Fashion trends may come and go, but personal style is timeless. While trends set the stage for what’s current, how we interpret and incorporate them into our wardrobes is entirely personal. No two people wear a trend the same way, and that’s the beauty of fashion—it’s a reflection of individuality, creativity, and self-expression.

As a fashion student mentored by renowned stylist Hillary Harper Neal, I’ve come to understand that styling isn’t about blindly following trends—it’s about using them as tools to enhance and refine personal aesthetics. I’ve taken this guidance into my senior thesis project, The Closet Compass, to break into the world of styling by helping clients navigate fashion in a way that feels authentic.

I see myself as my clients' compass for fashion and wardrobe creation. I navigate them by merging current trends with their distinct style sensibilities. Instead of forcing trends into their wardrobes, I work with what defines them—elevating their looks, incorporating key pieces, and ensuring they stay true to their identities.

I’ve interpreted three different trends in this piece by exploring three distinct looks for each. These outfits highlight how I blend current fashion movements with personal aesthetics, ensuring that trends work for you, not the other way around. Each look is an opportunity to take inspiration from the trends and tailor them to your style. Because at the end of the day, fashion should never wear you—you should wear the fashion on your own terms.

Trend 1 Academic Preppy

The Academic/Preppy trend is defined by structured silhouettes, timeless pieces, and the art of layering key wardrobe staples to achieve a polished and simple look. This aesthetic blends classic sophistication with modern sensibilities, allowing for endless opportunities to personalize and refine it.

Here, I’ve styled three distinct outfits that embrace this trend while incorporating textures, accessories, and subtle modern updates—demonstrating how preppy fashion can be timeless and individual.

Look 1: Quiet Luxury Meets Founding Fathers' Aesthetic

I’m channeling classic academia with a touch of quiet luxury and a historic edge. I started with a cream cami top as my base, layering it under a sheer cream long-sleeve button-down with diamond buttons and a slightly shimmered tulle puffed neckline. This gives a subtle nod to the founding fathers' aesthetic while keeping it feminine and modern.

To balance out the soft top, I paired it with tan wide-leg trousers featuring small pleating details and pockets, giving the look definition while maintaining a flowy, effortless feel. For shoes, I went with cream satin slingback pumps accented with a delicate rose detail, tying into the romantic softness of the sheer blouse.

For accessories:

David Yurman X Classic Cable Station Bracelet & Classic Cable Bracelet (silver cuff bangles)

Engraved Fossil Harlow Two-Tone Watch

Swarovski Crystal Imber Rhodium Plated Stud Earrings

I finished the look with a cream-feathered square clutch, adding texture and reinforcing the luxurious preppy aesthetic.

This outfit is the perfect mix of traditional academic elements and feminine, high-end details, showing that preppy can still feel modern, make a statement, and remain chic.

Look 2: Collegiate Chic with a Feminine Edge

I wanted a classic preppy schoolgirl aesthetic for this outfit but with a more symmetrical and luxe feel. I started with a brown rectangular pleated skirt, a nod to traditional school uniforms but in a deeper, more opulent tone for a refined twist. I paired it with a white short-sleeve top, keeping it simple and crisp as a base.

For shoes, I went for Dior Miss Dior Patent Calfskin Pumps (black patent leather Mary Janes with gold fixtures), adding a timeless, sleek touch. To bring in a subtle vintage charm, I added white lace crew socks with delicate trim, making the look playful yet tasteful.

For layering, I threw on a tan cropped structured jacket with gold buttons, which adds a tailored, quiet luxury element to the outfit. To enhance the gold detailing in the jacket, I accessorized with:

Gold bangles

Gold linked circle necklace

Gold teardrop earrings

Louis Vuitton Petite Malle Charm Bracelet

Brown leather shoulder bag with gold hardware

This look, with its gold accents and warm, earthy tones, is perfect for channeling classic collegiate energy while remaining energetic and fashion-forward.

