10 Reasons I’ve Stopped Chasing Trends and Started Loving My Wardrobe Again
Like many others in the fashion industry, I've become more intentional about my wardrobe choices and have moved away from the constant cycle of buying new clothes just to keep up with the latest trends.
You might think you already know why I’ve changed my approach, but this post will take you through 10 reasons why I’ve decided to be more mindful about what I add to my closet.
Please read to the end to discover how I refresh my wardrobe without spending a dime. Along the way, you might just find your new favorite styling techniques.
Let’s enter our handy time travel machine and explore my start in fashion.
It was the year 2010, and while Beyoncé was dominating the radio, I was navigating my freshman year at Art School, majoring in Fashion Design. Everyone around me in design school seemed to flaunt the latest and greatest trends, effortlessly stepping out in outfits that screamed "fashion girl." And then, there was me—curating my wardrobe from thrift stores, piecing together outfits that, while unique, didn’t quite align with the fast-paced fashion world I was trying to break into
Honestly, I didn’t even feel like a "fashion girl." I was surrounded by peers who were always a step ahead, their new clothes reflecting the ever-changing tides of the fashion industry. In a bid to fit in, I found myself splurging on the trendiest items, spending every last penny just to keep up.
Fast forward to 2019, and my frustrations with the constant cycle of shopping and keeping up with trends reached a boiling point. Here’s why.
Reason #1: Overconsumption and Trend Chasing
In recent years, social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become powerful influences in the fashion industry, making it all too easy to get swept up in the latest fashion trends. Every season, we're bombarded with images of must-have pieces, trendy items, and new outfits that promise to elevate our style game. But as tempting as it is to buy into every new look that pops up on our feeds, this constant trend chasing can lead to overconsumption and an overflowing wardrobe filled with clothing items we don't really need.
Fast fashion brands thrive on this cycle, quickly producing new models and styles to meet the ever-changing demands of consumers. While it may seem like a fun way to keep your wardrobe fresh, it often results in a collection of clothing items that are worn once or twice before being relegated to the back of your closet. Over time, this leads to a closet bursting at the seams with unworn or forgotten pieces, and the realization that you've spent far too much money on clothes that don't truly reflect your personal style.
Reason #2. The Rising Costs
When I first started shopping, snagging a trendy top for around $20 was the norm. Fast forward to now, and those same items have seen a significant price hike. The fashion industry, influenced by supply chain issues and other economic factors, has driven up costs, making it tougher to justify constant purchases.
While I understand the reasons behind these rising costs, I realized that continually buying new things wasn't the best way to manage my budget. Instead, I’ve found that repurposing the clothing items I already own is not only a smart financial decision but also a creative way to refresh my wardrobe.
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Reason #3: Fast Fashion’s Impact on Quality
Fast fashion has taken the fashion industry by storm, offering trendy items at incredibly low prices. However, this comes at a cost—both financially and in terms of wardrobe quality. I’ve found that many of these fast fashion pieces are made from low-quality materials that wear out quickly, leaving me with clothing items that barely last through a single season. This constant cycle of buying and replacing not only led to an overflowing closet but also contributed to a feeling of dissatisfaction with my wardrobe.
Instead of filling my closet with trendy pieces that don't stand the test of time, I’ve shifted my focus to investing in high-quality, timeless pieces that truly embody classic style. These are the pieces that maintain their shape, color, and structure through multiple washes and wears. By opting for better-quality items, I’ve found that my wardrobe feels more cohesive, versatile, and ultimately more satisfying.
I encourage you to evaluate your own closet and consider investing in fewer, better-quality items that can be worn season after season. A classic wool coat, a sturdy pair of black trousers, or a crisp white button-down shirt are great options that can elevate your style game for years to come. These timeless pieces might have a higher upfront cost, but they are worth the investment in the long run. Not only will they save you money, but they’ll also ensure that your wardrobe remains in good condition, no matter how much time passes.
