Artistic Reputations

I think some people are taking this "season" deal too seriously. As FrozNlite said, you really don't need to abide by the trends set by crazy fashion houses. Just wear what you want. Runways are a huge exaggeration of styles (for the most part) so you can take certain pieces or do-it-yourself stuff. For example a 2012 men's trend was Paint Splatter:

 Spoiler

(James Long Menswear - Spring/Summer 2011)
It looks as if somebody barfed a crayon orgy onto clothing.


(Jean Paul Gaultier/Dries Van Noten - Spring/Summer 2011)
some reference
here we see it more refined, and you should get the idea that usually trends start off from the fashion houses -> catalyst (usually celebrities) -> mass market (commercial)

I mean I don't know about you but a simple button up with a modicum of blotches/splatter looks really interesting to me and I would totally incorporate that into my wardrobe.

-button up with splatter (get dye, use an old possibly stained buttoned up shirt)
-black blazer (can be found in almost every thift store for friggin 'cheap)
-chinos (thift stores, may be more expensive but easy to find)
-shoes (wear whatever you may have, chinos work with almost every shoe...)



Once again you may not like it, but this is just my example of trying out a trend and incorporating it into a very simple look.

It's 4 piece outfit that implements the trend "Paint splatter" which brings me to my next point. "Well I don't have the money to buy designer clothing, or clothing in general i'd rather spend it on other things"

You can easily do-it-yourself and have any look you want on a low ass budget. I personally would never spend more than 10 dollar on any top (bottoms/shoes are more important to me in terms of comfort so I shell out more on that). All the blazers and outwear I have have been gotten from thrift stores are for no more than $5.

and yes you may want to spend it on other stuff than this, fair enough. I just think it comes to personal preference. I just see the whole styling and fashion as a multi layered (lol!) art form!

I also think people need to understand there are HUNDREDS upon HUNDREDS companies pumping out ready to wear (pret-a-porter) every season, and tend to only highlight ridiculous and extreme examples of trends (clothes that look impossible to pull off without the silhouette of a chopstick) If you truly look into fashion, get past the stupid brand wars, stereotype and just think about it from a different perspective you'll be able to appreciate fashion so much more.

Get inspired! take notice and try it yourself!