolutely, I love that scene too! -xo

    Reply
  • MOSAMUSE says:

    nicely said and nice point of view!

    Reply
  • Blond Duck says:

    My buddy Libby and I used to do our own fashion critique of the older ladies at work…

    Reply
  • Candyfloss Persie says:

    Whenever I hear someone like that talking I am ALWAYS reminded of the scene in Devil Wears Prada where she tells Ann Hathaway that that 'indie' belt she's wearing was made by "the people in this room". It's SO true. I think people just don't realize it.

    Reply
  • Bravoerunway says:

    Last year around this time I wouldn't have even looked at anything neon..  It just felt dated to me but not anymore…I don't mind it.

    Reply
  • Spinningthreads says:

    such cute pieces!  i really REALLY wanna get me a pair of floral pants!

    Claire

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you. 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Absolutely, I love that scene too! -xo

    Reply
  • MOSAMUSE says:

    nicely said and nice point of view!

    Reply
  • Blond Duck says:

    My buddy Libby and I used to do our own fashion critique of the older ladies at work…

    Reply
  • Candyfloss Persie says:

    Whenever I hear someone like that talking I am ALWAYS reminded of the scene in Devil Wears Prada where she tells Ann Hathaway that that &#39indie&#39 belt she&#39s wearing was made by "the people in this room". It&#39s SO true. I think people just don&#39t realize it.

    Reply
  • Bravoerunway says:

    Last year around this time I wouldn&#39t have even looked at anything neon..  It just felt dated to me but not anymore…I don&#39t mind it.

    Reply
  • Spinningthreads says:

    such cute pieces!  i really REALLY wanna get me a pair of floral pants!

    Claire

    Reply
  • krystal/village says:

    ha, that sounds obnoxious 🙂 i can't say there is something i never said i'd wear….although floral pants are seriously cutting it close, we'll see how it progresses….but, i think i'm open to a lot more now because of blogs..

    Reply
  • Annie says:

    Very well said! Sounds like you handled the situation perfectly 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks Daniella! Means a lot! 🙂

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    haha. Thanks! Glad that you were able to read the post Dawn! 

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    🙂 I agree! Thanks! xx

    Reply
  • francesca romana capizzi says:

    I quote you word by word….some peple are so unsecure that they claim not to be depending upon fashion and it is not like this!!
    Don't Call
    Me Fashion Blogger

    Bloglovin'

    Facebook

    Reply
  • Dawn {The Alternative Wife} says:

    Such a fabulous post!  I don't know if I would have been as eloquent as you when it came to dealing with your coworker.  I love how she went off on the tirade while wearing a boyfriend blazer and floral pants.  That's really priceless 🙂 xoxo

    Reply
  • krystal/village says:

    ha, that sounds obnoxious 🙂 i can&#39t say there is something i never said i&#39d wear….although floral pants are seriously cutting it close, we&#39ll see how it progresses….but, i think i&#39m open to a lot more now because of blogs..

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Yes, I understand. The point was that you don't necessarily have to be influenced greatly by trends per se, rather fashion influence come in a variety of avenues (modern and dated) and not solely by the latest fad. I think it's wonderful to shop vintage, charity, eBay, as I do as well. Thanks so much for your comment. -xxoo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you Daphne! It's great to hear how you would have responded as well. All in all I think it sparked something in me and was quite surprised nobody else said much. 🙂 Have a lovely week.

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Exactly! We're all influenced in some degree … whether slightly or fully loaded. 🙂 Thanks so much! -xx 
    Also, have fun at the wedding.

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks dear! Glad that you were able to read it.