Look 3: Preppy Layering with Rich Textures

For my final preppy-inspired look, I wanted to play with layering and robust textures to create an organized yet relaxed academic feel. I started with a beige vest with fabric-covered buttons, layering it over burgundy wide-leg trousers with pleated detail and pockets, giving a strong, tailored base.

To add a smooth, quiet, luxury-inspired layer, I threw on a black cardigan with glossy black and gold buttons, instantly elevating the outfit.

For shoes, I went with brown, black, and beige tweed checkered platform block heels, adding a heritage-inspired texture that feels both classic and modern. My bag choice—a Longchamp black cowhide leather shoulder bag with a silver metal bamboo closure—adds a contrasting texture while keeping the look sophisticated and contemporary.

For accessories, I went for:

Engraved Fossil Harlow Two-Tone Watch

David Yurman X Classic Cable Station Bracelet & Classic Cable Bracelet (silver cuff bangles)

Diamond tennis bracelet

Swarovski Crystal Imber Rhodium Plated Stud Earrings

Silver hoop stripe-textured earrings

Two-tone Cuban link necklace with a matching bracelet

This outfit is an excellent example of how you can layer preppy staples with decadent textures and contrast neutral tones to create a classic and contemporary look.

Trend 2: Boho Romantic/Western Flare

The Boho Romantic/Western Flare trend embraces a free-spirited yet intentional aesthetic, blending soft, romantic textures like lace and crochet with rugged Western elements such as denim, suede, chunky belts, and statement cowboy boots. This style is all about layering lavish textures, playing with earthy tones, and incorporating distinctive accessories that nod to Western heritage while maintaining a bohemian elegance.

I’ve styled three distinct looks incorporating key Western and boho influences, blending modern romanticism and classic Western details.

Look 1: Western Chic with Denim & Classic Cowgirl Accents

This outfit is all about balancing sculpted Western pieces with softer, feminine details. I started with a white skirt, creating a light, airy base to contrast with the framed denim vest, bringing a classic Western workwear feel.

For footwear, I went with bone-colored cowgirl boots, which complement the chunky beige Western belt featuring a thick, patterned buckle—a statement detail that ties the look together. To enhance the Western authenticity, I added a dark grey Kemo Sabe hat, detailed with three mother-of-pearl pearls, a leather strap, and a feather, plus my initials branded into the brim—a truly personal touch.

For accessories, I layered:

Brown leather shoulder bag

Engraved Fossil Harlow Two-Tone Watch

David Yurman X Classic Cable Station Bracelet & Classic Cable Bracelet (silver cuff bangles)

Silver textured hoop earrings

This look perfectly balances rustic charm and modern femininity, making it effortlessly wearable while staying true to Western influence.

Look 2: Suede & Leather for a Modern Western Edge

For this look, I wanted to lean into the luxurious textures of suede and leather while maintaining a contoured yet relaxed silhouette. I started with a white vest featuring light brown marbled buttons, adding a subtle contrast that enhances the earthy tones of the outfit.

For bottoms, I chose Ultra High-Rise Wide-Leg Vegan Suede Pants in a tannin color, which drape beautifully while bringing in that quintessential Western suede texture. To ground the outfit, I opted for black vegan leather boots with a gold block heel inner lining detail, adding a sleek contrast to the softness of the suede.

I added a chunky black and silver disc belt to define the waist, reinforcing the Western elements. A Longchamp black cowhide leather purse with a silver bamboo closure brings in texture, balancing the rugged and clean elements.

For accessories, I kept it cohesive and subtly bold, layering:

Engraved Fossil Harlow Two-Tone Watch

David Yurman X Classic Cable Station Bracelet & Classic Cable Bracelet (silver cuff bangles)

Silver textured hoop earrings

This outfit embodies modern Western elegance, proving that suede and composed pieces can feel both finished and effortless.

