It can be easy to get caught up in the latest trends; to fall victim to the draw of “fast fashion.”
You know what I’m talking about.
The trendy clothes that seem too cheap to be true.
The most recent outfits on Intagram influencers and Tik Tokers.
The low-cost, low-quality clothing that ends up piling up in massive landfills all over the world.
READ MORE: Fast Fashion: Its Detrimental Effect on the Environment
That is after you ran them through the washer one time and watched that cute skirt straight-up disintegrate before your eyes.
And not only that, but it can be even harder to find YOUR style when you’re constantly trying to chase the style the rest of the world wants you to. That’s what I’ve learned after years of chasing the latest trend.
What’s most important is creating a style and a wardrobe that LASTS.
Find a personal style that stands the test of time, and allows you to be fashionable without falling into fads.
Below are a few of my favorite tips for doing just that.
1. Try not to let your wardrobe be too influenced by seasonal colors.
Listen, we all love to go crazy once in a while when it comes to color — especially those among us who remember more colorful periods in fashion like the ’80s and ’90s. Times have changed, whether I like it or not, and that goes for fashion too. But that doesn’t mean I have to be drab to look my best!
But how do I successfully wear brighter styles without looking like I just stumbled away from fisticuffs with a rainbow?
The answer is simple. I like to pick one palette at a time and stick to it. I build up my closet with the colors that I know look good on ME, regardless of what’s in for the “season” in fashion.
I also recommend stocking your closet with a lot of strong neutral staples to comliment those pops of colors.
2. Keep the accessories in check.
Anything outside of basic articles of clothing is meant to stand out. We’re instinctively curious about different details. What’s she holding? What’s on his head? I can’t even count the number of times I’ve stared at something a stranger was wearing, trying to make out what exactly it is, all while hoping they don’t look up and notice.
Trendy accessories are meant to be flashy, so unless you’re careful, they’re going to be gaudy. And they’re going to end up on your jewelry tree to collect dust for the rest of their existance.
One of my best tips for creating a timeless style is to refrain from piling on the accessories. Just pick one or two minimalist pieces that complement your outfit and that you could see yourself wearing over and over.
If you’re dying to spend money on expensive jewelry, think about the simple and elegant pieces that will always be beautiful.
A pair of diamond stud earrings. A pearl necklace. A gold watch.
The kind of classy, timeless items you can cherish in your style for years to come.
3. Invest in a few costly, but high-quality staple items.
This one is tough. It’s difficult to know what is really WORTH the money and will stay in style.
Think about outfit staples.
A nice pair of leather boots. A durable winter coat. A versitile cardigan or jacket. A crisp, black blazer.
Do some research, and invest in what you know will LAST season to season, year to year.
4. Avoid shopping hauls from fast fashion stores and websites.
I know it’s tempting.
And easy, SO easy, to just drop a bunch of “Trending Now” items into your cart and wait for them to show up on your doorstep before you even eat your next meal.
But that euphoria of opening a box full of fresh new styles is short lived.
Firstly, because the clothing becomes outdated the moment after you get your first insta-pic of the outfit, and secondly it literally evaporates into thin air after one run through the washing machine.
Fast fashion is the easiest way to deplete your wardrobe into something that’s fragile and futile. If you want to build a timeless style, put some TIME into the decisions you make when shopping.
Think to yourself, “Is this something I’d wear next year?”
“Is this something I’d wear if I DIDN’T see it in the discover tab of my Instagram on a social media model?”
If the answer is no, don’t buy it.
5. Make it YOUR style.
What styles have you always loved? No matter what was trendy or fashionable at the time.
I can name a few for myself.
Sundresses. Over-sized sweaters. Ripped jeans. Band tees. Flannels. High-heels. Skater-skirts. Rose gold jewelry. Converse sneakers. Baseball caps.
I’ll wear them year after year without shame. Because it’s me, and regardless of what’s trendy at THAT moment, that’s the best expression of who I am.
What’s on your list?
Whatever it is, own IT. Own those pieces of yourself and your personal fashion.
THAT is how you create a style that stands the test of time, because it’s all you.
And you, are timeless.