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No more fast fashion so what do we wear?

38 replies

Oddgirlout · 24/09/2019 13:01

I'm fully on board with not buying endless new clothes. I'd happily buy a couple of £££ jeans and live in them forever. BUT what can you wear that avoids dating? What is timeless? I've read the thread on abandoning skinny jeans and I've got four pairs. If they really go out of fashion should I just keep wearing them anyway?
Thoughts please!

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Ellapaella · 24/09/2019 13:02

No helpful advice but place marking because I'm trying to do this too. I've got a little tired of fast fashion and would like to change my attitude towards buying clothes I won't or don't wear very often.

picklemepopcorn · 24/09/2019 13:08

Wear things that look good on you- they don't age.

Fast fashion often gives a bad look a temporary shine- think 'cold shoulder tops' who actually looks better in them?

I look good in straight or wide leg trousers, empire line and wrap dresses, and tunics. Minis and skinnies can come and go, but won't look good on me!

picklemepopcorn · 24/09/2019 13:09

But then, maybe I walk down the street looking like last week's charity shop rejects- I wouldn't know!

Musicforsnorks · 24/09/2019 13:18

Thing is, in terms of society and perception of clothing, everything eventually ‘dates’.
It’s unavoidable.
This is why we recognise different decades through photo imagery, regardless whether those clothes suited us or not.
Everything has its time......

But it’s fairly slow going i think. I doubt anyone would really consider skinny jeans dated. Perhaps not ‘fashion blogger trending’ but who the fuck cares about that? What you see around you, realistically, will reflect what still sells or has gone into attic storage 😁

Fast fashion is dire, at an all time low. It ought to be relatively easy to give it the boot. But perceptions of what works die hard, and trying out a new silhouette is fraught with doubt and does require some experimentation.
Then again, there’s nothing really new under the sun, just a different decade’s take on an already familiar formula (trousers/top dress/boots, etc).

Once people see more dresses out and about under parkas/wool coats, they will start to see that as ‘current’ and then stores sell stuff which go with the current style, and so on.

Most stuff still in stores supports the jeans and tee silhouette.
It’s not dead yet.

thedevilinablackdress · 24/09/2019 13:24

Things you like, things you feel good in.
Charity shops, eBay, swapping, altering for a hit of something different.
Spend more time enjoying the things you own already.
That's what I'm trying anyway.

Itallt0omuch · 24/09/2019 13:26

What would be the point in getting rid of 4 pairs of jeans that fit you because they aren't in fashion any more? Replacing perfectly good clothes for no good reason is part of the fast fashion problem.

S0CKS · 24/09/2019 13:40

Fast fashion is bad but throwing perfectly wearable clothes away would be even worse honestly wear what you've got and build on that collection with higher quality items that's what im doing.

Divebar · 24/09/2019 13:42

I’m trying to do this - I’ve really started shopping much more seriously in charity shops in the last year and trying to wear what I have in my wardrobe in different ways. I have to be honest shopping new gear is a hard habit to break but I’ve had some great charity shop buys including Vivienne Westwood shoes and a big Stella McCartney “ coatigan” which I’m considering whether to keep. Next week I’m off to a clothes swapping event for the first time so I’m interested to see what that’s like. I think to be most successful you need to let go of your ideas of fashion somewhat and think instead of style. I follow a number of sustainable bloggers/ influencers ( hate that word) on Instagram who do this well... one is called Not Buying New. She has her own style and although it’s not the same as mine is inspiring. You could also explore the hashtags slow fashion and maybe look at some visible mending trends. I think you can keep hold of your skinny jeans if you love them but think about what else you could wear with them to switch up the looks.

RoseyOldCrow · 24/09/2019 13:47

Most of us are ridiculously over-clothed. Surely we should decide to just wear what we have? Mending if necessary / possible, not over washing, simply not buying more new clothes.
I'm guilty of "boredom buying" & have to to stop, I really don't need any more clothes & nor does my DH.
When we really do need something, I have (just!) pledged to buy only from ethical, sustainable & ideally organic sources.

