From Catwalk to Conversation: English Language Trends and Changing Styles
- Zoe Ford
- Sep 18, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
As models step out onto the catwalk at London Fashion Week, all eyes are on what’s new, what’s bold, and what might just define the season ahead.
But fashion isn’t the only world where trends come and go. English, too, has its own runway of words and expressions that rise, fall, and sometimes make a dramatic comeback years later. Just as an outfit can signal elegance or rebellion, the way we choose our words conveys something about us: our personality, our confidence, and even our professionalism.
From the sudden popularity of slang to the growing casual tone of emails, English is constantly restyling itself. The question is: how do you decide which words are “in fashion,” and which classics never go out of style?
English Language Through the Ages: Trends Are Nothing New
Fashion is not the only industry with a history of bold experiments. English has always reinvented itself. Shakespeare alone added hundreds of words to the language, including words like fashionable itself! In Victorian times, slang was everywhere, from “blimey” to “cheeky,” many of which are still alive today. More recently, American English has shaped global trends, spreading words like cool and movie far beyond the US.
These shifts remind us that the English you hear today is just the latest creation in a long line of styles. For learners, this means two things: don’t be surprised when the language changes, and don’t be afraid to have fun with it!
Timeless Classics: The Little Black Dress of English
In fashion, some pieces never go out of style – a crisp white shirt, a well-cut jacket, the little black dress. The same is true for English. Certain phrases and expressions are always appropriate, no matter the year or the trend.
Think of apologies like “Sorry to bother you,” polite responses such as “That’s very kind of you,” or acknowledgements like “I see what you mean.” Add in useful connectors like “If I’m not mistaken…” or “On the other hand,” and practical phrases such as “It depends” or “Let’s see.” These are the wardrobe essentials of communication. They work just as well in a casual conversation as they do in a job interview, and they’re unlikely to ever sound old-fashioned.
For learners, these classics are worth mastering because they give you confidence in any setting. They also create a strong foundation – once you feel secure using these phrases, it’s easier (and more fun) to experiment with trendier vocabulary when the time feels right.
Just as no one regrets investing in a timeless coat, you’ll never regret investing time in the building blocks of English.
This Season’s Look: English on the Catwalk
Fashion is all about the “must-have” items of the moment, and English has them too. Just as oversized blazers or chunky trainers suddenly dominate shop windows, certain words and expressions seem to appear everywhere overnight.
Right now, you’ll often hear people talking about “vibes” (“This café has good vibes”), describing something as “iconic” (not just reserved for famous landmarks anymore, but even your friend’s new haircut), or using “literally” for emphasis, even when it’s not literal at all.
Expressions like ‘slay’ or ‘low-key’ capture a particular mood without needing many words. To say someone ‘slayed’ means they did something brilliantly, while describing yourself as ‘low-key excited’ softens the emotion, making it feel more casual and understated.
Other recent arrivals include “adulting” (doing boring but necessary grown-up tasks), “ghosting” (suddenly cutting off contact), or “doomscrolling” (reading endless bad news online). In the workplace, buzzwords like “pivot” and “synergy” come in and out of style, just like shoulder pads or skinny jeans.
These expressions are playful, but like seasonal trends, they can fade quickly. “YOLO,” You Only Live Once, became popular in 2011, and “epic,” meaning amazing or impressive, was heavily used in gaming culture and online memes, and now they feel a little dated.
That doesn’t mean learners should avoid them – trying out current slang can be fun and helps you connect with people. The trick is knowing your audience: trendy words might work in a casual chat or on Instagram, but they could raise eyebrows in a job interview.
So, enjoy experimenting with English “fashion pieces,” but don’t rely on them as your whole outfit. They work best when combined with the timeless classics.
Fashion Faux Pas: When Words Don’t Fit the Occasion
In fashion, a bold choice can turn heads for the wrong reasons. The same goes for English. Some trends look exciting at first, but in the wrong place, they can come across as careless or confusing.
One example is text speak – shortcuts like u instead of you, or acronyms like BRB and LOL. While these started as clever ways to save time on tiny phone screens, they can create misunderstandings and look unprofessional. Just as you wouldn’t wear pyjamas to a business meeting, text speak doesn’t belong in job applications, formal emails, or academic writing.
Another common faux pas is being too casual in professional contexts. Since Covid, communication has become less formal – it’s normal to see short emails or even emojis in the workplace. But that doesn’t mean you can forget about clarity, tone, and respect. First impressions still matter, and people often judge your ability and seriousness by your choice of words.
The safest approach? Learn to adapt. Save the trendy language and playful shortcuts for friends, and rely on clear, well-structured English when professionalism counts. Just as in fashion, knowing the difference between casual and formal dress codes will keep you comfortable and confident wherever you are.
Borrowed Style: Global Influence on English
Just as fashion designers borrow from cultures around the world, English has built its wardrobe by collecting words from other languages. We sip latte (Italian), eat sushi (Japanese), enjoy a siesta (Spanish), and say déjà vu (French). Even the very modern emoji comes from Japanese. These “borrowed words” become part of English trends, reminding us that languages are never fixed – they are living, growing, and influenced by every culture they touch.
For learners, this is good news. It means that your own language and culture might already have shaped English more than you realise.
A Style Guide for Learners
If English is like fashion, how do you decide what to wear? Here are three simple rules to follow:
Invest in the basics – Master polite phrases, connectors, and everyday expressions first. They are your reliable wardrobe classics.
Experiment with trends carefully – Try out slang or buzzwords in safe spaces, like chatting with friends, but avoid them in formal writing.
Dress for the occasion – Ask yourself: who am I speaking to, and what impression do I want to give? Just like clothes, language should fit the situation.
Find Your Style
London Fashion Week reminds us that style is about more than following the latest trend. It’s about confidence, context, and knowing what works for you. The same is true for English. Some words and phrases are timeless, some are playful experiments, and others should be left in the wardrobe.
As a learner, your goal isn’t to chase every new expression, but to build a reliable foundation of classics while enjoying the occasional trend. Think of your English like your wardrobe: invest in the essentials, add a few statement pieces, and always dress, or speak, for the occasion. That way, your language will never be out of style.
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Your Author: Zoe Ford
Zoe is a CELTA-qualified EFL teacher and Ex-Director of Studies at a prestigious private language school in London. She has been teaching English to adults for over 10 years and has helped hundreds of students to reach their learning goals.
When Zoe isn't teaching, you can find her experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Most of the time, they work out well-ish. She also loves sport, travelling, reading, and sharing her passion for learning with others.
