Dare I say it, but summer is *finally* here! I did my wardrobe switchover back in May, packing away all my chunky sweaters and bringing out all my gorgeous, colourful clothes and I cannot lie, I stood there with all of this colour and linen in front of me and realised that I had grown a bit tired of my summer wardrobe. I know.
Now before you say anything, I’m definitely the girl who REALLY wears her clothes. On a recent holiday, I posted an outfit selfie to my stories and lots of followers asked where they could get my sarong. When I sat and thought about it, I realised that I had had it since I was 13! That’s over 20 years of wearing it on every summer holiday, but as the old saying goes, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ right?!
After years of rewearing a lot of the same summer pieces bar the odd new addition here and there, I’m in the mood for a change. This realisation made me look at my wardrobe in a completely different way, so I did a quick purge and popped a bunch of things on Vinted to make space (and cash) for any new purchases.
Like I said, I don’t shop often but when I do, I do ask myself a lot of questions as I want to ensure that any new buys will be worn for 20 years. Whether I’m buying an item brand new or preloved I still ask myself the same questions…
Does this piece align with my personal style and aesthetic?
Before embarking on a shopping spree, it’s vital to work out whether a potential purchase resonates with your personal sense of style. Consider your preferred colours, patterns, and silhouettes, and envision how this particular garment would integrate into your existing wardrobe. By staying true to your own personal aesthetic, you can ensure that your new addition seamlessly complements the rest of your wardrobe.
For instance, this Ulla Johnson dress was bought two summers ago and I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of it, it’s such a summer staple for me. It may just be the perfect dress: versatile, timeless and in a cut that suits me. Now I know this brand is on the more spenny side, but I had been eyeing it up for about six months and when it went on sale in the Net-A-Porter sale, I snapped it up for less than half price.
Is the quality of the garment up to par?
Investing in well-made clothing not only enhances your overall look but also ensures longevity which is one of the fundamentals to making more mindful purchases. Before making a purchase, I scrutinise the garment’s quality.
If you follow Andrea Cheong, you’ll have seen her Mindful Monday Method where she teaches her audience how to shop better. Make sure you examine the fabric in detail, stitching and finishes, as these elements can reveal whether the item is constructed to withstand the test of time. Opting for quality over quantity will elevate your wardrobe and reduce the need for frequent replacements (case in point, the 20-year-old sarong!)
Is this piece practical for my daily life?
While fashion can be whimsical and aspirational, it’s vital to consider the practicality of a garment in your day-to-day life. Ask yourself if this item fills a gap in your wardrobe or addresses a specific need. Whether it’s a versatile blazer for work or comfortable activewear for exercising, ensuring that the piece aligns with your lifestyle will maximise its usefulness and make it a worthwhile investment, no matter the cost.
Is this purchase sustainable and ethically produced?
And last but by no means least, I ask questions about who made my clothes. Take a moment to research the brand’s values, production practices and material sourcing. Look for certifications like organic, fair trade or eco-friendly to ensure that your purchase aligns with your ethical standards. We are in a time of increasing environmental awareness, where sustainability and ethical production of clothing is paramount so ask the questions and encourage brands to make the shift to more ethical practices – read my guide on greenwashing for help.
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