RoseyOldCrow · 24/09/2019 13:48

Most of us are ridiculously over-clothed. Surely we should decide to just wear what we have? Mending if necessary / possible, not over washing, simply not buying more new clothes.
I'm guilty of "boredom buying" & have to to stop, I really don't need any more clothes & nor does my DH.
When we really do need something, I have (just!) pledged to buy only from ethical, sustainable & ideally organic sources.

RoseyOldCrow · 24/09/2019 13:49

(Apologies for the duplicated post.)

Oddgirlout · 24/09/2019 13:52

Don't get me wrong I'm not throwing out the skinny jeans (and you're right, four pairs is too many) - it's the method I'm trying to get to. As and when they wear out how do I thoughtfully replace them without looking a mess? I should have phrased the question better!
I do buy off ebay more often than not, which is better than new but not better than charity shop.
I think it helps if you've got a sense of what suits you - I don't - because then you can buy with a view towards that. I also struggle because I find most things, including the skinny jeans, wildly uncomfortable and would rather wear wide legged, elasticated waist trousers like a clown every day!

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quirkychick · 24/09/2019 13:54

Well, I only changed my skinny jeans with slim/straight when they needed to be replaced. Clothes that I feel are dated, but are good quality, I store away and they come out when they feel more current or get charity shopped.

I sometimes mix up older styles with something more modern, as a way of feeling more up to date.

Quite a bit of what I buy is second hand or discounted good quality clothes that I can hopefully wear for a long time. Some of my clothes, I've had for a long time and usually think carefully about what I want to buy. I do still buy odd impulse purchases too. I also swap round my clothes every season, which feels like "new" things to wear.

SudowoodoVoodoo · 24/09/2019 13:58

Wearing what suits you and isn't an extreme of fashion is a good start to always looking good. It's not that long ago that my bootleg jeans were retired off as they were falling apart, but the style suits my shape so was more forgiving as style went to skinny.

The bigger problem is avoiding poor quality at anything reasonably priced. I've been a consistent clothes size for over 20 years, and things that I bought then despite being on a student budget were better made and have lasted better than more recent items.

salmonrose · 24/09/2019 13:59

. I also struggle because I find most things, including the skinny jeans, wildly uncomfortable and would rather wear wide legged, elasticated waist trousers like a clown every day!

Try jersey dresses, they are really comfortable.
I have to say that if you want to avoid fast fashion you should really get into the mindset of not caring what is fashionable this season.

IceniSky · 24/09/2019 14:00

I've started to look at altering, mending, adapting, and maybe one day making.

Not great at the moment but I've turned DDs winter PJs which were too short, into short sets, and I've been given a pair of trousers I loved but need to alter them.

There are a few things I want to try with some shirts I no longer wear. You can make tank tops or sun dresses etc.

WhoKnewBeefStew · 24/09/2019 14:01

I’ve made a deal with myself that I won’t buy anything new for the rest of the year. I’m a terrible boredom buyer and it’s even worse now with next day delivery etc.

I’m using eBay at the moment and I’m buying things I know look good, rather than fashion. Although it’s easier for me as I’m in my late 40s so being at the cutting edge of fashion looks daft on me anyway.

I’ve bought a vintage coat recently, plus two long wool skirts by coast and Hobbs, plus two tops, phase 8 and Hobbs again. All of these are classy rather than fashion blogger style. All 5 items have cost me less than one of the skirts would have done new.

As for my skinnies, I’m still wearing them with my last new purchase which is a pair of fat face Chelsea boots which I’m sure both items would be scoffed at.

Another thing I’m trying to do is wear everything in my wardrobe. I’ve a wardrobe full of stuff I rarely wear and only a hand full of items I do wear. I think it’s simply boredom tbh and I’ve had positive comments off people about wearing something I’ve not worn for over a year.

