By Zohra Takal
Does the concept of ‘fashionable’ versus ‘stylish’ actually exist? Or is it merely an idea we’ve created that has, over time, only complicated fashion?
When we think of the word ‘fashionable’, it’s only natural that we think of hot, current trends. Whether that is off-the-shoulder tops or low-rise jeans, the cheetah pants all over TikTok, fashion is seen as replaceable and seasonal. Let’s look back at those Pinterest boards from a month ago. Was it really all that?
Let’s go back to 2016 and think of the fashionable items.
Starting with the “scariest” fashionable piece, skinny jeans. We jumped on the bandwagon, but so did our favs like Kylie Jenner and many more IT girls. The year 2016 saw some questionable pieces, chokers, lace-up tops, band tees, that only when looking back make us side-eye.
But then… What’s ‘stylish’? To be ‘stylish’ goes beyond the threshold of what is popular and cool. When I think of a stylish person, it is personal and authentic. Even the trendiest leather jacket flops if you don’t style it with intention. Oftentimes, we focus on what’s in, what’s popular, but that hinders us from true self-expression.
In 2025, fashion has become a staple; everyone tunes in to look good, to feel good. Over the past few years, we have faced the issue that whatever’s in today is out tomorrow, and the “micro-trend” era continues to expand. Yet, we still pride ourselves on being ‘stylish’, in being unique. We look back at 2016 and the photos of skinny jeans, chokers, and we cringe, but the problem was never with the fashion pieces; it was with our mindset and the need to constantly feel innovative.
The main current problem in fashion is limitation. Yes, we’re trying to be more courageous, but also scared of following the past ‘scary’ fashion trends. How are we moving forward without looking backward? And honestly? If we separate the pieces, most of those “bad trends” that we run from weren’t half as bad as we made them.
Let’s talk about skinny jeans again. Are they really that bad? In 2025, the biggest focus is on accessorizing, so why aren’t we wearing skinny jeans with some chunky boots and a nice top? I want to emphasise that fashion is meant to evolve, not be erased. In reality, fashion has been overcomplicated too much, and if we’re honest, it has always been a double-edged sword, where we can be expressive but still be intimidated at the same time.
We spend so much time overthinking whether we should buy that low-key, ugly jacket we like from the thrift shop, when all we have to do is wear it with confidence, add some accessories, and call it a day. So maybe the question was never about what was ‘fashionable’ or stylish, but rather wearing what you like correctly.