How to tell if a trend is worth investing in?
Is This Trend for You? How to Know If It’s Worth It
With every new season, there’s always a new trend on the block, and I always find myself asking (and thought you might be too!)—is this trend actually worth investing in?
Trends usually start on the catwalk, then slowly trickle down—one season, you’ll see a few people wearing them, and by the next, they’re everywhere on the high street. And while trends absolutely have their place, especially for us mums who want to feel like we know what’s going on in fashion, I don’t think following trends blindly does much for our personal style.
Buying something just because it’s trendy doesn’t automatically make it a great addition to your wardrobe—if it doesn’t work for your lifestyle, your style words, or your wardrobe, then it’s just another piece of clutter. And remember, trends are often designed to keep us buying more, convincing us that what we have isn’t ‘current’ enough.
So how do we balance looking modern without feeling like we’re trying too hard? Here are my simple rules for deciding if a trend is actually worth buying.
1. Will it work with my wardrobe without needing to buy something else?
A trend is a win if it slots straight into your existing wardrobe, letting you wear it with pieces you already own.
Take barrel-leg jeans—they’ve been a huge trend this year, and for me, they’ve seamlessly replaced other jeans in my wardrobe. I haven’t had to buy anything else to make them work, just swapped them into outfits I’d normally wear with a different denim style.
Same goes for last year’s denim midi skirts—which we all know spread like wildfire in the group! They were everywhere last spring and are still going strong this year.
💡JD Style tip - If a trend needs a whole new ‘supporting cast’ of purchases, it’s probably not the right one for you.
2. Is it practical for my everyday life?
A trend might look incredible on Instagram, but if it doesn’t fit your real life, it’s not worth the investment.
Take mesh flats—they were huge last season, but let’s be honest, they’re not great for UK weather (or for running around after kids). On the other hand, chunky loafers have been trending for the last couple of years and are a much more wearable update for everyday outfits.
💡 JD style tip - If a trend requires too much effort to style or maintain, skip it!
3. Will this trend actually stick around?
Some trends disappear quickly, while others cycle back into fashion every few years.
A simple way to tell? Has this been trendy before?
Take the small knitted scarf—it was everywhere last winter, and I saw loads of them in the group! It’s a great example of a trend that got plenty of wear and slotted seamlessly into wardrobes. But while it’s a twist on a classic, it’s also relatively new as a ‘must-have’ piece—so it’ll be interesting to see if it makes a return next year.
Now, look at vests—layered vests have come back again this season, and they’ve been in and out of fashion for decades. This is the kind of trend that’s more of a wardrobe staple in disguise—it might not always be everywhere, but it’s something that resurfaces regularly.
💡JD style tip? If a trend feels like a modern twist on a classic, it’s a safer bet. But if it’s something ultra trendy, think about how much you will wear it in your wardrobe (if you are going to wear it lots - the knitted scarf is a perfect example of this - as you will end up wearing it so much, but a skirt in a trendy shape, might not get as much wear!)
4. Does this trend match my personal style?
We talk about this a lot—your style should look and feel like you. Trends are fun, but if they don’t align with your style words, they can feel off.
If your style leans classic and tailored, then ultra-baggy silhouettes might not work. If you love bright, artistic outfits, then a trend focused on minimalist neutrals might feel too dull for you.
💡 JD Style Tip: The best trends are the ones that feel like a natural extension of your style—not like you’re dressing up as someone else. When you see something new in the shop and think yes - this is me!
So, what’s trending for spring 2025?
Here are some of the biggest trends this season—let me know which ones you think will work for your wardrobe (and which ones are making you feel nervous to look at!!)