This thread is interesting. It made me wonder how many people are struggling to express their identity through clothes, or somehow feel that there have changed and they don’t know who they are anymore. Also age is never specifically mentioned. As I enter my 30s, I find the odd thing in Toast to be occasionally appealing, but in general it’s too austere for me. I would not be seen dead in Boden, White Stuff, or Joules. On the other side, I would never shop at Boohoo or Primark as the clothes are cheap and unethical.
I grew up poor but from an educated middle class family and have been buying secondhand designer since I was a teenager. As a result my wardrobe is full of Dolce and Gabbana, Moschino, Calvin Klein, Celine, etc. I sometimes buy new - the most I’ve spent being £600, but rarely. I like brands like Sezane, Maje, Ganni, Sandro, Paloma Wool, and pick pieces up on Depop or Vinted.
I don’t judge other people on their clothes. My immediate friendship group is very stylish - I have not lived outside of a European capital city since I was 18 - but I have other friends who are more high street in their choices. I’ve been purging all the cheap high street bought as a student from my wardrobe but have things I like from & Other Stories, Monki, and Zara. I have one dress from Toast and one from COS but may be tempted my more as I age.
It’ll be interested to see how my style changes after I have my baby. If I don’t lose the weight I’ll just sell some of the stuff, but I’ll always prioritise/worship design I think (my mum is the same and would always pull designer items out at charity shops, and helped me copy pictures from vogue using the sewing machine). The first thing I bought for my baby was a romper from Bonpoint.
I guess I’m a clothes snob, though only for myself, if that makes sense. People have different style. I’ve been giving away clothes to friends recently and it’s been interesting seeing what they take/don’t take. I’m never offended if they don’t fancy something.