Look 3: Boho Lace Meets Western Structure

This look embraces the romantic side of Western fashion, combining intricate lace, crochet, and methodical tailoring for a delicate yet free-spirited aesthetic.

I started with a black and white crochet maxi skirt, a perfect nod to handcrafted bohemian textures. I chose a white lace-detailed cap-sleeve button-down for the top, adding a delicate, feminine touch. To contrast the softness of the lace, I layered a black vest over it, creating a polished, precise element that refines the silhouette.

I opted for silver slip-on pump heels with double belt buckle details for shoes, keeping the Western influence subtle yet striking. To further define the waist, I added a black and silver disc belt, reinforcing the orchestrated elements of the look.

A Longchamp black cowhide leather purse with a silver bamboo closure adds a sleek, modern contrast while keeping the outfit grounded and cohesive. For accessories, I went with:

Engraved Fossil Harlow Two-Tone Watch

David Yurman X Classic Cable Station Bracelet & Classic Cable Bracelet (silver cuff bangles)

Silver textured hoop earrings

This look is the perfect fusion of boho romanticism and classic Western tailoring, offering a fresh take on Western-inspired styling with a touch of vintage charm.

Trend 3: Color Play

The Color Play trend embraces bold color blocking, unexpected pairings, and vibrant hues, creating eye-catching yet balanced looks. Whether through contrasting tones, complementary shades, or layering pastels with deeper colors, this trend celebrates self-expression through color.

Here, I’ve styled three distinct outfits that explore the versatility and personality of color blocking, proving that playful hues can be just as subtle and intentional as neutrals.

Look 1: Bold & Playful Contrast

This outfit is all about high-contrast color blocking with a fun, casual twist. I started with a green sweater vest cotton top, which creates a bold yet constructed base against the red midi skirt with a slit on one side, bringing in a dynamic pop of warmth and movement.

For shoes, I went for white Comme des Garçons Converse featuring multi-colored hearts, tying in the playful energy of this look while keeping it cool. To enhance the mix of colors, I accessorized with:

Engraved Fossil Harlow Two-Tone Watch

David Yurman X Classic Cable Station Bracelet & Classic Cable Bracelet (silver cuff bangles)

Silver stripe-textured hoop earrings

I also stacked three silver rings with beaded hearts on two bands and a middle band featuring a red ruby heart, adding a charming, whimsical touch. I carried a Dior Saddle Bag in white and silver leather to complete the look, serving as a neutral balance to the vibrant outfit.

Look 2: Soft Pastels & Fresh Neutrals

I wanted to explore a softer take on color blocking for this outfit, combining pastels with bright whites for a light, airy feel. I started with a white cropped tank top, which acts as the perfect neutral base. Over it, I layered a light pastel yellow cardigan featuring gold buttons, adding an innovative and enriched soft contrast.

For the bottom, I went with a pistachio green satin mini skirt, bringing in a soft but distinct pop of color that enhances the pastel palette. I paired the look with white Veja low-rise sneakers to keep the look casual, balancing elegance with everyday ease.

For accessories, I opted for:

Dior Saddle Bag in white and silver leather

Engraved Fossil Harlow Two-Tone Watch

David Yurman X Classic Cable Station Bracelet & Classic Cable Bracelet (silver cuff bangles)

Silver stripe-textured hoop earrings

This look embodies a zesty, feminine approach to color blocking, proving that pastels can feel sophisticated, effortless, and fun all at once.

Look 3: Warm & Rich Color Harmony

This look explores a deeper, more luxurious approach to color blocking, playing with warm, deep hues and lush textures. I started with an orange knit ribbed crop top, bringing in a bold, fiery base that feels energized and confident.

To complement the warmth of the top, I paired it with a satin pink and red floral print midi skirt with a slit on one side, adding a fluid, romantic contrast that enhances the vibrancy of the ensemble.

For footwear, I chose burgundy velvet Mary Jane pumps adorned with pearl and gold details, adding a touch of vintage elegance to balance the modern silhouette.