“But I Have Nothing To Wear!” Why Hero Wardrobe Pieces Are Better Than Microtrends
Leather jackets are great hero pieces, via UNSPLASH
In a world bombarding us with rapidly changing trends, a firm grasp on your personal style feels more essential than ever. Whether flipping through your Instagram feed, browsing online, or awkwardly attempting to decipher what even is norm-core or coquette-core (don’t Google it—it’ll just make you mad), it seems that fashion has transitioned into a veritable minefield of microtrends where genuine hero pieces become devalued. Because people are consuming so much, it seems like our wardrobes run the risk of being constantly outdated.
But don’t worry; this guide aims to untangle this intricate landscape of fashion and help you identify the superhero elements in your wardrobe that can transform your everyday style. Because we are committed to helping you understand true style—not just what the latest trend is.
The Dilemma of Microtrends vs. True Personal Style
Before we delve into the concept of hero pieces, let's take a moment to understand the juxtaposition between fast-changing microtrends and enduring styles. The fashion world has become heavily saturated with ephemeral trends: fleeting moments characterized by buzz and hype that often leave your closet feeling cluttered and uninspired. Microtrends rise to popularity swiftly, only to disappear just as quickly, leaving a trail of clothes that may no longer feel relevant or representative of who you are.
And what is true style?
Well, true style is something that stands the test of time. They are clothes and the way you put together that will feel effortlessly you. Instead of Barbie-core, we’re going for YOU-core.
What Is a Hero Piece in your wardrobe?
A hero piece is a reliable, steadfast item in your wardrobe. It’s a go-to piece that works uniquely for you. It’s effortlessly versatile and never fails to make you feel your best. It always saves the day when you don’t know what to wear. It’s the clothing that makes you feel confident, powerful, and undeniably yourself. Hero pieces enhance your overall style brand for many years.
On the other hand, microtrends can lead to impulsive buying and unsatisfying outfits, and hero pieces provide the comfort of knowing you have clothing that will elevate your mood, regardless of the situation.
Tanya Layko via UNSPLASH
Recognizing Micro-Trends: The Red Flags
Let's admit it: the culture around fashion can be confusing and, at times, overwhelming.
Microtrends often disguise themselves as trendy “must-haves.” Here’s your cheat sheet for identifying microtrends:
Fleeting Fads: If something pops up on social media, seemingly out of nowhere, and is quickly endorsed by influencers (usually with a “paid ad” notation), be cautious. These items often flash into your feeds only to vanish soon after.
Over-Saturation in Fast Fashion: An item flooding fast-fashion chains is a sure sign it’s a fad. If everyone is wearing it, and " dupes " are quickly available at places like Shein and Zara, it’s probably time to step back for a moment.
Lack of Longevity: If you feel a piece or a style vibe lacks timeless appeal—something you might love in theory because you see it everywhere now, but you don’t see yourself wearing it in a year because it’s not in keeping with your authentic and unique style—chances are it’s more of a passing trend than a stylistic mainstay. Think about your cost per wear here!
Barbie-core via UNSPLASH
Examples of MicroTrends / Core-ification
Barbie-core, coquette-core, grandad-core, secretary-core, mob wife, quiet luxury, cottage-core, goblin-core, norm-core. These were all microtrends we saw in 2023 and 2024. However, how many of these were based in archetypes? Most of them, unfortunately. Our suggestion is to participate in these trends if they serve your own personal style. And only if. For example, if you LOVE pink and always have, then take advantage of the abundance of it available and carefully select pink items that work with your existing wardrobe, your lifestyle, and your style brand goals.
TrendBible defines a microtrend as: “A niche or industry-specific consumer behavioural trend which is mass market ready and actionable. With a shorter life span, microtrends usually filter down from Macro Trends and provide opportunities for innovators, designers, and marketers to tap into these emerging consumer mindsets.”
Adding “core” to every single microtrend that comes along also has a interesting and destructive side-effect, as explored in the excellent article “The Impact of “-Core” Fashion Trends: Diluting Subcultures and Niche Aesthetics” by Alina Amin. Amin points out that while the commercialization and mainstream recognition of styles can make them more accessible to everyone, they often strip away the cultural significance they held within their original communities. If an aesthetic is associated with a certain community, turning it into a commercial item that can be bought dilutes its power and overall authenticity. Wearing something is no longer a calling card for what we value—it becomes a reflection of who we follow on Instagram. Aesthetically, it also has more in common with costumes. Using the BU Style language, for example, the idea of “quiet luxury” was a trend bombarding our feeds in 2024. But, really, quiet luxury is simply investing in timeless, logoless, and well-made basics. Individuals who score high in Classic, Polished, or Soft style personalities will likely always shop with those priorities and characteristics in mind, whether or not they are trending.
