The Vibe Is A Trendless Transition to Fall
Prompt No. 42: Worksheets, Smell Goods, Zack Fox, and Creative Direction
βIt is not the object but the name that creates desire; it is not the dream but the meaning that sells.β - Roland Barthes, The Fashion System
Nothing reminds me of Vogueβs irrelevance more than their roundup of seasonal trends, and itβs French philosopher Roland Barthesβ fault. In his 1967 analysis of writings on womenβs clothing, Barthes explains that how a garment is described adds an idealistic, bourgeois emphasis we accept as truth. However, nowadays we learn the structure of clothing through social media, and what we are meant to understand of a particular garment or style is no longer relegated to its description. As a matter of fact, relying on written clothing β particularly Vogueβs pedestrian approach β offers very little significance. Donβt believe me? Letβs give it a whirl.Β
According to Vogue editors, the top Fall 2024 trends are:Β
The Relaxed Suit
The Leopard Print Clutch
The Dark Brown Jean
The Leather Trench
The Cashmere Crewneck
The Track Pant
The Mesh Moment
The Boot-Pant Hybrid
Silk and Lace
The Draped Top
The Burgundy Skirt
The Suede Jacket
The Corduroy Vest
Yawn. Confusion. Exhaustion. Without an image to inform us of the seasonβs covetable brands or specific styling cues, this list means absolutely nothing. I have zero interest in a boot-pant hybrid, a leopard print clutch is really necessary when I have a convertible crossbody that will do the trick, and I am always way too cold for mesh outside the summer months. Some arenβt even styles, but fall mainstays. Without any way to distinguish this yearβs cashmere crewneck from last, why canβt I just wear what I already own? If any of the above piques your curiosity, by all means check out Vogueβs βindependently selectedβ affiliate links that notably bear little resemblance to the runway looks that inspired the list. Me? I would rather revisit my fall wardrobe with personal style and presentation in mind β not necessarily to βde-influenceβ myself from buying into trends, but because I know I am my own best source for inspiration.Β
This year, I decided to formalize the mental process I typically go through at the start of the season. After such a listless, uninspiring summer, I knew I wanted to engage with my wardrobe and feel effective, if that makes sense, so I came up with the Trendless Transition Worksheet. If written clothing imbues meaning, then why not undergo the process myself for myself?Β
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