    Reply
  • Annie says:

    Very well said! Sounds like you handled the situation perfectly 🙂

    Reply
  • prettymeggy says:

    this is great post dear!!!
    i think everybody loves fashion.. everything that makes us feel beautiful or what we love.
    and i think that it doesn't matter if it is trend or its in as long as you keep your own fashion 🙂
    i'm more into vintage, 60's and simplicity 🙂
    take care!
    xoxo, Haus of Gala

    Reply
  • miriam Stella says:

    Thanks for passing by my blog … : D
     I just prepared a giveaway with some fantastic watches, 
    Why not share it too? 
    I'll wait! good luck
    Miriam Stella 

    is fashion my Passion? the MiriamStella's Blog
    MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE CLICK HERE

    Reply
  • Dawn {The Alternative Wife} says:

    Such a fabulous post!  I don&#39t know if I would have been as eloquent as you when it came to dealing with your coworker.  I love how she went off on the tirade while wearing a boyfriend blazer and floral pants.  That&#39s really priceless 🙂 xoxo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Yes, I understand. The point was that you don&#39t necessarily have to be influenced greatly by trends per se, rather fashion influence come in a variety of avenues (modern and dated) and not solely by the latest fad. I think it&#39s wonderful to shop vintage, charity, eBay, as I do as well. Thanks so much for your comment. -xxoo

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thank you Daphne! It&#39s great to hear how you would have responded as well. All in all I think it sparked something in me and was quite surprised nobody else said much. 🙂 Have a lovely week.

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Exactly! We&#39re all influenced in some degree … whether slightly or fully loaded. 🙂 Thanks so much! -xx 
    Also, have fun at the wedding.

    Reply
  • Ladyofashion says:

    Thanks dear! Glad that you were able to read it.

    Reply
  • Daniella says:

    Brilliantly said my dear! Couldn't agree with you more 🙂

    Take care and enjoy your week,Daniella xox

    Reply
  • Herdiana Surachman says:

    Nice post

    Herdiana SurachmanDELUXSHONIST | TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN

    Reply
  • prettymeggy says:

    this is great post dear!!!
    i think everybody loves fashion.. everything that makes us feel beautiful or what we love.
    and i think that it doesn&#39t matter if it is trend or its in as long as you keep your own fashion 🙂
    i&#39m more into vintage, 60&#39s and simplicity 🙂
    take care!
    xoxo, Haus of Gala

    Reply
  • Couture Carrie says:

    Beautifully written, darling!
    Love that pink peplum skirt!

    xoxox,
    CC

    Reply
  • miriam Stella says:

    Thanks for passing by my blog … : D
     I just prepared a giveaway with some fantastic watches, 
    Why not share it too? 
    I&#39ll wait! good luck
    Miriam Stella 

    is fashion my Passion? the MiriamStella&#39s Blog
    MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE CLICK HERE

    Reply
  • A Brit Greek says:

    Great post Madison, I don't think you can really not like fashion (be it trends), or even 'older fashion' whatever that might be! As you go through your 20's, 30's, 40's etc your own personal develops, changes an even evolves and be it directly or indirectly, we are always influenced by fashion.

    Yup – i'm also not a harem pants wearer – doesn't look good on me, nor does the carrot shape trouser!
    I'm always up for trying anything though!
    x.o.x.o

    Reply
  • Curvesahead says:

    enjoyed for post 

    xoxo
    curves

    Reply
  • The Dainty Dolls House says:

    I don't follow trends really, I used to, then I got bored. I don't actually shop in stores any more either. I thrift or buy vintage or Ebay it. But, I think even when you don't wear or buy trends, your still thrown them from magazines, tv and advertisements. So, you have to be quite aware of that. I think when you cut that out of the picture, the influence on what you wear goes down dramatically. xx

    Reply
  • THE-LOUDMOUTH says:

    What an interesting conversation you had!  It's true, whether or not we purposely follow trends, we are indeed influenced by them in some way.

    Reply
  • Daniella says:

    Brilliantly said my dear! Couldn&#39t agree with you more 🙂

    Take care and enjoy your week,Daniella xox

    Reply
  • Fashion Confessions of a Mommy says:

    I enjoyed your post. I would be making the same argument as yourself and would be just as annoyed and frustrated. 
    I think for me it was the 'harem pants' and 'high waist pants' but somehow I found types that suited by body and have worn them. 
    Daphne.

    Reply
  • Erin says:

    peplum…I was not into it at all…I thought it was a fairly stonchy silhouette, and now I love it!

    xx

    Erin @ http://www.trufflesnruffles.com/

    Reply

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