Tenniscore via UNSPLASH
Curious to hear about more of the “cores”: Angelcore, Cluttercore, Clowncore, Cottagecore, Craftcore, Eurocore, Fairycore, Farmcore, Goblincore, Gorpcore, Hobicore, Holidaycore, Italycore, Kidcore, Kingcore, Normcore, Princesscore, Queencore, Royalcore… And, yes, tenniscore.
Cultural events or zeitgeist moments (did you see Challengers?) can take something into the microtrend category. And even though tenniscore and balletcore have had longer staying power than most, they don’t always serve the people who are investing in these pieces.
To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with wearing something that’s part of a microtrend or “core” aesthetic. Just make sure it fits into your long-term style goals.
Is this really you? Again, if the answer is ‘yes,” then strike while the trends fit your style brand and goals!
Embracing Hero Pieces: The Foundation of Your Personal Style
So here’s where we think you should consider it all differently. Start to identify what your hero pieces are. Hero pieces are more than just articles of clothing—they're the building blocks of your personal style. They are the items you reach for time and time again. Here’s what makes these pieces so essential:
Zahir Namane by UNSPLASH. Bags and jackets make excellent hero pieces
Versatility: A hero piece can transition seamlessly from day to night, from casual to formal. They mix and match beautifully with your wardrobe. For example, your go-to black leather jacket. You can pair it with a tank and jeans for brunch and then elevate a sleek dress for a night out.
Confidence Booster: The right piece can alter your mood and energy levels. Imagine slipping into that perfect pair of jeans or favorite dress and feeling like you can conquer the day. Take stock of what makes you feel great.
Style Staple: Unlike the fickle nature of microtrends, hero pieces often serve as the standards you measure all future purchases against, creating a cohesive and personally expressive wardrobe. It is something that outlasts all other things. The goal is to fill your closet with these types of items.
Investment in YOU: Spending time identifying and nurturing your wardrobe heroes means investing in yourself—a commitment to dressing for the person you are and intend to be. With that in mind, we truly advocate for Buying Better, Buying Less, and Wearing Longer. And your hero pieces are where that rings the most true.
Discovering Your Unique Hero Pieces Is Key to Building a Timeless Personal Style
To identify your hero pieces, it’s essential to engage with your wardrobe deliberately and purposefully. Follow these steps to curate your collection:
1. Wardrobe Audit:
Get Authentic: Look through your closet and pay attention to what brings you joy. What items do you have that make you feel confident and good, no matter what else is happening around you?
Try Everything On: This might seem tedious, but wearing each piece can spark insights about its emotional weight or functionality in your life. As you try on the piece, pay attention to your body language. If you are doing a “power pose,” then chances are you’ve identified a hero . . . are at least getting closer! Note the characteristics of these pieces that you love and even the things that you wish you could change about them. For example, you try on a sweater that you MOSTLY love. Maybe you love the color and the soft fabric. However, you don’t love the length and neckline. These discoveries will guide you in your style preferences and help you become a more self-attuned shopper!
2. Test the Waters:
Identify Patterns: What do your favorite items have in common? Is it the fabric, color, or fit? Knowing what truly works for you can guide your future shopping.
Engage Your Emotions: Reflect on how a piece makes you feel. Does it empower you? Give you warmth? This emotional connection is vital.
3. Create a Style Journal:
Document Your Heroes: Keep a log of your favorite pieces: when you wore them, how you styled them, and the reactions you received. It’s not vain to take selfies in the mirror when wearing outfits. It will ultimately save you time and dollars. Analyzing this data can solidify each hero's role in your overall style.
4. Reassess Regularly:
Ebb and Flow: Life changes, and so does your style. Regularly evaluate your wardrobe to ensure your hero pieces align with your current self and daily needs. Don’t be afraid to let go of items that no longer reflect who you are. That said, we know that genuine hero pieces will be with you much longer than everything else. You won’t tire of them and will find new ways to mix and match them. That’s what makes them so badass!
Example Hero Pieces in Your Closet (Yours Will Be Different!)
Many of our clients lean on the following as their hero pieces. But please keep in mind that everyone will have different hero pieces. What works for one person won’t work for another. For us? These are the pieces that make us feel like we’re invincible. What are yours?
Thoughtful Personal Style Makes for a Lasting Impact
Navigating the landscape of fashion can be challenging, but placing a spotlight on your hero pieces empowers you to shop mindfully and wear confidently. When embracing your own heroes, strive for items that align with your authentic self, feeling like integral parts of your everyday life.
Your wardrobe should represent the unique story of who you are; choose your pieces with intention, and you’ll find that—just like superhero tales—style, too, can inspire, uplift, and evoke confidence. As you engage with your clothing, watch how it transforms your image, enhancing not only how you look but also how you feel.
So go ahead and embrace your wardrobe heroes. The cape of confidence is waiting for you.
If you’d like support in your journey to fill your closet full of hero pieces, consider joining our BU Style Circle paid membership.