Navigating the Pressure to Always Dress Your Best
As a merchandising major, I feel a constant pressure to always present the very best version of myself through my outfits I wear to classes. I feel that I must not only present the best version of myself, but present a brand new version of myself that has never been seen before by my peers. The idea has been developed that in order to be fashionable, you aren't allowed to be seen in the same thing twice. This assumption comes from not only the incredibly speedy cycle of the fast fashion industry (hence the name), but also the content we fashionistas consume every day, on social media and surrounding us in fashion classes and in our own personal lives. Our favorite celebrities and influencers never wear the same thing twice, and because of this it has become a status symbol to overconsume. Girls who wear something new every day and never dare outfit-repeating “have the money to be fashionable”. I see this principle constantly, “if only I had the money to dress how I want to”, on social media and from friends. The truth is, I used to follow the same mindset, and I learned how to avoid it over time. You can too!
Let’s say you feel unfashionable because you can't keep up with the latest trend cycles, purchasing multiple new garments every few days. There are multiple solutions to this problem, the first being to invest in accessories rather than full articles of clothing that follow the latest trends. For example, cheetah print is all the rage right now online and in person, and it feels like everyone owns something that follows the trend. Rather than buying a printed shirt, buy a printed belt or hair clip. Next, thrifting and clearance stores typically carry a very high inventory of trend cycles only a month after the trend peaks. Looking there is a great way to get the next hot item on the market for cheaper. Finally, ask yourself if you really love the trend, or the idea of dressing similar to everyone else. If you don't really need a trending piece, the easiest and most sustainable way to save money is to wear what's in your closet!
Next, staying away from the stigma of outfit and item repeating is a difficult hurdle to jump. Firstly, I avoided this by reminding myself that the most fashionable people have the ability to style pieces in multiple ways rather than overconsuming new things. Owning lots of different fast fashion pieces doesn't necessarily make a person stylish, in fact it makes one more stylish to be able to style less trendy pieces in a unique way. Throughout my studies in fashion, I have come to realize that true stylishness is not owning new things or following the trends, but rather it is being individualistic and unique, and starting the trends yourself. However, if you still feel like you can't wear the same thing twice, having a staple wardrobe of convertible basics is a great place to start. That way, accessorizing and styling can make millions of outfit options.
Finally, remember that fashion is one of the most subjective art forms out there, and the way to be the most stylish is not to overconsume, but rather dressing in the way that makes you feel the most like you! You are your own biggest critic, and you also know yourself better than anyone else could. Because of these truths, you are the only person that can decide what styles are the most high fashion for you!