In a time where the dominance of mass-produced fashion has turned chasing trends into a sport, uniformisation has become almost inevitable. Fast fashion gets a lot of heat for the environmental damage it causes, and rightfully so. The rapid production of low-priced and low-quality garments that are quickly discarded as soon as the next hyped-up trend arrives leads to the depletion of natural resources and releases massive amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, being a major contributor to the climate crisis.
But another negative effect of the fast fashion phenomenon is the conformity it promotes. The pursuit of trends comes at the expense of authenticity and self-expression, as people are no longer encouraged to develop their own aesthetic and showcase their personalities through the clothes they wear. Instead, they are subtly persuaded into donning the same types of clothes, as if they are wearing some sort of uniform. And how can they not give in to these influences when the collections you find in stores these days are almost indistinguishable from one another?
But even if the erasure of diversity and individuality seems to be the general direction in fashion at the moment, you can still swim against the current and build a wardrobe that reflects your unique personality and style. Here’s how to get started.
Define your style
When you set out to build a wardrobe that expresses your identity, the first thing you have to figure out is your style. Since clothes can be used as a form of self-expression, you can draw inspiration for your sartorial choices from the things that make you who you are, namely your likes, passions, values, beliefs, culture, heritage, and so on. The clothes you wear should match your personality and the way you want others to perceive you.
Examine your current wardrobe and notice what items you lean towards the most. Look for a common thread in your favourite pieces, whether it’s colours, silhouettes or fabrics. Integrate elements that can serve as a signature feature. These can be a particular accessory, like a headwrap or glasses, or certain garments that you wear consistently. You should also consider your lifestyle and daily needs and choose clothes that are suitable for the activities you engage in. Knowing what your personal style is will make it easier for you to pick clothes that align with your self-image and avoid falling into the consumerism trap.
Out with the old, in with the new
Since we’ve gotten into wardrobe analysis, a bit of decluttering wouldn’t hurt. Take a good look at the clothes hanging in your closet. Chances are, you’ve got a fair share of items that you’ve outgrown (both metaphorically and literally) and are just sitting there, collecting dust and taking up space. Sometimes, these clothes can also keep you stuck in a style rut, creating a false narrative about yourself, so it’s time to part ways with them, whether you choose to sell, donate, or take them to a recycling centre.
This is not about switching your entire wardrobe on a whim and buying new clothes because you got bored with your old ones, far from it. It’s about realising that it’s perfectly normal for your style to evolve as you age and change, and your preferences shift. Therefore, the clothes that no longer represent you have to go, so you can make room for others that are in sync with your current self.
Pick your essentials
While some clothes overstay their welcome, others can carry you through all your daily activities and the many different phases in your life. These are the core pieces that form the backbone of your wardrobe and have a timeless quality to them that ensures you can wear them for years on end, as their appeal remains immune to changing trends. Examples include white button-down shirts, straight-leg jeans, well-fitting blazers, little black dresses, etc.
Every self-respecting adult should have a few essentials like these in their closet that they can rely on. The best part about classic garments is their versatility, which gives you the freedom to integrate them into different combinations and create a variety of looks, depending on your needs. When choosing your staples, focus on high-quality materials and superior craftsmanship. Even if this means buying pricier items, the investment will be well worth it since they’re going to hold up better in time.
Explore and experiment
When you’re used to wearing the same clothes day in and day out and have shopped at mainstream brands for years, you might forget there are plenty of other options out there, waiting to be discovered.
So, instead of going to the same stores, dare to step out of your comfort zone and start exploring different land-based and online retailers such as AfricanFabs, where you can find unique pieces that can complement your wardrobe essentials and make you stand out from the crowd. Fashion is about having fun and dressing in a way that makes you happy, not following a strict set of rules that stifle your creativity. So don’t be afraid to experiment, try out things you wouldn’t normally consider, and defy the norms, as long as it feels right to you.
Keep it comfortable
The clothes you wear should make you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. You can tell if certain styles and designs reflect your true self or not by the way they make you feel. No matter how fashionable an outfit looks, if you don’t feel at ease wearing it, you should probably reconsider your choice.
While trends will always be a major force in the world of fashion, there’s nothing stopping you from taking a different path than the rest. Remember that there’s no right or wrong way to dress. Following your instincts and your personal taste instead of listening to other people’s opinions will help you create a more authentic and inimitable style, perfectly in tune with your personality.
