Have you ever bought a trendy article of clothing, bag, or shoes just to realize a couple of weeks later that you just are not in love with your newest purchase? With the rise in microtrends, it has become harder and harder to find your personal style. Compared to previous fashion eras like the ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s things just do not seem to be trendy for more than a week let alone a whole decade anymore.
Instead, social media has created an overexposure to the latest trends and the creation of fashion aesthetics like cottagecore, whimsigoth, and the downtown girl aesthetic that can make you feel the need to ditch your entire wardrobe and go shopping. However, these aesthetics and the microtrends they produce have a devastating effect on the planet.
Impulse purchases are often sent to thrift stores just to end up in a landfill or shipped overseas, disrupting existing markets. Even online shopping whether secondhand or not can hurt the planet by adding to your carbon footprint. While it can be easier and cheaper to go thrifting if you want to add a new addition to your wardrobe in order to try out a new aesthetic just one search on TikTok or some other social media will prove that even thrifting can be a source of overconsumption.
If you want to look stylish while reducing harm to the planet and your wallet, it is time to find your personal style.
What Do You Feel Confident In?
It can be hard to ignore trends that seem intent on deciding your personal style for you. However, at the end of the day you know best what you feel confident in. What colors do you gravitate to? What patterns speak to you? Do you like jeans or yoga pants or both? Our outfits have a powerful effect on how we feel about ourselves, make sure you choose an outfit that is true to you!
Choose Comfort Over Style!
Some days we are willing to sacrifice comfort for style and that is okay! However, fashion should never be painful. At the end of the day, you are more likely to put an outfit together that feels comfortable instead of one that is stiff or too difficult to put on and take off.
When In Doubt, Go Basic
If you have a ton of statement pieces, it can be difficult to put an outfit together. Instead, invest in basics you can layer or style with a statement piece.
Quality Over Quantity
Invest in higher quality fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk instead of cheaper synthetic fabrics like polyester that tend to pill and not last as long.
How Many Outfits Can You Make With It?
Before clicking add to cart, make a list of outfits you can make with that clothing piece to justify how many times you will use that item.
Make A Wishlist
Make a thrift wish list or simply write down the name of the clothing article you want. Revisit the list a week, month, or months later to see if you still want it.
Download A Clothing Tracker App
If you are unsure what your most worn pieces are there are several ways to track this! You can download a clothing tracker app, or simply turn your clothing a different way in your closet each time you wear it.
Budget To Avoid Impulse Purchases And Buyers’ Remorse
If you have given yourself time to decide you still want a piece, set a budget for yourself for what you are allowed to spend in a given month so you do not end up overspending or exceeding what you are willing to spend.
Limit Your Time On Social Media
If FOMO or boredom is causing you to endlessly scroll through your social media feed, you will eventually find something you want to buy or think you need. Consider setting a timer or tracking your screen time, or taking a social media break to limit exposure to trends.
Shop Your Closet
When you get inspired by an outfit idea on Pinterest or TikTok, go into your closet and try to make a similar outfit from the clothing you already have.
Try Thrifting
If you absolutely must have a certain item, try finding it second had before getting it new. However, consider trying to get rid of an article of clothing by selling it or giving it to a friend before buying a new item.