I am all about a trend and even being a repeat offender (guilty!). So how do you wear trends and not look like a mannequin or carbon copy?

TOP // Forever 21 — SKIRT // Who What Wear collection via Target — SHOES // Steve Madden via Amazon Fashion —BAG // Who What Wear collection via Target (similar) — NECKLACE // c/o My Name Necklace — EARRINGS // Mattie James (coming soon!)

PHOTOGRAPHY // Christopher Jamar Payne for Mattie James

So, here I am again wearing a ruffle piece – this time a skirt from Who What Wear. To be fair my mom got this for me as a gift. Great minds think alike, ya know. It got me to thinking about the ruffle trend and possibly how much I may hate my closet next year when ruffles aren’t in anymore. But that’s beside the point.

I look at my Instagram and at my blog content and I will say I am not bored by the repeat ruffle situation I have going on. At first, I questioned if it was narcissism, but then I researched other influencers and their timelines to see what makes a trend standout and not gimmicky. How do you wear a trend – over and over again – without being redundant?

After being trapped into the dark hole that my blogroll and Instagram timeline, I finally found the answers. Here are 3 ways to make trends your own.

Avoid being a carbon copy
The other day while Hubs and I were out shopping, we saw a lady with a Serena Williams Nike outfit on. And there’s nothing wrong with that. But she had on the top, the pants, the headband, AND the wristbands. It was a bit much. If you like a trendy piece or even look from a brand or store, go for it. However, try not to style it exactly like they did. If it’s an entire outfit, try to treat pieces are separates. If you can’t, accessorize it noticeably different. But apply copy and paste from mannequin to real life is usually a no go.

Go for what compliments you best
While trends are fun, it’s important to know that style is about exudes who you are inside on the outside. The goal is to feel good. And while crop tops are a thing right now, they may not be best for you. The good news is that trends are always coming and going and that there are always more than enough for everyone. So crop tops aren’t your thing, but because you take arms and back seriously at the gym, off the shoulder tops may be your go to. Evaluate your options and always go for the ones that make you look (and feel) amazing.

Have fun & catch people off guard
Because it’s so easy to do what you see on the runway, red carpet or even from your favorite bloggers, treat trends like opposite day – mix it up and pull it off in an unexpected way. That red satin romper you just bought? Pair it with something unconventional like some Adidas Superstars. The black and white will pop against that color. Those distressed denim overalls? Wear it an of the shoulder top with clear jelly sandals. Unexpected but still trendy. Tell your style story in an interesting yet unexpected way.

So there you have it. How to make trends your own in three simple steps. But know this: when it comes to style, have fun and be yourself. If you like something, wear it. If it makes you feel good, wear it. If it’s unexpected but your thing, wear it. That the things about style, it’s ever-changing thanks to these little things called trends.

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