In a world obsessed with individualism, it’s not enough to simply copy + paste outfits anymore. But whether you’re unearthing hidden resale gems or indulging in fast fashion to craft a look—you’re doing the same thing. You’re shopping.
Secondhand is undoubtedly better for the planet, and like, human rights in general. But is that really why most people do it? Or is it just a nice benefit? I’d love to say I thrift primarily for ethical reasons, but let’s be real. It’s the hunt that drives me.
It’s about the dopamine rush of spending saving money on high-quality, pretty things. It’s a means to an end. A justification. I’ll admit, I like the superiority of feeling different, too. Who doesn’t?
But how different am I if thousands of strangers are hunting and putting together outfits in the same way I do? Can I still claim to be not like other girls if my similar tastes are a coincidence of the collective unconscious rather than a deliberate act of groupthink?
For some, it seems the hunt is driven by a need to curate and mix items in a way that feels entirely their own. But even then? You’re still shopping, beloved!
And while I will be co-opting the phrase ‘discovering my own personal style’ next time I’m 15 pages deep on eBay and my husband asks what I’m doing—I think if we let ourselves be defined by being different, we’ll end up doing exactly what we set out to avoid. Rigidly dressing under some kind of self-imposed label, and worse, feeling like a fashion fraud once we realize our style isn’t completely our own.
As Rae Sremmurd said in his letter to the Corinthians, “I ain’t got no type.” To me, that’s what style should be about. And maybe that’s my problem. I like lots of different colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and aesthetics. I enjoy playing around with what I own to find fun new combinations—when I don’t have the looming pressure of somewhere to be, at least.
But everyday dressing hard. And honestly, I don’t want to stand in front of the mirror for hours each morning experimenting. (I get overstimulated, sue me.)
I also don’t want to slip into the habit of mindless dressing all the time.
I want the intuition to dress playfully—but more importantly, effortlessly.
I can only think of a few outfits I’ve worn over the last year that have transcended naturally in a way that feels familiar, but not redundant. Sexy, but comfortable rather than on display. Timely, but not overly trendy. That’s what I’m after. What I’ve been wearing, on the other hand, is the same old pieces, in the same old way.
Playing dress-up and really being with your stuff for a few hours can help you rediscover neglected pieces and curb the urge to shop for awhile.
No buys are also great for the short-term. It works if you work it, I guess!
Studying proportion is probably the best way to understand why some outfits just don’t look good and improve it with smart investments. (Don’t ask me though, I’m not good at math.)
Outfit tracking will help you purge, but also identify gaps.
Capsule wardrobes? Maybe, if you're disciplined (or boring tbh). But even that requires shopping.
So, what’s the solution? An existential wardrobe reckoning? I’ll save that for next season. For now, God has granted me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change: that I was born to shop. And that’s okay! More importantly, Gaga has given me the courage to reference OR not reference. Which brings me to recent resale finds that are inspired by my favorite Fall 25 themes (so far).
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.