Between Trends and Taste
Last week the Lyst Index for Q4 2025 was released, highlighting the most popular brands right now. I’ve never been someone who pays too much attention to these rankings, mainly because many of the brands that appear on them tend to sit well outside my budget. Still, I think they’re interesting as a way to understand what people are actually buying and which names are shaping the current conversation.
At the same time, the past few weeks have been full of major cultural moments like the Grammys, the Super Bowl, and the Olympic Games. These events always spark discussions around fashion, whether we like it or not, and often influence what ends up feeling relevant shortly after.
Because of that, this week’s selection is loosely connected to those moments. It’s also a way of showing pieces that are slightly different from what I usually share. They’re a bit more expensive than my usual picks, but I think it’s healthy to look, to learn, and sometimes to dream. You never know when a piece might become attainable, or when you’ll recognize something similar elsewhere.
Ralph Lauren brushed chamois cap
Ralph Lauren climbed significantly in the Lyst Index, and it makes sense. We’ve been seeing the brand more and more lately, supported by strong runway shows that suggest they’re heading into upcoming seasons with confidence.
I’ve always been drawn to Ralph Lauren’s vintage pieces, especially jackets and accessories. This cap, although not an obvious signature item at first glance, still carries that unmistakable Ralph Lauren essence. The material gives it a softer, more refined feel, and it works as a subtle everyday accessory rather than a loud branding piece.
Nike ACG Therma-FIT ADV jacket
Nike ACG is coming back stronger than ever. They recently released a new collection for the Winter Olympics, along with several updates earlier this season. This lightweight down jacket is one of the pieces that’s been getting a lot of attention.
I’ve never been the biggest fan of the ACG line, mostly because I think other brands handle technical outdoor wear better. But Nike is clearly investing heavily in it, and it seems to be paying off. This jacket is practical, well designed, and easy to wear daily, and it’s been talked about positively for good reason.
The Row Nikola wool sweater
Unless you’ve been completely disconnected, you’ve probably heard of The Row and seen their pieces everywhere. Their clothing has a very specific cut and proportion, and this sweater is a perfect example. You can tell it’s The Row just by looking at the silhouette.
Even though the brand dropped slightly in the Lyst Index, it’s still firmly in the top ten. It’s definitely on the expensive side for my taste, but they’ve found their audience and stayed consistent. This kind of knit is all about fit, texture, and restraint, which is exactly where the brand excels.
Auralee cotton silk stripe shirt
Auralee didn’t appear on the Lyst Index, but it’s a brand that’s been receiving a lot of positive attention lately. It wasn’t heavily on my radar before, but the more I see, the more I like.
As expected from a Japanese brand, the cuts are clean, elegant, and precise. The fabrics feel intentional, and the designs are understated without being boring. This piece is simple, but that’s exactly what makes it strong and versatile.
Zara pinstripe pleated pants
One of the more surprising moments recently was seeing Bad Bunny wearing a full Zara look during the Super Bowl halftime show. It was a reminder that Zara is clearly pushing to strengthen its position in the American market.
We’ve also seen this with Massimo Dutti, another Inditex brand, which has made its way into the Lyst Index. After that moment, I spent some time browsing Zara’s website, and honestly, they seem to be doing things better. The aesthetic feels cleaner and more curated, and pieces like these pinstripe pleated trousers show a more considered approach to design.
mfpen straight cut jeans
This is another brand that’s been quietly doing things right. With a Danish approach to design, mfpen focuses on clean lines, elegant cuts, and a kind of refined simplicity.
These jeans balance a slightly skater-inspired feel with a more polished silhouette. They’re easy to dress up or down, and they fit well into a wardrobe that values subtlety over statement.
SKIMS men’s boxer briefs
Several SKIMS products have been trending over the past few months. Between the collaboration with Nike and the viral popularity of basics like tank tops and underwear, it seems clear that Kim Kardashian is doing something right.
From what I’ve heard, the underwear is genuinely comfortable, which matters more than anything. It’s one of those everyday items you don’t think about much until you realize how much better a good version feels. Definitely something I’m curious to try soon.
Our Legacy Grande Brick leather bag
Over the past few years, Our Legacy has grown exponentially, and it looks like they’re continuing on that path. I was more familiar with the brand through their footwear, but this bag immediately caught my attention.
I’ve been looking for a medium to large-sized bag for a while, something practical but well designed. When I saw this one, it just clicked. The shape, the leather, and the proportions feel right. It’s the kind of accessory that works quietly in the background but elevates everything around it.
This week’s selection leans slightly more aspirational than usual, but I think that’s important too. Looking at what’s happening across different price points helps refine taste and understand why certain pieces resonate.
Whether it’s through cultural moments, brand momentum, or simple curiosity, fashion conversations don’t happen in isolation. Exploring them, even from a distance, helps shape how we approach our own wardrobes. Sometimes it’s about buying, sometimes it’s just about paying attention, and sometimes it’s about knowing what you’d choose if the moment ever comes.
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