How We’re Curating Our Wardrobes for the Long Haul
As we step into 2024, The DOM encourages everyone to make a valuable resolution to spend less and wear more.
In a world where trends come and go at lightning speed, the allure of constant shopping hauls can be tempting. Yet, as we've all experienced, the excitement of a new purchase often fades as quickly as the trend itself. What remains is a closet cluttered with items that see little wear before being cast aside and left to waste.
The solution? A shift towards investing in quality over quantity and prioritising timeless pieces that stand the test of time. At the heart of this lies the concept of curating a wardrobe filled with pieces that transcend seasons and trends. Think of the classic trench coat that never goes out of style, the perfectly tailored blazer that exudes sophistication, or the timeless little black dress that effortlessly transitions from day to night.
By choosing pieces designed for The Long Haul, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also cultivate a sense of personal style that is truly timeless. After all, true style isn't about following every trend, but rather about curating a collection of pieces that reflect who we are and make us feel confident and empowered.
We chatted with The DOM partner and personal stylist Jamie-Lee Burns as she shared her advice from the lens of a style expert.
How do rapid fashion trend cycles impact consumer behaviour and contribute to over-consumption?
“We’ve been seeing so many micro-trends play out across social media, the cycles of while seem to be getting shorter and shorter. This plays into our natural desire and instinct to be a part of something. Essentially, as a collective, we don’t want to miss out, driving empty purchases of items that might be worn once or twice before being discarded at the back of our wardrobe. The throwaway prices of fast fashion items fuel this, as the “risk” feels low.”
With such a huge industry in new arrivals and collections, is there a way to combat the demand of fast-paced trends?
“Taking a moment to pause is the single best thing you can do for your wardrobe. This gives you time to consider whether you really love the piece, and if you’re still thinking about it days, weeks or even months later, it’sprobably going to be an item that’ll endure in your wardrobe. A great litmus test for any new purchase is to see if you can put together at least 3-5 outfits using items you already own.”
In what ways can individuals embrace a "less is more" mindset when it comes to their wardrobe without sacrificing style?
“Ironicallyit’s when you have less that you take bigger style risks and play around with your clothing more, because you’re not relying on something new to make your outfit feel fresh or reinvigorated.
Challenging yourself to style an older item in your closet in ways you haven’t done so before, or just spending 20 minutes playing around with your wardrobe can easily unlock new outfit combinations.”
“Also don’t underestimate the power of accessories. An outfit can be transformed simple by switching up your shoes, bag, jewellery, and changing how you’ve styled your hair.”
What factors do you consider before making a purchase to ensure it aligns with your values and supports sustainable practices in the fashion industry?
“I can be a bit of a sucker for nuance, but I find asking yourself, do I have something that serves this purpose in my wardrobe is a good starting point. Followed by, whether it’s in alignment with my personal style, wardrobe colour palette, and lifestyle. And of course, whether it meets my criteria for quality craftsmanship, fabrication, and ethics. The intersection of all those points is generally the hallmark of a good wardrobe purchase, and ends up being something that will be worn on repeat.”
At The DOM, we cherish the brands that are the perfect go-to when it comes to shopping for The Long Haul. Jac + Jack, St. Agni, Kowtow and Lee Mathews are just a few of our favourites as you’ll find a great range of quality pieces that will fit right into your capsule wardrobe.
