Look down at what you’re wearing right now. Yes, at this very moment. How long have you owned each piece that you have on? Perhaps it’s not the case for you, but for a long time that question sadly revealed the sheer quantity of shopping that I did. For many years, it’s been all too easy to buy into that familiar mentality of seeing some pieces as “classics” we keep forever, and others as “trendy” ones that we get, wear once or twice, and get rid of a season later.
I’ll admit that this was how I shopped for a long time. However, as good as the intention may have been, it often really only served as a catalyst and justification for me to consume more. As I’ve been thinking about how to continually pare down my closet and buy less, removing the idea of classics vs. trends has been pretty central. Perhaps it’s really become a matter of not buying into trends at all. While it’s still a struggle at times, asking if I can actually see myself using the item in question for years to come has helped curb a lot of spontaneous spending. This change has also made me desire shopping much less, knowing that I won’t be missing out on anything by not acquiring more.
Anyway, the point of this post, I guess, is that I just wanted to share some thoughts of my changing philosophy on shopping and spending wisely while still valuing being put together. I would love to hear your thoughts on this!
Shirt: Joe Fresh | Coat: YesStyle | Jeans: FRAME Denim | Pumps: Zara | Bag: GiGi New York (c/o, on sale for half off!) | Sunglasses: Celine
Photos by Brian Chan
Beautiful photos, you look great!
~~~Diana~~~
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
Hi Jen, could you please link to the specific jacket on YesStyle? The link you have redirects to the main page only. Thanks!
Hi Annie, this jacket is about four years old so unfortunately it’s no longer available on the site. They might have some similar options though! Here are a couple in similar shapes that I found:
http://bit.ly/16clNvl
http://bit.ly/1z8NEbj
Hope that helps!
This seems to always be a popular topic each new year – paring down, classics, all that stuff. Making more economical choices always seems like a great idea, but what that means in terms of classics vs trends seems to vary a lot from person to person. I know there are some trend items that I’ve bought over the years that have ended up being wardrobe staples!
For me, rather than trying to focus on only buying “classics” in the broader sense, I try to find things that will integrate well into my current wardrobe and match the looks/silhouettes/whatever I’m drawn to. Five or ten years from now I dearly hope I’m not in the exact same style uniform that I wear these days – but minimizing the amount of regretted consumerism along the way would be ideal! It’s always interesting to look into the closet and take stock of which items have received the most wear, and which ones we’ve kept the longest!
Anyway! Your outfit, as always, looks lovely. Out of curiosity, do you have an item of clothing (that you still wear) that’s quite old?
Definitely agree with a lot of what you said, Alison, especially the part about trend items becoming wardrobe staples. All about what works for each person, right?
Many of the pieces in this outfit have been well-loved. The jacket, shoes, and toque are all about 4 years old 🙂
I love that you mention “…seeing myself using the item in question for years to come”.
I think that is a great piece of advice, and one that I need to start asking myself more often.
Great photos by the way!
~Sarah Lynn
It’s been 2 years now since I first started paring down what I have in my closet to the clothes that I love and wear the most. The rest went to clothing dumpster. The feeling is liberating. No more questioning yourself on what to wear all the time. With less pieces you save more time to dress up, and you save time and money for maintenance. And it’s very refreshing to see a simple and organized closet. In regards to classic vs trend, I try not to follow the trend unless it goes with what my personal style is.
I am loving those shoes and that jacket! So chic!
I am quite a shopaholic and have bought way too many clothes over the years, many of which I only wore a few times before giving them away. I still buy a lot of clothes now but I have learnt to focus on buying classic designs and only buy the trendy items for special occasions! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic and love your beautiful camel coat!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
You look so beautiful. I love the pictures and the mood of the location.
x Fiona THEDASHINGRIDER.com
Daniel Wellington Giveaway here
I totally feel you! This minimalistic view of clothing has become something of a theme the past few months, I’m glad that as a society we’re moving towards quality and style and away from fast fashion. Thanks for sharing! I love the look too!
-Kate
Beautiful pictures! Especially love the camel coat! And I am totally with you on the spending…it certainly has helped me cutting down a lot of my impulse purchase after asking myself
“will I still be wearing this a year, and 2 years from now?!”
Closet de Jules
Recent Post: Valentine’s Day Cozy Outfit Idea
Like you, over the two years or so, I feel like I’ve grown up a bit where my shopping habits are concerned. I’ve become more realistic about clothes and money. I need clothes to work in a corporate environment, to have fun with friends and to clean house. I like the idea of minimalism – but I have to be realistic about it. (I play more than one role in life and I need clothes that reflect that.) Moreover, my body is changing as I get older, which means the “classics” that I purchased five years ago no longer fit. (Classics are over-rated.)
My strategy is to figure out what works for me but not to be too dogmatic about it. I experiment and I learn from others (like you) along the way.
That’s a great mindset Elaine, I like how you mentioned that “classics” purchased five years ago no longer fit. Definitely something to consider! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Great post.
I also ask myself if I would wear something for the next few years — if the answer is no, I don’t buy it.
Generally, instead of thinking of classics/trends, I think in terms of neutrals/pops of color, and how well an item will fit into my current closet. If an item won’t fit into at least 2 outfits I’ll wear regularly, then I don’t buy it. (With exceptions for formal-wear or something really, truly exceptional.)
PS I also like what Alison said.