DontCallMeShitley · 24/09/2019 14:02

A capsule wardrobe is the way to go, with what suits you. In my case it is not a capsule wardrobe but 6 pairs of the same chinos and a selection of tops, plus a couple of dresses and some skirts for summer.

Winter, I rarely go out so similar but adding the dreaded leggings for comfort and some longer tops and sweaters.

I keep my clothes until they either wear out, are too small, or don't seem to suit me or work any more, then just replace with fresh ones and keep those for ages too.

Fast fashion is poor quality, cotton t shirts that you can see through, wonky seams, man made fibres/static/sweat creating.

If skinny jeans work for you, keep them, find a way to update them.

I never have any luck with charity shops but I do donate my clothes.

DontCallMeShitley · 24/09/2019 14:05

BTW the reasoning behind the chinos is that I can wash them all at the same time, with similar colours and save messing about wasting water, it is easy to grab an outfit and I like the way they look.

quirkychick · 24/09/2019 14:13

I have 2 pairs of bootleg jeans, one in softer denim I roll up and another I cut off the bottom and gave raw edges too. So they both look straight now.

Looking at different details and how to change clothes can make a big difference. I often wear neutrals, but sometimes add some colour and have a range of accessories to change up different looks.

I use a little notebook, so when I rotate my clothes around each season, I make a list of any gaps/replacements needed. I used to make notes on purchases, what was worth it and what was not, but I think I've got better at buying well now. I either mend or get mended, clothes, if I can. I saved a very lovely charity shop blanket skirt from Laura Ashley with new elastic.

LaDameAuxLicornes · 24/09/2019 14:44

I actually think that it's easier than it's ever been to avoid following "fashion" and yet not look dated, because I think fashions are less strict and ubiquitous than they used to be. I remember my mother talking about how in the 60s everybody's hemlines were almost exactly the same length, and how they got shorter every year so everyone took up their skirts and coats every year, until suddenly BOOM in came the maxi and hemlines plunged again. From the sound of it, if you didn't take up your hemlines to match everyone else's, you'd have stood out like a sore thumb. Whereas in my city at least, I've seen mini, knee length, midi and maxi all over the shop this summer and no-one would give you a second glance for wearing any of them, though it's true that it's clear that those in midis are the ones usually more obviously "following fashion".

I think the only thing - if you care about not looking dated, that is - is to avoid reproducing entire outfits that were fashionable in a certain year or few years but are no longer fashionable now.

PaulHollywoodsleftbollockhair · 24/09/2019 14:52

I am with the capsule thing and finding your signature style rather than being too fashion led. However being aware of fashion can help you open up your style and tweak it a bit so things don't become stale.

I think the thing with skinnies is they are practical but are hard to style given the change in silhouette .They don't suit many folk either but have been bought whilst people try to look current.

Personally I would wear them until they are knackered but for gardening or when it snows etc and replace over time.

Elllllle · 24/09/2019 14:57

I'm trying to buy with a lot more consideration. I refuse to buy cheap shit and will save to get things I really want. I look at company websites to see where their clothing is made and check their codes of practice. I consider whether something is a trend (eg has that extra ruffle or floral print) and will last more than a season. I don't kid myself that my basics will last more than a few years, though. I hate looking dated but I'm trying to buy better if that makes sense.

Oddgirlout · 24/09/2019 14:59

Really helpful ideas here, thank you.

I have to say that if you want to avoid fast fashion you should really get into the mindset of not caring what is fashionable this season.

I feel like I'm not trying to be uber fashionable, I think anyone who knows me would laugh at that! It's a worry of getting it so wrong and looking odd, it comes from being autistic and feeling odd and out of place all the time. I don't want my clothes to make me stand out as well as everything else, iyswim!

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Oddgirlout · 24/09/2019 15:00

But at the same time wanting to be responsible and not wanting to waste too much time thinking about it. Which is obviously not working as I'm writing on this thread!

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