The fashion trend mania seems to be continuing on, but what is emerging is a movement to counteract this. More of us are choosing to invest in better quality items and more clothes we can repeatedly wear. This choice is making our wardrobes reflect our personal tastes but not jumping on the fast fashion trend bandwagon.
How many times was fast fashion to blame for you feeling like you have nothing to wear, when, in fact, you have a full closet, wardrobe (and all the drawers too)? You aren’t alone in this though, and many of us have fallen victim to buying more but not feeling necessarily more stylish. In fact, a new trend now is owning less and many people feel that by owning fewer, personal and well chosen pieces, they find getting dressed easier (and perhaps more enjoyable).
Slow fashion is all about choosing pieces you love, wear again and again and enjoy for many years to come, creating a new definition for modern fashion.
Why Slow Fashion Is Growing in Popularity
More consumers than ever are more and more conscious of how their clothes are made and how long they really last. Unlike before, people are now more prone to buying timeless clothing items which can be restyled in multiple ways.
The shift is felt and seen in the fashion industry, as we now focus more on quality, versatility and craftsmanship. For example, a classic well made blazer can now be styled casually, professionally and for a night out without feeling too boring.
We want to own items we feel great in and can enjoy in many different ways at different moments.
A Wardrobe That Works Harder
Some people are now opting more for a capsule wardrobe than an in vogue wardrobe. This is saving them time, money and decision-making, all resources we wish not to squander in our modern technology-heavy era.
Their dream seems to be to open their closet and know almost everything in it works well together and suits many places. This means items in neutral colours combined with more colourful pieces, timeless personal cuts and comfortable fabrics that feel easy to wear. This makes decision-making (hopefully) easier to mix and match items for a fun weekend, a trip away or all the moments in between.
Repeating outfits or pieces is now seen as a sign of confidence and as getting the best bang for your buck. The clothing investment paid off. Choosing fewer, higher-quality items means replacing them less, which benefits both you and the environment.
How to Build a More Mindful Wardrobe
This can start with appreciating your already much-loved items. Below are some slow fashion wardrobe tips:
- Check if an item is versatile. When buying something new, think about whether it works well with at least three other outfits you like wearing in your wardrobe. If it does, then it could well become another much-loved item.
- Choose more long-lasting fabrics. Organic cotton, linen, TENCEL, wool and many other responsibly sourced materials feel better, can often have a better fit and remain staples in your wardrobe for longer.
- Build around your palette. First figure out what colours suit your personal look and taste. Then look up which colours complement each other. This will help simplify getting dressed.
- Take care of what you now own. Several tips make clothes last longer: washing them at lower temperatures, air drying if possible and lastly storing them properly. These all help keep owned items looking better for the long term.
Style Is Personal, Not Trend Driven
Fashion that is personal and suited to us as individuals is what makes us feel great. The most stylish wardrobes do not always follow trends, but reflect the person’s own taste and style. Whatever that is to you, you can always invest in a piece that suits you and follow what you like (not just what is popular right now).
This way your wardrobe becomes a collection of your favourite pieces instead of a collection of fashion moments that no longer suit you.
A Wardrobe You’ll Love for Years
Building your dream wardrobe is all about making thoughtful choices that suit your style, budget and values.
Ideally, every chosen piece has the potential to be worn time after time. This makes slow fashion a powerful choice, which encourages quality and personal style. This can keep fashion enjoyable whilst also being sustainable.
When you next feel the urge to shop for a new piece, think about choosing something you will be excited to wear next year and many years after.
