As a tired fashion student always in a rush.
I am a serial outfit repeater, as many non-influencers/non-celebrities/normal people are, and despite buying clothes more often than I would like, I am always reaching for the same few things.
This is not a new theme on my page, I have written multiple pieces about my day to day fashion, and all of them have the same reoccurring themes of struggling to find outfits that I love consistently.
I have ADHD and I struggle with executive dysfunction, especially when it comes to choosing outfits before leaving. Additionally to this, I crave comfort when it comes to clothes. I love outfits that feel comfortable and casual, with elements that elevate them for certain events. I am also quite tall for a woman, and at around 5’9 it’s hard to find clothes that I feel are flattering that don’t graze my ankles or wrists. However, when I do find those few pieces that I love, I wear them to death. And those current pieces are baggy, baggier, and stripes – exhibit A: see above.
Now, I don’t like buying fast fashion. I prefer to invest in better quality items from slow fashion brands, or second hand from vinted and charity shops. However, I am also of the belief that if you do buy things from fast fashion companies, they should be things you will wear to death. I have been wanting a pair of Iets Frans joggers since I was 18 and working in Urban Outifitters. I spent ages trying to find a pair from a slow fashion brand that I liked as much as I like the Iets Frans style, and I had no luck. So I caved and I bought some Iets Frans joggers, and I have not taken them off since they arrived. This is something I know I will wear until they fall apart, and that is more sustainable than shopping continuously and creating more waste. The same goes for the blue zip up, I have had this piece for around 4 months now and I wear it probably 3 times a week, some weeks more.
One item of clothing that got neglected in the back of my wardrobe is this red jumper. However, recently it has been in my outfit rotation. I got this from a charity shop in my first year of uni and it’s such a cosy jumper, and is the perfect level of oversized. This paired with jeans, a denim skirt, or my joggers has been bringing me joy and comfort.
The above outfit is one I have been LOVING recently. Now, I don’t claim or think that I’m doing anything revolutionary with my clothes, I’m not pioneering personal style or creating new and interesting outfits. I just wear comfortable, casual but still reasonably put together everyday outfits. And I personably prefer having more of a uniform when it comes to my clothes and outfit formulas. So to the point, my trusty-£5-charity-shop-grey-jeans, some fun socks, a stripy top (again charity shop) a baggy jumper or cardi where the stripes are still visible, and my trench coat.
In this age of complete overconsumption, there seems to be such a stigma against being seen as an outfit repeater. However, something I have been trying to become more comfortable with is the idea of wearing my clothes even if I see something online that is “better” or “more desirable”. I have good clothes, and the way to curate my own style, which is much better than just being trendy, is by wearing them. And that is exactly what I’m doing.
Another tried and tested item: my Arodazi jeans. I have been trying to style these in everyday ways, and I’ve been loving pairing them with an off the shoulder baggy tee. I feel the silhouettes complement one another, and this Elton John top is a good level of cropped for the low waist trouser. The only problem I have with these trousers is I find the elastic to be a bit tight on my calves, so they aren’t exactly my go to despite still getting frequent wear.
I feel it’s important to note at this stage that I suffer with CFS/ME, which I have been waiting for a formal diagnosis of for 5 years. I am currently experiencing frequent crashes, and I rarely have the energy to expend creating new and exciting outfit ideas. It is much more important for me to choose things that are comfortable, and won’t irritate a body that is aching further. Fashion and clothes should always be made to fit and suit the wearer, not the other way around. There is no shame in wearing something that seems “boring” or “basic” if a) you like it b) it is comfortable c) it’s something you will wear frequently.
Final thoughts ~
I had a conversation with a friend about this blog post, and they made some really insightful comments I feel are apt and necessary to add. I was saying about how my fashion has noticeably changed and become much less adventurous, and much more centred around comfort- choosing clothes that I know won’t aggravate an already sore body. The response I got was that this was still such a valid form of fashion, and that clothes are for all forms of expression and people can choose to adopt them in a personal way. Some people choose to stick to gender norms in clothes, some people don’t etc. Now of course, this is a very paraphrased and brief version but I felt very seen by the validation of this conversation. I have been feeling shame around my clothing choices, labelling them as boring or basic, but I choose to prioritise my health while still finding enjoyment in clothes. And in the words of my friends, that is a valid form of fashion.
This one took a bit of a different turn than I initially planned, however it felt natural and authentic to speak more from the heart. Thank you for reading! 🩵
Wardrobe Diaries 