By Marcy Carmack
You have to know the rules before you can break them—wouldn’t you agree? The same goes for fashion trends. You have to sift through them to decide which ones are worth following. In the past, each season produced a few trends, and each decade had one defining look—the miniskirt ruled the ’60s, and shoulder pads dominated the ‘80s. Today, trends move at a dizzying speed, making it nearly impossible to pinpoint a defining style for the last few decades. For many women, keeping up feels overwhelming.
Friend and freelance fashion writer Christopher Blackmon, who has been featured in The New York Times and Harper’s Bazaar, puts it best: “If there is one trend that will always be with us, it’s beauty. That’s just a universal mainstay.”
As a personal stylist and industry veteran, I don’t feel the need to follow every trend, and I don’t recommend you do either. Instead, I suggest selecting one or two that flatter your figure and complement your personal style. This can be tricky when oversized clothing dominates—an aesthetic that suits few. Colors, however, are an easier way to embrace trends, allowing you to choose shades that enhance your complexion and taste.
Blush Tones – The Chicest Trend of the Season
One of spring’s most wearable trends is blush—a soft, feminine hue that never feels over-the-top. Flattering on most complexions, it’s subtle and sophisticated enough to remain in style season after season. While top designers are reinterpreting the shade in ready-to-wear collections, this isn’t the bright Barbie pink that flooded the market a few years ago. This season along with blush is ballet pink – leading the way in accessories. Last September’s runways were filled with cotton candy–hued bags, and these subtle shades like shell and petal are the new neutral. Suffice to say, all variations of blush are in and I for one, will be wearing it well beyond this season.
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New Bottega Veneta Store on Oak Street in Chicago
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Electric Blues – A Bold Counterbalance
With all the soft, pretty hues, a striking contrast is necessary—and electric blue delivers. This bold, high-impact primary color looks fantastic paired with crisp white for spring and summer.
COS Courrèges
ROHE The Attico
Coastal Prep – A Perennial Favorite
For me, prep has never been a fleeting trend. Stripes and nautical-inspired pieces have been staples in my wardrobe since childhood. The look originated in prep schools and sailing culture, and this season, it’s officially back. But don’t worry—you can wear it long after the trend cycle moves on. Just make sure to inject some of your personal style to make it pop.
Glamour for Everlane Glamour for JCrew denim
Vogue for Matteau and Underwater Weaving
Senior shopping editor at Vogue, Talia Abbas says, “how perfect is this basket clutch Underwater Weaving created for the Maria McManus show? Obsessed!” I dismissed it until I realized it is like a modern day Nantucket lightship basket. Took me right back to my summer spent on Nantucket working and having fun with my friends. Funny how clothes take us places in our minds and hearts.
Saks for CO
Vogue for Mui Mui
The New Workwear (or Just Dressing Up Again)
After more than four years of living in loungewear, I’ve noticed a shift—people are embracing the joy of dressing up again. While brands like Lululemon and Alo will always have their place, there’s a renewed desire to wear real clothes. Dressing well isn’t just about fashion; it’s about how you feel. When you look good, you feel good—and that confidence influences everything you do. It’s a win-win.
Vogue for Source Unknown
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Final Thoughts – Wear What Flatters You, not someone else
Most people like to follow trends, and I don’t blame them. They serve as a style guide, making it easier to stay “in fashion”. But with today’s relentless cycle of newness, it’s nearly impossible to keep up. My advice? Step off the trend treadmill. Instead, focus on clothing that fits and flatters your body. Fashion should work for you—not the other way around. After all, what’s “in” today is gone tomorrow.
Marcy Carmack is a Chicago-based celebrity and personal stylist with a distinguished career spanning both coasts. She began her fashion journey in New York, collaborating with top design houses in public relations, fashion show production, and visual merchandising. After relocating to the West Coast, she launched her own successful styling business and was soon recognized as Best of the Bay by San Francisco Magazine, dressing the city’s most influential figures.
A true entrepreneur, Marcy co-founded The RealReal before moving to Chicago, where she continues to flourish in her styling career and co-hosts the online show Fashion Coffee Hour with Stanley Smith, offering insight into the ever-evolving world of fashion.
