Fashion is an ever-changing industry. Every season, there’s a fresh batch of new trends to see. Moreover, the rise of fast fashion and social media influencers has fuelled the appearance of microtrends, which tend to last for only a few weeks or even days. With sustainability discourse becoming more and more critical, activists have also turned their attention towards the fashion industry. Not only are many clothes produced, but the shopping habits of the general public are also a common problem.
You’ve probably struggled with it yourself. Shopping impulsively is nothing new. It’s easy to do it when you’re lured in by a wide selection in physical stores, unlimited supplies on apps and nearly constant discounts. For this reason, climate activists and fashion enthusiasts have proposed a way to be more sustainable about your clothing. One way is to shop less. Buying only the clothes you want is very important, as it means you’ll only get items you’ll wear and won’t end up in the landfill with the tags still intact.
The other thing is to shop your wardrobe. This movement focuses on making new outfits with your own pieces and finding new ways to mix and match them. However, to keep a getup fresh, you must find ways to change things up and accessorise accordingly. Here are a few helpful hacks that can help you breathe new life into your fits.
Accessorise accordingly
One of the easiest ways to make an outfit stand out is to pair it with different accessories. If you’ve ever been concerned about being an outfit repeater and that you’d be judged by your peers or co-workers for your sartorial decisions, changing things up a little with the help of accessories will lift some of the burden from your shoulders. Look for something that’ll stand out while remaining an integral part of the rest of the ensemble. Blue leather watch straps are one of the best ways to enhance your style. They’re spunkier than the classic black, and the touch of colour works best for monochrome outfits in neutrals such as grey or beige. You can choose between different designs, including alligator prints and stitch detailing.
Scarves are another great way to elevate any outfit. The small, square-shaped ones made out of silk are incredibly versatile. Wear them with a wide-collared white button-up to add texture. You can also pair them with a turtleneck in a similar shade for a seamless look.
Discover new brands and stores
It’s tempting to visit the same shops again and again. However, this won’t help you develop your style, and you might even miss out on some things that would fit you perfectly. Like anything else, it’s good to step out of your comfort zone now and then. What you discover might surprise you.
Expand your core favourites and look for new brands and stores. From high-end designer labels to mid-range and second-hand, and flea market options, building a style that stands out will likely take some effort. You’ll probably have to look around all year round, but when you draw the line afterwards, you’ll be genuinely amazed by how many great things you’ve discovered. You can end up with some truly unique things that represent your personal style, and you won’t notice ten other people on your way to work in the morning.
Clothes swapping
If your friends also love fashion, you can swap pieces among yourselves. This can be a temporary or permanent arrangement. For example, if you discover an item you haven’t worn in months, you can trade it for one from your friend that has also gone unworn for a long time. Trading clothes is a great way to have things for special occasions. You might have a friend who owns an extensive cocktail dress or suit collection. If you need formalwear for a special occasion, you can borrow something from them if your sizes are similar. This way, you don’t have to spend much money on something you only wear once.
Fashion is incredible, and its power to enable you to feel confident shouldn’t be underestimated. However, you should also be aware of how you shop. Becoming a more conscious buyer means you’ll enjoy every item to the fullest.