What is actually 'in fashion' now?

[Lotsofsausage]

I have noticed my style has changed over the last 10 years, not sure why. Used to wear a lot of vintage and ditsy type dresses, cowboy boots, tights, little cardigans, wrap dresses etc. They suited my shape. Now I tend to wear block colours: white, camel, grey, black, or breton. straight jeans, trainers. Kind of like Stacey Dooley but not as much gold jewellery. High quality stuff but quite casual I suppose. I would not wear the same stuff from 10 years ago. I suppose I spend more money. But less girly maybe? it this because it's in 'fashion'?
Anyone with similar style to me now - what do you wear to go out out? I usually default to a black jumpsuit and red lip.

Everything for about 5 minutes and then on to the next thing.

I tend to fall back on the clothes I feel comfortable in, even if not the height of fashion. Tea dresses with little cardigans, leggings or tights with pumps or calf boots. I like skirts, but very rarely wear them, I'm not sure why. I see from Heat magazine that leather skirts are the next big thing!

Blazers and trouser suits in bright colours or patterns seem to be everywhere at the moment.

Fashion changes and we change. You're at a different stage of life. What suited you 10 years ago probably isn't you anymore. It would be really boring to wear the same style for your whole life.

It's about the 90s now, apparently, lipliner, Matt lips, spaghetti straps over t shirts. Can't see it working for me this time around!

Unfortunately I think it's got more to do with age than fashion. Whether you notice it or not, your body shape changes and stuff that suited you once, no longer does. I used to wear lots of tea dresses and looked good but from one year to the next, those same dresses made me look matronly and mother of the bride.

From what I can see, fashionable garments are cropped and wide (tops and bottoms). White ankle boots. Prints my granny might not have used as curtains. Bright yellow lumpy knit jumpers. Trousers are specifically intended to make your arse look massive (yeah, I know, my preference for a smaller-looking arse was socially conditioned into me and is no more or less reasonable than the current big arse obsession). Bodysuits with those stupid poppers are back on sale. Turtlenecks to emphasise my double chin. All the worst bits of the 90s. I'm a bit scared of fashion atm, and am mostly saving my pennies and waiting for it all to be over.

Everything seems to involve a vital piece missing ... boots with no toes, tops with no shoulders, jumpers with no backs, trousers with massive bits cut out of the thighs ... yes, I am aware I am officially Over The Hill and am hiding in Hobbs until it's safe to come out.

What you've described sounds 'in fashion' to me. I don't work directly in fashion but am required to keep up with trends/designers etc. The slightly androgenous/Scandinavian/minimalist/old Celine/Cos style is a great look for people in late thirties up to 50s as it straddles comfortable and effortless yet smart and polished.

I've really tried to embrace the Cos look but everything I've tried on makes me look like I'm about to perform surgery

Cos has been awful for a few seasons, hoping it'll come back! I like French brands like Sezane or Sandro for a twist on nice classics. & Other stories is great too.

For going out it's jeans, for the last few years it's been a slim boyfriend style or straight leg in mid wash blue or faded black. Always feel trendy in the perfect shape jean, which do come in and out of fashion. Then a thin knit or pretty blouse with big earrings, which are also a really easy way to look on trend without spending too much! Boots when it's cold and block heel sandals when it's warmer.
For a casual look I just swap the shoes for trainers (love golden goose) and without earrings.

Shuddering at the thought of stepping out with a vest top over a t shirt.

I think the key is avoiding what's 'on trend' e.g. boilersuits, neon which are everywhere amongst the younger girls now - fashions that come in and out and are bought cheaply via missguided and Zara.
To look trendy I just make sure the silhouette and shape of clothes evolve with the time.. e.g. cut of jean, jumper styles, boots etc. All go through minor edits each season. Skinny jeans and round toe courts would look terribly outdated now but it's the same 'look' in principle. I don't wear pattern or much colour so that's not something I worry about.
The things I update with trends are earrings, jackets and shoes.