I’ve been burned by trends enough times to spot the warning signs now. That color I painted my accent wall that felt so fresh? Dated within two years. Those jeans I bought in a very specific style? Unwearable after one season. Learning to identify when a trend is peaking—or already on its way out—has saved me so much money and so many regrets.
When it’s suddenly everywhere at once, it’s probably already peaked. If you’re seeing something in fast fashion stores, big box retailers, and all over social media simultaneously, you’re late to the party. By the time a trend has trickled down to mass market, it’s usually on its way out. I learned this with the rose gold everything moment—once every store had rose gold decor, it was time to move on.
If it requires you to replace multiple existing items to make it work, be cautious. Trends that demand you overhaul your entire wardrobe or redecor your whole space are usually flash-in-the-pan moments. Millennial pink was like this—suddenly you “needed” pink everything, but if your whole aesthetic was something else, forcing it never worked. Lasting styles work with what you already have.
Super specific equals short-lived. The more specific a trend is, the faster it’ll die. “Neutrals” is timeless. “Greige” was a moment. “Live Laugh Love” signs were everywhere and then became a punchline. Ultra-specific color combos like “blush and navy” or very particular patterns date themselves quickly. I stick to broader trends now—”warm neutrals” instead of one exact shade.
When the backlash starts, it’s already over. Once people start making fun of a trend or calling it “so last year,” it’s done. Farmhouse decor with shiplap everywhere? It had a great run but the backlash tells you it’s time to move on if you haven’t already. Same with certain fashion trends—when people start roasting them online, they’re toast.
If it’s uncomfortable or impractical, it won’t last. Fashion and decor trends that prioritize looks over function always fade fast. Those super low-rise jeans from the early 2000s? Uncomfortable and unflattering for most people, so they didn’t last. All-white everything in homes? Gorgeous but impractical, which is why we’ve moved toward more livable palettes.
Celebrity or influencer oversaturation is a red flag. When one specific influencer’s aesthetic becomes so copied that everyone’s space or wardrobe looks identical, that trend is about to collapse. I saw this with the minimalist white aesthetic—it was beautiful until everyone had the exact same apartment. Differentiation is starting to matter again.
When there’s a name for it, it might be ending. Once a trend gets a specific name and articles are written explaining it, it’s usually mature or even declining. “Cottagecore” had a moment, got named and defined, and then started to feel less fresh. The most current stuff often doesn’t have a catchy name yet.
If it clashes with your existing aesthetic, trust that instinct. Trends that feel forced or don’t align with your personal style are ones you should skip anyway. When neon came back recently, I knew it wasn’t for me and I didn’t force it. Now it’s already fading and I’m glad I didn’t buy that neon sign for my wall.
Look for the next wave. Trends move in cycles and reactions. When minimalism dominates, maximalism comes next. When everything was gray, warm colors came back. If you’re paying attention to what feels like a reaction to the current trend, you’re spotting what’s next. Right now we’re seeing reactions to stark minimalism with more warmth and personality creeping back in.
My rule now: I’ll participate in a trend with small, inexpensive, easily changeable items. Trendy throw pillows? Sure. Painting my whole room a trendy color? Nope. A trendy handbag? Only if it’s affordable. An entire wardrobe of one specific style? Never again. The key is to stay true to your core aesthetic and just sprinkle in trends that genuinely speak to you, knowing they’re temporary.
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