When shopping for new clothes, look for quality materials, solid construction, and classic designs that won’t go out of style with the next trend. It’s a great way to avoid the fast fashion trap and build a wardrobe that truly reflects your personal style and stands the test of time.
Reason #4: The Clutter Factor
Photo by Rosana Solis
At one point, my closet was bursting at the seams with clothes—many of which I didn’t even wear. The sheer amount of clutter made it difficult to find the pieces I truly loved, and the frustration often led me to buy new items just to avoid dealing with the chaos. It became a cycle: more clothes, more clutter, and yet still feeling like I had nothing to wear. This overwhelming collection not only took up valuable space but also clouded my ability to appreciate the items I already had.
By consciously cutting back on new purchases, I’ve been able to declutter my closet and create a more organized space. Now, I can easily access my favorite outfits without having to dig through piles of unworn clothes. This decluttering process has also allowed me to rediscover old gems that were hidden in the back of my closet. With a clearer view of what I own, I’ve found new ways to style these older pieces, giving them a fresh look and extending their life in my wardrobe.
I encourage you to take a hard look at your own closet. How many pieces are you actually wearing regularly? By decluttering your space, you’ll likely find that you already own plenty of clothing items that can be repurposed into new outfits. Consider setting aside some time to go through your
wardrobe, identifying items you love and wear often, and letting go of those that no longer serve you.
Not only will this make getting dressed easier, but it will also help you appreciate the versatility of your existing wardrobe. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of creativity and a fresh perspective to turn old clothes into new outfits that feel just as exciting as something brand new.
Reason #5: Avoiding Style Ruts
As my closet grew, I found that my personal style was getting lost in the mix. The constant influx of new trends led me to stray from what I truly liked and what actually looked good on me. I was dressing more for the trend of the moment rather than for my own unique style preferences. This not only made dressing less enjoyable but also less authentic.
By pausing my habit of frequent shopping, I've had the opportunity to reconnect with my personal style. I've started to focus more on what makes me feel confident and comfortable, rather than just what's popular. This shift has allowed me to curate a wardrobe that truly reflects who I am and supports my lifestyle. It’s refreshing to open my closet and see only the pieces that I love and that represent my style, rather than a hodgepodge of trends that don’t resonate with me.
Take a moment to think about what styles really speak to you. Are your current fashion choices truly reflective of your personal taste, or are they more influenced by external trends? Consider going through your wardrobe and picking out pieces that make you feel like yourself. You might find that many items you’ve been holding on to don’t actually align with your genuine style. Use this insight to guide future purchases, aiming to add only those pieces that strengthen your sense of personal style, not dilute it. This approach not only simplifies your wardrobe but also ensures that your outfits always feel truly "you."
For a more in depth approach grab a copy of our Style Mastery Workbook that is filled with journal prompts and exercises to help guide you along the way.
Reason #6: The Power of a Signature Look
Rather than chasing every new trend, I’ve come to appreciate the power of having a signature look. A consistent, well-curated wardrobe has made getting dressed so much easier. With a few key pieces that truly reflect my personal style, I no longer feel pressured to constantly update my wardrobe to keep up with changing trends.
Having a signature look doesn’t mean wearing the same thing every day, but it does mean that the items I choose are cohesive, timeless, and versatile. By focusing on pieces that I feel great in, I’m able to create endless outfit combinations with what I already own, without feeling the need to buy new things constantly.
Focus on building a wardrobe around staple pieces that define your personal style. Whether it’s a great pair of black trousers, a timeless trench coat, or a versatile dress, these items will form the foundation of your wardrobe, making it easier to style and wear every day. You’ll find that this approach saves time, cuts back on unnecessary purchases, and ultimately boosts your confidence as you develop a look that feels authentically you.
