One of the biggest silver linings of 2020 was a complete break from what we considered normal. Covid forced us out of comfort zones that were driven by routine and accepted values while simultaneously demanding we question what it is we really cared about and when stripped of so many superficial requirements, who it is that we truly are.

With 2021 finally here and the end of Covid starting to materialize in the distance, now is the time to truly release some of the old mindsets that were holding us back. And one of those is discovering how we spend our money when it comes to fashion. While we already have some tricks up our sleeves for looking great on a budget, another key element to financial and fashion freedom is breaking free from fashion trends in order to find your personal style. This sounds almost cliché to say, but it’s true in every way.

One of the biggest problems with fashion is that it’s all relative. What we wear today is relative to whatever trends the industry - and people, are setting. Those trends are usually controlled by a very small minority and often in their most extreme form, only work for a limited range of lifestyles. Additionally, it’s important to understand why trends even exist - they are a direct result of the current Capitalist market’s need to continuously produce in order to stay alive. This has very little to do with what you actually need in your life and everything to do with what the market wants you to need. It’s a vicious cycle that has resulted in cut corners in every category from fair labor practices and sustainability to your ability to achieve financial freedom and even personal autonomy.

With that being said, with incessant exposure to the onslaught of new trends the fashion industry churns out per year, one can often find oneself trapped in a creative block. It’s a tough narrative to block out. The internet is full of fashion gurus and impressionists. Algorithms and conditional copywriting make sure you feel the pressure to partake. And while dipping into a trend every once in a while can definitely give you a fashion rush, it’s also addicting - and can easily turn into a crutch.

Realize that fashion is about you

Fashion is all about finding your own style that is personal and comfortable. It’s not about chasing the latest fashion trends or wearing the most expensive clothes, but rather, it’s about finding the clothing that allows you to feel like your most authentic self. You should feel comfortable, confident, inspired, and joyful - even if no one else ever sees what you are wearing. Consider the ‘fashion rules’ and why they are even there to begin with. Why are we supposed to wear things that ‘slim’ us? And who said they actually do? And what could really possibly be wrong with taking up more space anyway? And why are we even supposed to attempt illusions of ‘longer legs, smaller waists, narrower or rounder hips’ etc? What’s wrong with celebrating the actual length of our legs or shape of our waist?

Why can’t we wear certain things certain times of the year, like white after labor day? Does this have more to do pressuring a change of attire than an actual need? Questioning why things are the way things are is a huge step in discovering what your values really are and what actually makes you happy. And while that sounds like it might be more about life than fashion, style is supposed to be an expression of the self in some form or another. And can we actually, really express ourselves when we’re following someone else’s rules?

Go for what you love - but first, ask yourself what you really love and why you love it. Then go for it Opt for picking your outfits depending on the situation and make sure it’s something you personally feel comfortable in. Stop trying to chase what other people have and say is beautiful. When it comes to your life, that power is all in your own hands.

Breaking away from celebrity fashion trends and social media influence

First things first, let’s take a step back from social media, shall we? Stop following everything influencers say, stop referencing weird celebrity outfits, and try to avoid using social media as the standard for helping you choose outfits. Sure, it’s often a great place for inspiration, but there are many other places to look that aren’t so focused on herd mentality.

Approach social media with a different mindset

Speaking of social media, make sure your approach to social media is clear. It can be a wonderful source of inspiration when it comes to learning about different designers and stores, or to look for unique pieces. Use it for inspiration and for ideas, but don’t outright copy outfits.

Put together an album of looks that you personally like

Create a Pinterest board and start compiling images into a digital scrapbook - why is this better than saving things on Instagram per say? Because you can pull from a much wider range of sources through Google, Lookbooks, past figures who might have been inspiring, even photos of your own family, film stills, or quotes that relate to your fashion ethos. You could also just save the pictures on your phone and create an album. This works just as well and will give you a great point of reference.

Follow lesser-known influencers if you enjoy their content

Here’s the thing. Oftentimes, the bigger the influencer, the more they’re getting paid to promote specific styles and looks. As well, the biggest, most relevant influencers also tend to be the ones who profit most off of promoting the current trends. It keeps them relevant and guarantees income. Instead of falling into a homogenous explore feed, try following lesser-known influencers or just people who enjoy doing their own thing.

Next, let’s talk about where find clothes to achieve a style that suits you in every way.

Where should you buy your clothes?

We love looking at a variety of stores to get inspiration for outfits but also to find different designers and brands that we love. Personally, we love sourcing items from our favorite designers at places like dresses outlet for great deals and unique pieces as well as from thrift stores that offer interesting, one-of-a-kind pieces. We also love the idea of investing in quality, higher-priced classic items that will last way longer than any trend. As well, a great way to avoid anything too trendy while putting your money to work for your values is to look into ethically made, smaller, slow-fashion brands. It’s much more rare to regret a purchase made from a brand like that - and as a bonus, the customer service is usually much more personal and you’re actually helping to lift up an actual person and not a large corporation.

