Fashion is about 75% of the media I consume, yet I have found myself in a slump, a rut, a flop, whatever you want to call it for longer than I would like to admit. I recently cut my hours at work to focus on my studies, as my final year begins. This then means my shopping and spending habits need to be dramatically reduced – as in for the most part, stopped completely. So, without further adieu, come along with me as I re-imagine my current wardrobe hoping to alleviate the slump I am in, both stylistically and mentally.
I recently moved into my final year uni house, each year facing the challenge of which clothes to leave at home and which to bring. This usually results in my packing an obscene amount of bags, leaving a handful of clothes at home. And you’d think that I’d never feel stuck with the amount of shoes, tops, bags, and coats I am extremely privileged to own. You’d be wrong.
As a Fashion Buying and Merchandising student, I have found that through my studies, the joy that once came from picking a good outfit, styling it, and wearing it regardless of the occasion has dulled. The pressure of writing reports, building mock ranges, and spending hours with my nose in multiple WGSN forecasts takes its toll on my love for fashion, so my aim at the moment is to bring a sense of play back into my day-to-day outfits. Currently, I seem to be leaning towards comfort, much more likely to grab jogging bottoms over my trusty go-to jeans. Then in turn, don’t feel as confident when I leave the house. So, I thought about the silhouettes and styles I am enjoying at the moment, and considered how I could combine the comfort I am craving, with clothes that make me feel good.
The first purchase that supported this was my Lonsdale cropped jogging bottoms, which I found on Vinted for £7. These I absolutely LOVE, they fit perfectly, they are comfy, and the pop of colour on the stripes adds an element of fun. I find they complement my style well, pairing easily with the belly button-cut off tops I frequent. Luckily, the September weather is fairly mild, so I find that with a hoodie or a coat, I am not cold.
The Scarf-as-Belt Experiment
For day 1 of trying to get out of my outfit slump, I wanted to start simple. I’ve recently been seeing people wearing scarfs, lace headbands and other long strips of materials as belts and wanted to try this for myself. And I must say, I was a fan. I found it’s a simple yet effective way to elevate an outfit. I will be wearing this again!
Drinks Night with a Little Help
For day 2, the focus of my outfit was my hair. I am currently growing out my fringe, so pulled it back into two small braids with a messy high bun. For my outfit, I enlisted the help of a friend to style me when I was feeling VERY unsure what to wear for a chill drinks night. We landed on my trusty Arodazi trousers, with a halter neck top from the 90s that I’d forgotten I owned. I paired this with a red cardi, some big hoops, and my current favourite boots. And of course, a big coat and scarf as autumn is upon us.
The Work Uniform Interlude
Since then I have unfortunately been working, and let me tell you, no outfit is elevated by the bright pink badly fitting T-shirt and hoodie I have for work. However, my efforts have not faded, and when university starts, I am to curate a perfect blend of comfortable and yet very – me – outfits.
Back to Uni: Comfy but Thoughtful
For my first official day back at uni, I wanted something comfy with an extra element. I really wanted the lace section on the bottom of my top to be noticeable so I tried two jumpers, with the pink being a better length for the peekaboo effect. So I went with this.
Recent Finds: A Little Nostalgia
Finally, my most recent purchase. This Disney velour hoodie I got from Vinted. Now I am not a Disney adult, but I saw this while browsing for a 90s zip up and couldn’t resist.
Final thoughts
This little project is less about “perfect outfits” and more about reconnecting with why I love fashion in the first place. By re-styling what I already own, leaning into comfort, and experimenting with small details, I’m slowly shaking off the slump. With a new term ahead, my aim is simple: to dress in a way that feels like me, joyful, creative, and real.
Wardrobe Diaries 