Adapting VS Adopting: How Do You Know When You've Taken Trend Guides Too Seriously?

For those of us who read an abundance of magazines (myself included), how do you know when you've taken a trend too far?

What does this mean, you ask?

It means that you can't tell the difference between adopting this trend and adapting to it.

Let's go over some definitions here (taken straight from my computer's built-in dictionary)

Adapt: to make something suitable for a new use or purpose; modify
Adopt: to take up, start to use, or follow

Now, which one do you want to fall under? Well, let's say you see Man Repeller's Leandra Medine in a pair of round frame sunglasses. Subsequently, you see a trend report on round frames in your latest issue of Elle. Instantly, you get this urge to buy a pair because you want to be just like her (subconsciously, of course). This, my friend, is adopting. Now, if you arrive at the store and try on the same pair as Leandra, only to find yourself disappointed with how they look on your face, don't fret. You may not have the same face as she does, but this doesn't mean you can't experiment with round frames. Therein comes adapting. When you find a pair of round frames with wide rims that suit your big personality, you know you've found the ones. They may be different from the ones written about in Elle, but at least they feel like a version of the trend that suits you.

via vogue.com

The idea is to pick and choose the trends you want to follow. Now, I'm not asking you to stop experimenting and limit yourself to your classic favourites, but rather, to experiment the right way. What does this mean? It means that it's important to find an item that makes you feel most like yourself while taking a fashion risk. After all, trends are simply guidelines. It's up to you to make them your own.

Ponder That,

Bella