Finding lesser-known clothing brands

With this concept in mind, lesser-known brands often lean into more unique details when it comes to fashion. This enables them to create interesting pieces that can truly transform your wardrobe and overall style of expression. Finding lesser-known brands can be difficult, but those smaller, more unique influencers we mentioned earlier are a great source. So is word of mouth, as well as doing local searches for nearby small businesses that create items in small batches and with care. Small businesses often network with other small businesses, and this can be an excellent way to expand your search.

Should you buy second-hand clothing?

When it comes to buying second-hand clothing, a lot of people are concerned about it having been worn before - and it not being ‘new.’ However if you think about the amount of chemicals and floors of factories that your fast-fashion items have seen, any concern of hygiene is a moot point. As well, wanting only new items is another value to challenge, as it was implemented as a false display of wealth and perpetuated by an ever increasing, capitalistic consumer market. The market wants you to buy new because it means the market gets to make something new. It has nothing to do with something new being better than something old and sucks you right back into the endless purchasing cycle of the market. It’s a trap. Don’t fall for it.

Plus, a little wear and tear on a quality item still looks a lot more classy than a brand new fast fashion trendy thingamabob. And bonus for your budget - if you pick the right places to get second-hand clothing, you can often find loads of unique deals at rock bottom prices. It makes for a more adventurous shopping experience and you get to put more of your money towards a path to financial freedom.

Should you avoid expensive brands?

In general, no. Expensive brands usually do something interesting and they have lots of special pieces that you won’t find elsewhere. Of course, don’t just buy a black shirt for ludicrous amounts of money because it’s from a specific brand. There is a huge difference between buying for a label and buying for the actual item itself. It’s all up to your budget at the end of the day, but we wouldn’t shy away from expensive brands as long as you perceive it to be worth the money. Often these items will last longer than others in your wardrobe and can become staple pieces in a signature style. Just be sure you’re buying something because it speaks to you and not a trend - and that the label is one you admire because of their quality or style and not just their prestige. Just as it goes with trends, designers fall in and out of focus throughout the years. One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to personal style is basing your own brand on theirs.

Sell clothes that you’re not going to wear anymore

There are lots of ways to turn unwanted clothes into money with the main strategy being to sell clothes on marketplaces if you’re not going to wear them anymore. This will help you recuperate some of the money on the clothes you’ve bought and in some cases, if you have high-end fashion pieces, they could sell for a considerable amount of money. In some cases, vintage pieces might even sell for more money than you bought them for…

Why the price isn’t a factor in fashion

On both the high and low ends, price isn’t a factor in fashion. There are some extremely cheap pieces of clothing that are both comfortable and look great. If they fit in your outfits and make you comfortable, then there’s no reason why you should avoid wearing them or buying it just because it’s cheap. Similarly, you shouldn’t let high-end fashion turn you off because of the prices. If you find something truly different and appealing, then you should consider getting it. If there’s nothing else like it on the market, then it’s probably worth a lot more to you than someone else.

Now that you’ve put together a wardrobe, here are a few tips to help you take good care of your clothes and also help you look great.

Don’t feel comfortable in your clothes? Get rid of them and find something else

If you’ve bought something online and it doesn’t quite fit right, get rid of it! Don’t force yourself to fit into something. Return it or consider selling it. This also counts for clothes that you bought because someone else recommended them or you bought because it worked on someone else but you don’t feel like it suits you. Give it week and a few tries through the week - and if there’s no change in how you feel about it, you probably won’t ever change how you feel about it.

The concept of having a rotation

The idea of a fashion rotation means swapping out pieces every day and rotating through your basics. And believe it or not, this is actually easier to accomlish with less clothes. For example, if you have three different dresses that you love, you can swap through them throughout the week, ensuring you always have something cleaned and washed, and something different each day.

Make good use of your accessories

Accessories can uplift your outfits and turn them into something completely different. The same rule applies when selecting accessories. Opt for items you can wear long beyond just a trend - and quality pieces you won’t have to replace every year or so. A good way to organize your accessories is to go for mostly heirloom quality pieces you can wear every day mixed with a few fun costume and vintage items for flair. Pair a good costume piece with a classic, and no one will know the difference.

Don’t forget your shoes as well

Shoes are a major accessory! Turn your basics into a completely different look with a fun pair of shoes -or make something a little too dressy apropos with a good slide or sneaker. Just remember that while quality is key, so is comfort. In fashion, there’s nothing that takes away from a person’s uniqueness than shoes that don’t support your natural stride.

Dress for the occasion

Lastly, make sure you dress for different occasions. This is much less about fitting in and looking appropriate than it is about being comfortable and free to express yourself in a way that suits the environment - and that also cultivates an atmosphere where others feel comfortable and welcome too. Whether it’s smart, casual or for freedom of movement, consider the situation before you settle on an outfit. This might help you discover new combinations of things to wear and will also diversify your wardrobe and tastes.

Free Your Mind From Fashion Trends