I'm pretty sure that almost every single person has opened Instagram or Tik Tok or any social media platform, seen an outfit, and immediately thoughts: I want that. Same, lol been there. But then, all of a sudden, everyone has it. If you don't, you're left behind, unstylish, and out of date.
Overconsumption is everywhere, not just in fashion. Still, I believe that fashion is one of the best case studies we can look at, especially as youth digesting social media daily. I wish I could say I didn't fall victim to this, but I do; everyone does, and that does not make you a terrible person!
As a broke girl of the 21st century, I hear many people like to mention affordability in this debate. It's "unaffordable" to shop sustainably. But here's my suggestion, and something I'm going to hold myself to this year. Wear the clothes you love more often. My goal is not to buy anything new this year unless I REALLY need it. Fashion doesn't need to be about what everyone else is wearing. I have had the same pair of jeans I wear multiple times a week for years. Buy things that fit you, make you feel confident, and that you'll keep for a long time. It is much more valuable to have a few pieces you adore than tons of pieces you barely wear. Not only would you save money, but you'd also be making a step towards a more sustainable consumption of fashion. I already love my clothes; I don't need to spread my love thinner.
So, let's make not following trends the new trend. 😉
Hi Katie! I loved reading your post and related on all levels. With fast fashion, it's so easy to buy too many things because they are cheaper and are 'trendy'. I hope by the end of the year, my closet is only filled with items I value and feel confident in!
Hey Katie, I agree! We try so hard to not be a trend-follower, but I think sometimes it is much more than that. Not buying fast fashion puts you in a tough spot, do you do the right thing and feel left out, or do you buy it and have the same things as your friends? On paper, the choice seems so easy to make, but often it is so much harder, friends and fitting in mean so much more to people than the Earth does.
Hello Katie! I agree with a lot of points you made in this post, and yes following your own fashion taste and not what is trendy would be a great way to prevent overconsumption of clothes.
This was really relatable HAHA thank you Katie! I love the last sentence especially and look forward to a future where we don't have the pressure of spending tons of money just to keep up with the latest trends :)
Even people who think they can never fall victim to trends eventually do to some extent when they see everyone around them following said trend. If the next trend was to be conscious consumers that make the most out of their purchased goods, then that would be a trend I would be more than happy to follow. Maybe we can start such a trend?
I totally agree with this! I love your point about buying things that fit and make you feel confident as I find that I typically wear these types of clothes much more often.
So true! I love "let's make not following trends the new trend"
I have also fallen victim to seeing something online and instantly desiring it (where we all end up wearing/using the exact same things). But, I also love to think that we can find happiness in choosing to wear old or used fashions, daring to be different, and promoting the age and sustainability of our item. Is it possible to make "not being trendy", trendy?