I have been extremely guilty of buying items on a whim and regretting those decisions only a couple months later when they seem to no longer serve me. If you’re at all interested or tuned in to the world of fashion, you’re probably familiar with the phenomenon of “fast fashion.” That’s the term used to describe inexpensive clothing that is rapidly produced in response to current trends.
Clothing that lands in the category of “fast fashion” encompasses items that are of moderate to low quality and are considered out-of-style after a short lifespan. In order to keep up with current trends and not spend your entire last paycheck, it’s definitely tempting to turn to these fast fashion manufacturers when building your wardrobe. For several reasons—one of the biggest for me, personally, being the issue of women’s rights—I try to limit my purchases from fast fashion manufacturers; but I will also admit that it is hard.
As someone who doesn’t have an exponential amount of disposable income—nor should I spend a large amount of my income on clothing—I keep a few considerations in my mind when shopping: affordability, longevity, and fondness.
“Is it affordable?”
This is an easy one; take a look at the price tag. Is it an item you can afford or a price that you feel comfortable spending on that specific item? If the answers to those questions are, “yes,” I move on to the next consideration.
“How long will this item serve me?”
Is it a trendy item that will be out of style in a couple months—and if so, is it worth the cost? Is it a more timeless item that will hold a place in my closet for several seasons—and if so, does that make it worth the cost? Is the quality noticeably poor, or will it last me a while? These are a few things I like to consider before moving on to my final consideration.
“Do I love it?”
You’re probably thinking, “Well, I picked it up and am thinking about buying it, so I must at least like it!” But what I mean is: do you love it? Is it something you would wear next week and feel excited to step out the door in? Will it make you feel confident when wearing it? Or is it just a quick fix that you’ll probably toss aside in a few months?
Nothing is more frustrating to me than realizing later that I bought an item I only liked a little—only to throw it into a pile of clothes to donate after a few months.
Buying items that you truly get excited to wear makes them far more valuable to you than they would be otherwise.
It’s easy to make a low-dollar purchase on a whim, but I want to urge you to think about these small purchases a little more deeply. Buying items that will serve your wardrobe for a longer time will save you money in the long run, and buying items that you truly get excited to wear makes them far more valuable to you than they would be otherwise. I’ve found that when I actively consider these factors when shopping, I find myself generally buying less, and the items I do buy are items that will serve my closet better and more long-term.
These are just some things I like to think about when affordably building my wardrobe—whether casual or professional. 🙂 It’s a gradual process, and there’s really no need to rush it.
Take your time. Consider your budget, the lifespan of the items you pick up, and your inclination to wear them again and again.
Until next time,
Annie Lark
ANNIE BOYD SOWELL 