Fictional Story: The difference between trend and style is often difficult to grasp. But how exactly do we define trend and style?
A customer walks into the shop. In her hand, a photo from Instagram. Cottagecore quilt, muted tones, lots of small floral patterns. "I want something like this now too."
Three months prior, the same customer. Back then: colorful Ruby Star, rainbow patchwork, the louder the better.
Sound familiar? Completely understandable, right? I think so too. It's normal. Many have a fabric stash full of projects. Yet they still can't find anything suitable. This is why.
A quick interjection, because otherwise this will sound like a lecture: I'm just the same. Sometimes I stand in front of collections and think, this is mine forever now. I'll never sew with other fabrics again. Often I look at the fabrics later and think: hm. Outdated.
So let's talk about the difference between trend and style. Because it's expensive if you don't know it.
A trend is what everyone is doing right now.
A trend is the collection Moda released this autumn.
A trend is also the block that's popping up everywhere on Pinterest for the past three weeks.
A trend is Modern Quilting, a trend is Scrappy, a trend is Foundation Paper Piecing, a trend is Cottagecore, a trend is Coastal Grandma.
Trends aren't bad. On the contrary, they're exciting. They encourage you to try new techniques and notice fabrics you probably would have walked past otherwise.
But trends also have an expiry date. Six months, maybe twelve. Then the next one comes along.
And if you base your purchases on trends, this happens: your fat-quarter pile becomes an archaeological study. Bottom layer: 2022, sixties prints are back. Middle layer: 2023, earth tones. Top layer: 2024, suddenly neon. In between, fabrics you wouldn't buy today, but they were (expensively) paid for.
Style is what remains when the trend is over.
Style is the color you always return to. Even if no one else is wearing it right now. Style is the seam you choose without thinking. Style is the quilt you sewed. It's still on your sofa today. It still fits.
Style isn't loud. Style doesn't need to prove to anyone that it's modern.
You recognize your style because it keeps coming back. Not because you plan it, but because you can't help it.
You reach for the same blue.
You cut that same strip width again.
You add a dark border again, even though it would be "trendier" without one.
This is not a lack of creativity. Very important!
This is your fingerprint.
How to recognize the difference between trend and style.
One question helps: Would I still do this if no one was watching?
Not: "Do I like it?" That's too cheap. We also like things because we see them often on Instagram. That's called the "Mere Exposure" effect.
Instead: Would I buy this fabric if I couldn't post about it? Would I sew this block if I could never show it off? Would I choose this color combination if I didn't know it was currently "in"?
The honest answer separates trend from style.
Of course, you're allowed to buy trends.
Lest there be any misunderstanding. Of course, I sell Ruby Star Society. I love to sell Art Gallery. Of course, I sell the new Fableism collections as soon as they come in. That's how the shop thrives.
And you're allowed to buy that. Your style might fit well with a trendy collection. A trendy fabric in a style project often provides the kick. It makes the quilt top vibrant and current. The problem isn't the single trendy fabric. The problem is a closet full of Melody Miller. Then your own style no longer shines through. Unless you are Melody Miller.
Rule of thumb from the shop: 80% style, 20% trend. The 80 are your basic colors, your favorite basics, the fabrics you've been re-buying in different collections for years. The 20 is a playground. If you get bored tomorrow, you haven't lost anything.
What this means for your next purchase.
Before you send off your shopping cart, take a minute:
What are you buying because you need it? What are you buying because you saw it in a Reel yesterday? Will you still have the fabric in your closet in three years? It might be out of fashion then. Would you still want to work with it?
If yes, then put it in. You're probably on the track to your style.
If not, it's a trend. Then feel free to buy it anyway, but maybe half a meter less?
Trends are cherries on the cake. Style is the dough. And if you only eat cherries...
🦊
If this text helps you make a decision on your next purchase, then it has done its job. And if not: Then still treat yourself to the fabric. Life is also for that.