Reason #7: Time-Saving Benefits
Shopping for new clothes can be a huge time sink—time that could be spent on more meaningful activities. By cutting down on shopping, I’ve gained extra hours in my week that I now use to streamline my style in smarter ways. One of the best tools I’ve found for this is using outfit guides. Instead of spending time piecing together looks or feeling overwhelmed by options, I can simply refer to a guide that aligns with my personal style.
These outfit guides offer curated looks for every occasion, whether it's a casual day out, a professional setting, or a special event. They take the guesswork out of dressing, making it easy to pull together a polished look in no time. Plus, they're designed with versatility in mind, allowing you to mix and match pieces for a variety of outfits, making the most of what you already own.
If you're looking to save time and reduce the stress of getting dressed each day, consider using one of our outfit guides. They offer a range of styling options that cater to different lifestyles and personal tastes, helping you look put-together with minimal effort. Check out the full collection here to find the guide that best suits your needs.
Reason #8: The Joy of Rediscovery
One of the most surprising joys of cutting back on shopping has been rediscovering old gems in my closet. It's like finding forgotten treasures—pieces I once loved but hadn’t worn in a while. With a little creativity, these items have taken on new life, allowing me to experience the excitement of “new” without spending a single dime. By mixing and matching with other items, or trying out new color combinations, I've found that I can create fresh looks that feel just as exciting as new clothes.
This process has not only saved me money but also helped me appreciate the versatility of my existing wardrobe. It’s amazing how a piece you haven't worn in years can suddenly become a favorite again, simply by styling it differently.
Take a moment to shop your own closet—you might be surprised at what you find. Try styling old clothes in new ways, whether it’s pairing a beloved top with different bottoms, adding accessories, or even layering pieces that you’ve never worn together before. The possibilities are endless, and the results can be just as rewarding as buying something new.
Reason #9: Financial Freedom
Curbing my spending on new clothes has brought an unexpected bonus—greater financial freedom. By cutting back on impulse buys and trendy items, I've been able to save more and invest in other areas of my life that matter to me, like saving for future goals or even treating myself to a special, high-quality piece that I truly love.
This shift in spending habits has also allowed me to feel more in control of my finances. Instead of chasing every new trend, I now focus on making more intentional purchases that add real value to my wardrobe. It’s a great way to ensure that every item I buy has a purpose and a place in my closet.
Cutting back on unnecessary spending not only helps you save money but also allows you to make more meaningful investments in fashion. You can still indulge in the pieces you love without compromising your financial security. I also recommend using money-saving hacks like Rakuten to earn cashback on your purchases, making your shopping experience even more rewarding.
Reason #10: The Ripple Effect
My decision to buy fewer new clothes has had a surprisingly positive impact that extends beyond just my wardrobe. It’s been a catalyst for conversations with friends and family about their own consumption habits, and I've seen how my mindful approach to fashion has inspired others to reconsider their own shopping patterns. This shift in perspective has led to a more intentional and sustainable approach to fashion within my community, creating a ripple effect that encourages mindful consumption.
The changes I’ve made have not only improved my own life but have also influenced those around me. It’s amazing to see how one small decision—like cutting back on new purchases—can lead to bigger changes in the way we all think about fashion.
I now refresh my wardrobe with creativity instead of constantly buying new clothes. This shift has not only saved me money but has also allowed me to stay true to my personal style while significantly reducing overconsumption. Embracing this approach has brought more joy and meaning to how I dress each day, proving that you don’t need to constantly shop to feel fashionable and confident.
If you’d like to avoid common outfit mistakes and discover more ways to make the most out of your existing wardrobe, I’m pleased to offer you my free guide, "5 Mistakes You're Making When Putting Outfits Together."
When I first started on my personal style journey, I had nobody to take me by the hand and tell me how to navigate the fashion world sustainably. Allow me to be that guide for you. Get 20% off your first outfit guide by using the code YOURSTYLE20 at checkout.
Do you have any more questions? My team and I are available to guide you here. We are also always happy to jump into the comments section on social media to connect with you directly.
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You may also love to read about A Step By Step Guide To Journaling Your Outfits
