There is in existence in the fashion world something that is called an ‘emerging trend'. You could say that this refers to a certain distinctiveness in the whole cycle that makes it highly sought after, as you will find the trend ubiquitous in all aspects of fashion and style. Soon you will find everyone, but everyone, wanting to be part of the trend and you now see it everywhere in the media. What started as a designer initiated trend becomes translated into cheaper imitations which will have many takers as more and more people scramble to be ‘in fashion' – it has now reached the mass market. It takes but a few months for this transition from a pricey to a mass produced item which will become available in all retail outlets.

Sometimes though, this kind of affordable, yet trendy clothing saturates the market and this simply guarantees it a premature end. People lose interest as fast as they had gained it and what was a highly popular trend morphs into something you wouldn't be caught dead in.

To recognise whether a trend will last, here are a few guidelines.

• Most trends last for about a year. Some have greater staying capacity depending on their special appeal and these can even last up to five years without losing the initial attraction.
• It is generally believed that fashion and style have a cycle of about twenty years. This explains the return to fashion of something that was all the rage two decades back. The mini is one such trend that came back with a bang. Call it the popular ‘retro' wear if you please! It is there all around you in every shop!
• If you buy something that is offered on discount as an end of the year sale or even as the last few from the previous stock, you may rest assured that it is a trend that is already on its way out. You can be sure that it will have a dated look in just six months max.
• You can safely presume that outlandish trends have a way of dying faster. Over-sized cuffs or collars will be just a fad and before you can even think of changing your look – lo! They become stale!
• Sometimes though, consumers themselves love a trend so much that they simply won't let go of it. What started as a trend becomes a wardrobe staple – just take a look at the way fashion styles like capris, tank tops and flipflops have lasted and still show no signs of being relegated to the vast heap of dated clothes.

So what then is the method to circumvent this you may ask. The best way would be to stock up on classic looks that will never fade - like jeans (which remain basically the same even while there is variation in the fading or the appliqué or the embroidery), T-shirts that show no signs of waning from the scene (they are too comfortable to be discarded), blazers and the ever popular black dresses/sarees that will always remain the hot favourite among party goers. This is not to say that you cannot have fun going in for trends that may not last – only remember that these can only qualify as an addition to your basic wardrobe - to add some variety to it albeit for a short period!

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