Fads Fade: Finding True Style in a Scene of Micro Trends
Much like fool’s gold, fads of fast fashion have many style amateurs feeling as though they’ve found treasure. TikTok’s OOTD scene has never looked so chic all decked-out in Shein, or so the glittering gold implies. But the story doesn’t end in riches, and eventually trend groupies are left standing in a closet filled with fickle, fleeting pieces, wondering where they went wrong. Fashioning a timeless wardrobe is no easy task, but unless you want to be stuck sifting through junk, it's worth the trouble to dig a little deeper. Here’s how to break the trend cycle and pull together your look.
BACK TO BASICS
To paint, you need a canvas. If you find yourself sitting on the floor of your bedroom in frustrated misery over having nothing to wear, chances are you don’t have enough basics. Collecting neutral pieces is a surefire way to guarantee you always find something to throw on. Jeans, tank tops, button-downs, blazers, trousers — you know the drill. Denim jackets, white sneakers, navy sweaters; buy these articles and you're on your way to channeling both Freddie Mercury and Lady Di. These articles are also generally gender-neutral; everyone needs them in their closets. Unless you wanna end up stuck with a closet of clashing trendy pieces, invest in some basics on your next shopping spree. Check out brands like Djerf Avenue for ethically produced pieces that’ll last you a lifetime.
Basics may have a reputation of being a bit blah, but playing around with the composition and color can transform boring to out-of-the-ordinary. Blazers are typically paired with pants, but if you twist it and wear a red blazer as a dress, all of a sudden you’re Emily Ratajowski. Or if you decide one day to dress up your jeans with a black trench, then you’re Victoria Beckham running errands. However you mix and match, an outfit made up of basics, even in unusual colors and pairings, will have you looking polished and posh.
INVEST IN YOUR WARDROBE, AND IT WILL INVEST IN YOU
While being a disciple to the deals is an admirable pursuit, investing in good quality pieces can bring a closet from frumpy to fashion week. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay retail price for quality pieces. Thrifting and platforms like Depop are off-the-wall ways to find quality clothing that won’t break the bank. As enticing as Shein and other fast fashion websites are, their lasting power, both in quality and style, is consistent with the prices.
FLEDGLING FASHION
It’s useful to think back to pieces that you rocked in your youth. In your efforts to impress at the concerts of 1D, or Biebs, or the Jo Bros, what were you wearing? Were you drawn to bright colors, or did you vibe with a sleek style? Is comfort non-negotiable, or do you subscribe whole-heartedly to the idea that beauty is pain? Who was your first style icon? In figuring out my look, I thought back to my early love of blazers, button-downs, etc. While the fit I rocked to watch 1D need not be repeated, it still proved which vibes are essential to my style.
NOW, HAVE FUN!
Once you have a basis of basics and an idea of what inspires your look, let loose your originality and individuality. While finding style is an evolutionary process, and will inevitably vary through the years, knowing the constants to your closet will give you that timeless aura.
Strike Out,
Writer: Kate Corcoran
Editor: AJ Bafer
Gainsville
