The Vibe Is A Trendless Transition to Fall

Prompt No. 42: Worksheets, Smell Goods, Zack Fox, and Creative Direction

“It is not the object but the name that creates desire; it is not the dream but the meaning that sells.” - Roland Barthes, The Fashion System

“…truly a revelation in silhouette” apparently.

Nothing reminds me of Vogue’s irrelevance more than their roundup of seasonal trends, and it’s French philosopher Roland Barthes’ fault. In his 1967 analysis of writings on women’s 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 – particularly Vogue’s pedestrian approach – offers very little significance. Don’t believe me? Let’s give it a whirl. 

According to Vogue editors, the top Fall 2024 trends are: 

• 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 season’s 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 aren’t even styles, but fall mainstays. Without any way to distinguish this year’s cashmere crewneck from last, why can’t I just wear what I already own? If any of the above piques your curiosity, by all means check out Vogue’s “independently selected” 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 – not necessarily to “de-influence” myself from buying into trends, but because I know I am my own best source for inspiration. 

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?