By Amy Marshall Style digital editor
The Croft Magazine With the new season and winter soon approaching, what better time to dust down and reflect on our (sometimes ‘sinful’) fashion habits? We can look at our fashion and see the industry as a whole and reflect on our style sins and what we can do to fix them. Which sins are we responsible for repenting this season?
FOLLOWING MICROS-TRENDS
I’ll be honest, I used to consistently look to improve and adapt my style to fit with current trends so as not to be ‘left behind’ in last season’s wear. But micro trends tend to eat you up and spit you back out before you’ve even had the chance to wear your item more than once. This fast turnaround of the production of clothing and what we deem currently ‘trendy’ is harmful to our bank accounts, the environment, and our universal dedication to living sustainably. While I am tempted to purchase the latest item on Instagram every now and then, it is crucial to understand the importance of buying pieces that you love and will actually wear. This will allow you to stay ahead of the current fashion trends. Good clothing will be worn often and can easily be styled to your liking.
AVOID UNWORN CLOTHES
I’m sure you know the feeling, having kept a pair of trousers at the back of your wardrobe as a ‘just in case item: I’ll wear it eventually, right? If you’re anything like me, you will likely have a small collection of clothes gathering dust, having been once loved. You’re sure you will wear them again but inevitably they remain forgotten amongst new items. This is why I recommend that you approach your clothes with a fresh perspective. You can refashion or upcycle old clothes to make them new again. You can make your wardrobe a breather by pairing old clothes with your own style. Reworking clothes is another fun option, think: ‘thrift flip’. The possibilities are endless. You can crop, embroider or make new items from your old clothes. And if you still feel you are stuck with an item you’d rather not reintroduce into your style: donate! You can donate your unused clothes to charities.
DRESSING FOR OTHERS
Often fashion can feel like it has decided your style for you: ‘wear this’ and ‘don’t wear that’. Social media has the potential to influence this story. While fashion can help us collaborate and find inspiration, it is also possible that we dress for other people. Sometimes it’s as easy as choosing what others approve of. At its core, style is something that you feel confident and comfortable in. Though this is sometimes easier said than done, aim to develop your style into something which makes you feel positive, rather than aiming to ‘fit in’, per se. Think about how the item makes you feel and not just how it looks. This mentality allows you to be yourself and dress the way that suits your personality.
Featured Image: © Ella Crabb
Are you guilty of any crimes this season?