Over the last decade, fashion enthusiasts have witnessed the rise of personal style. Even though trends still play a significant role in the development of clothing lines, the current trend cycles are not controlling the development of clothing as before. People are no longer limited to the reproduction of complete sets created by celebrities, designers or bloggers; instead, they select separate clothes and items of apparel that correspond to their preferences. As a result, today fashion industry becomes more dependent on individual taste than trends.
Access to Diverse Sources of Inspiration
The development of several tendencies causes this process. Access to diverse styles in online spaces allows people to combine ideas found in various sources and create their looks. The number of pictures that are available in modern fashion blogs and other sources is larger than those published in fashion magazines or at runway shows; this variety allows people to combine elements and create a new design.
Also, people are becoming more selective when it comes to purchases. They no longer buy entire wardrobes of seasonal trends but prefer to purchase items that correspond to their styles; it means that fashion moves from seasonal trends to continuous style.
Diversity as a Driving Force in Modern Fashion
One more tendency that contributes to the increase in the relevance of personal style is the diversity of contemporary fashion. At present, minimalistic wardrobes stand alongside maximalism. Vintage elements can be combined with futuristic styles. Fitted clothes are supplemented with oversize designs. Thus, diverse fashion makes it possible for people to participate in fashion without following a single style.
Identity and Consumer Behavior
The results of research on consumer behavior show that consumers’ identity is important for fashion. Fashion can reveal one’s personality, interests, values or way of life. As consumers strive for authenticity, fashion increasingly reflects personal priorities of consumers; hence, it explains the high interest to personal style in fashion industry.
The Influence of Social Media on Personal Style
At the same time, social media brings an interesting phenomenon into fashion industry. On one hand, social media speed up the processes of creation and distribution of trends. On the other hand, they provide users with a lot of styles, allowing them to experiment and develop personal style. Contrary to the popular opinion that social media create homogenous culture, frequent exposure to multiple styles allows people to define their tastes and create a personal style.
How Fashion Brands Are Responding
The reactions of fashion brands to these processes are diverse. Many fashion brands become more versatile and provide people with possibilities of customization and styling. In addition, advertising messages of many brands stress individuality and self-expression of consumers, which shows the desire of consumers to be flexible in using fashion in everyday life.
Whether one considers fashion industry, accessories market, shoes market, formal or casual clothes, people tend to construct personal and coherent wardrobes rather than copying trends.
The Role of Color in Personal Expression
Individuals usually speak about personal style in relation to clothing, cuts, and accessories. However, observations demonstrate that small details such as colors are also important in constructing a personal image and revealing individuality of a person through fashion. The relationship between color and personal expression further illustrates how fashion can communicate individuality. Color helps people to express themselves and is an additional tool of fashion.
Trends will always exist in the fashion industry. However, the importance of personal interpretation will grow with the change of fashion industry.