As we enter 2024, it's the perfect time to reflect on creating a wardrobe that speaks to your personal style. Sure, this may seem like a familiar topic with countless articles on it, but let’s face it - time has a way of reshaping our cultural and aesthetic viewpoints. Building a personal style isn’t just a one-time task; it’s an ongoing journey.
Hedi Slimane and Saint Laurent once dominated the fashion scene with their skinny jeans, a style that stood strong for many years. But suddenly, the pendulum swung in the other direction, with looser fits and broader styles emerging, thanks to Raf Simons.
Around a decade or two ago, the advice was clear-cut: invest in timeless pieces, vintage-inspired designs that would earn you the title of "sustainable fashion". But by 2012, those timeless pieces started to feel too rigid and out of sync with the relaxed, free-spirited vibe that was becoming the norm. Enter Hedi Slimane again - this time bringing biker jackets, skinny jeans, and Chelsea boots to the forefront, signaling the rise of streetwear. The success of Supreme sent major brands scrambling to capture the casual cool that streetwear offered. Yet, in this dynamic world, broader fits and looser silhouettes, sparked by Raf Simons, took over.
Today, building a wardrobe goes beyond just quality; it’s about emotional longevity. We’re not just talking about sustainability in the environmental sense, but sustainable style that speaks to our fear of obsolescence.
In 2024, no single designer or brand has the monopoly on defining aesthetics. Everyone now has their own community, and for those new to the world of style, the market can feel overwhelming. Gone are the days of rigid fashion rules or "must-have" items.
But don't stress! Some principles still hold true, like prioritizing quality over quantity. However, in this era, durability must also be accompanied by emotional sustainability. Sustainable style means buying pieces you love, pieces that last in your heart, not just your wardrobe. For me, it's the simple gray sweater from Asket, the raw denim jeans from A.P.C., and my once-white, now perfectly worn-in, Common Projects sneakers. These items, though not new, carry meaning, shaped by experience and emotional connection.
Seek Emotional Connection
When building a sustainable wardrobe, it's not just about choosing high-quality items - it’s about developing an emotional bond with them. If you feel connected to each piece, you'll be more likely to wear them for years.
A versatile, reliable item that helps you get dressed every day will outlast those impulse buys that you quickly grow tired of.
Find brands and items that resonate with your aesthetic. Whether it’s preppy with oxford shirts and Shetland sweaters, sporty with sweatshirts, or a mix of minimalism and workwear with Breton tees and raw denim, it’s about finding things that tell a story.
Invest in Timeless Pieces That Age Well
Cheap, low-quality fashion might look great at first, but it doesn’t take long for it to pill, stretch, or fade. Instead, focus on high-quality items that age beautifully. A soft calfskin jacket, full-grain leather shoes, or raw denim will evolve over time, creating a unique patina - a testament to its durability and the passage of time.
Embrace Emotional Value
Modern fashion advice often focuses on being selective and avoiding trends. But clothes should also bring joy. A well-fitted, premium item holds no value if it doesn’t make you feel something. Marie Kondo's approach - “does it spark joy?” - is a great principle to follow. If it doesn’t bring you joy, then it’s just clutter.
To borrow the words of Marie Kondo, an expert in decluttering, you wouldn’t want to bring home an item that doesn’t spark joy.
Slow Down Shopping
Building a wardrobe takes time. It isn’t something you achieve overnight.
In fact, it might take 5-7 years of trial and error before you truly understand your style and appreciate the items in your wardrobe.
The best purchases are those that make you feel excited and confident, and you’ll know them when you wear them.
Create Attachments with Your Clothes
The easiest way to build a bond with your clothes is by wearing them. A jacket that travels with you, sneakers that have seen your career grow, or those raw jeans that have softened into your most comfortable pair - these are the pieces that hold the most meaning.
When you form a personal connection to your wardrobe, it becomes a part of your story.
Own Your Style
Personal style is all about self-expression. It’s about investing in yourself, rather than trying to mimic someone else. New clothes might feel exciting at first, but over time, the joy of wearing your go-to pieces - whether they're new or not - will last.
If you feel confident in a leather jacket, for example, nobody will care if it’s new or old. They’ll simply think, "That jacket looks amazing, and so does he."
Men’s fashion has undergone a significant shift since the early 2000s. There is no longer a single “correct” way to dress. Today, we have the freedom to create our own wardrobes, exploring various aesthetic philosophies to find what truly resonates with us.
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