As we probably all know, fashion is cyclical. Looks, last for a season and then it’s on to the next idea, the next pattern, the next design. It’s the nature of the beast and part of what makes clothing so exciting for me. I have always been a bit of a forward thinker with what I wear, and as I have got older I care less about what people think and therefore can wear what I like!
Disposable fashion has been a big contributor over the last few years. High street stores can provide the same basic items in a multitude of colours, patterns and basic cuts, and on the most part they are only made to last 3-6 months. These stores can follow fashion trends, and allow a much larger audience to get the style for less. Sounds great right?! But when it comes to longevity there are a few key reasons why I have begun to change my opinion.
The opposite of long lasting style, these items are so closely tied to the fashion of a specific season that if you were to wear it a season later you would be very outdated (unless you have your own styling skills, or just don’t care).
There is high chance that you will bump into another, even 3 or 4 people who will be wearing the exact same item as you. (In my office there are 3 of us that all have the same winter coat! and it can be confusing when I’m struggling into my colleague’s smaller jacket!)
The quality is poor. This is unfortunately a reality, items can last just a few washes before they begin to lose shape and/or fall apart! Even if there was a an item that you wanted to wear for the next season, the fit would be wrong and so it goes into the recycle bin.
I don’t know if this is a trend that can continue for much longer. More and more I value items that have a quality of fit and will wash well. I do have to spend more money to get that quality, But in the long run I am saving more than if I bought a disposable wardrobe every season. So it is with trepidation that I venture through those doors nowadays, I no doubt still spend money there, but I do think about what that will add to my wardrobe when I do!
I want a classic item that fits now, and will fit in a couple of seasons time, too. Basically I want it all – and that means I have to pay for it!
TIB
ThatIsBeyond 