Trends & Style Tips are something I’ve been obsessed with for as long as I can remember. Whether I’m rifling through vintage shops or scrolling through Pinterest, I can’t help but keep an eye on what’s happening in the world of fashion and beauty. I mean, how else are you supposed to stay up-to-date on what’s hot (or, let’s be honest, what’s not)? This year, there’s a major shift, and from gender-neutral clothing to bold prints and sustainable fashion, the latest trends are all about individuality, creativity, and looking like you just walked off the runway without trying too hard. Let’s break it down.

The Rise of Gender-Neutral Fashion

First off, let me just say this: gender-neutral fashion is the future. A few years ago, I would’ve never thought about mixing my clothes with my brother’s (he doesn’t have the best taste anyway), but now it’s kind of the norm. Brands are shifting toward offering collections that anyone, regardless of gender, can wear. It’s been a game-changer for me – think oversized jackets, slouchy pants, and those statement tees that make you feel like you’ve been living under a rock if you don’t own one.

The beauty of this trend is that it’s all about comfort. I’m telling you, I’ve never felt cooler than I did wearing a loose, gender-neutral hoodie I borrowed from a friend last fall. And don’t even get me started on the accessories! Crossbody bags, beanies, and chunky sneakers are all part of this vibe. The takeaway? Wear whatever makes you feel like yourself—no boxes, no labels.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly and Stylish

Sustainability is the name of the game now. As someone who’s more than a little guilty of impulse-buying fast fashion (hello, 2019 me), I’ve seen the error of my ways. It’s no longer just about how your outfit looks—it’s about how it was made. Brands are starting to realize that a stylish outfit shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. Enter sustainable fashion.

Whether it’s organic cotton or upcycled materials, eco-friendly clothing has come a long way. The best part? It’s not all about bland earth tones (although, shout out to the forest green sweater I found at the local vintage shop last weekend). Sustainable fashion has really stepped up its game. Remember that oversized jacket I mentioned? Yeah, it’s from a local brand that uses hemp, and it’s wicked comfy. Plus, I’m not contributing to landfill overload, so there’s that. Oh, and the fact that I get to wear something that’s both stylish and sustainable? Big win.

Bold Prints and Patterns

Alright, let’s talk about prints. Y’all, I was skeptical at first, but bold prints are definitely back in a big way. Animal prints? Check. Stripes? Double check. Abstract geometric patterns that make you look like a walking piece of modern art? Yes, please. I recently took the plunge and bought a pair of leopard print pants (don’t judge). At first, I felt like a cartoon character, but now? I love them. The trick with prints is balancing them out. If you’re rocking a wild patterned top, pair it with something simple on the bottom, or vice versa.

And if you’re feeling brave, try mixing prints. It might sound like a disaster waiting to happen, but trust me, it works if you keep the color palette consistent. I’ve been doing this with florals and stripes, and somehow, it’s chic. I’m still not sure how, but hey, it works.

Tailored and Structured Silhouettes

I’ll be honest: I didn’t get into structured clothing until I hit my 30s (late bloomer, anyone?). For the longest time, I was all about those loose, flowy bohemian styles. But, as it turns out, a tailored blazer can make a world of difference. There’s something about a crisp, well-fitted blazer that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together—even if you don’t.

It’s not just about blazers, though. High-waisted trousers, pencil skirts, and even structured midi dresses are all about enhancing your shape and giving you that sleek, sophisticated look. I’m not saying ditch your comfy sweatpants (god knows I can’t), but every now and then, it’s nice to swap out your oversized hoodie for something that makes you feel, well, put-together.

Beauty Trends: Glowing Skin and Natural Makeup

I can’t even talk about beauty without mentioning skincare. If there’s one thing I learned this year, it’s that glowing skin is always in. I used to think that a full face of foundation was the key to looking fresh-faced, but nope. It’s all about a solid skincare routine that gives you that dewy, natural glow. So, I started paying attention to things like serums, moisturizers, and masks, and let me tell you, my skin has never looked better. It’s like I’m wearing a filter, but IRL.

When it comes to makeup, natural looks are where it’s at. It’s all about subtlety—think soft brows, neutral eyeshadows, and a little bit of blush to brighten up your face. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I wore a bold lipstick. Now, I’m all about those tinted balms and lip glosses that make me feel like I’ve just rolled out of bed, but in a good way. It’s like effortless beauty…or at least, that’s the illusion I’m going for.

Hair Trends: Messy, Textured Styles

Here’s a hot take: messy hair is having a moment, and I’m so here for it. I used to spend way too much time flat-ironing my hair, trying to make it look sleek and shiny. But, after one too many frizz-induced breakdowns, I decided to embrace the mess. Enter beachy waves, textured bobs, and the perfect “I woke up like this” ponytail. It’s less about perfection and more about having fun with your hair.

Textured hair has a vibe, y’all. It’s carefree, it’s cool, and honestly, I’m just here for anything that doesn’t require a 45-minute blow-dry session. I’ll admit it—sometimes I just throw in a little sea salt spray, scrunch, and go.

Footwear: Sneakers and Chunky Boots

Sneakers are basically a must-have now. I used to be super picky about shoes (shocker, I know), but lately, I’ve found that a good pair of chunky sneakers can pull an outfit together in ways I didn’t expect. I even bought a pair of white ones that I thought I’d ruin in two days, but somehow, they’re still pristine. Go figure.

On the flip side, chunky boots are another footwear trend I’m loving. They’re like the rugged older sibling of a sleek stiletto. You can wear them with anything: dresses, skirts, jeans, you name it. They give any outfit an edge. I tried them on at Pete’s Hardware (don’t ask why), and now they’re my go-to for any look that needs a little attitude.

Trends & Style Tips: How to Keep Up

So, there you have it. Whether you’re dipping your toes into gender-neutral fashion or experimenting with bold prints, the latest trends & style tips are all about embracing individuality. Forget about trying to follow every fleeting trend—just find what makes you feel confident and rock it. I’ve learned that it’s less about wearing what’s “in” and more about wearing what makes you feel like the best version of yourself. Anyway, here’s the kicker: fashion is supposed to be fun. So go ahead, mix, match, and make it your own!