I’m impressed that I managed a whole three weeks before mentioned resolutions! New year’s resolutions aren’t my bag but I know most people are. I’m hoping that the growing conversation around sustainability has encouraged more people to adopt ethical consumerism, whether it’s a resolution or not. At this time of year, with the sales in full swing, I wanted to write about the five classic wardrobe essentials pieces you need.
Once upon a time, I used to be a ferocious sale shopper. There’s nothing like the lure of a hefty discount to make your heart beat a little faster. But with the benefit of hindsight, I know that I was doing sale shopping all wrong. I picked up cheap trend pieces from high street shops for a fraction of their five retail price. While this gave me a little rush of joy, it was the definition of cheap thrills. Lured by rock bottom prices, I bought way more than I needed and I only wore my sale steals for a few seasons before giving them to a charity shop.
Over the years, I’ve learnt that the smartest way to shop the sales is to invest in your wardrobe. Buy better quality and pieces you’re likely to cherish forever, for cheaper. This part of a movement called conscious consumerism, changing your mindset to fashion to become more aware of your shopping habits and the impact they have on the environment. By buying better, you extend the lifecycle of your clothing which means less wastage and also you’re driving less demand for fast fashion retailers.
While the fashion industry is slowly improving and adopting more sustainable practices, this isn’t due to the goodness of their heart. It’s down to consumer power, falling sales and customers demanding better. Demand for ethical brands such as Everlane or Reformation and shopping for vintage pieces are increasing, which is making luxury brands and high street retailers alike pay attention. Believe in the power of your choice, it makes a difference.
I’ve found some incredible bargains which I’ve cherished for years since I started to become more aware of my shopping habits. The £900 suede jeans by Hudson which I picked up for £90, the navy cashmere jumper by Rag & Bone which was about £50, this leopard print Ganni dress which was £50. I couldn’t name ONE thing I binge bought in the sales from a high street retailer. All of these pieces were instant classic wardrobe essentials which became pillars of my personal style.
Five classic wardrobe essentials you need in your wardrobe :
- The perfect white tee
I am extremely fussy with t-shirts. I always feel the fabric, it needs to feel good against my skin and hang well. Stiff cottons don’t do it for me. I really rate Alexander Wang and Everlane but my favourite t-shirt is actually from Monki! - Skinny jeans
I used to swear by my trusty Topshop skinny jeans, even my ex-boss, who was a fashion editor, used to rate Topshop denim. However, I found that they faded within a year and that doesn’t feel very sustainable as it takes a lot of water to produce denim. I bought a pair by Frame in this season’s sales and they are life-changing. The denim is beautiful and they’ve transformed my ass. So far, no hint of fading either. - Black heels
I can promise you, investing in a good pair of black heels will pay off. I’ve never worn an outfit which looks bad with a black heel. I have several pairs, my favourites are a killer pair of Gianvito Rossi heels which I also picked up in the sale. I’d argue that a black heel is more versatile than a flat shoe which is why they make my cut of the five classic wardrobe essentials. - Leopard print dress
Ok hear me out, leopard print is a classic! It looks more interesting than a black dress and adds some sass into your wardrobe but also goes with anything. I picked this Ganni dress up for £50 and I’ve worn it with sneakers, heels, boots, everything. I’ve worn it for work and then for drinks afterwards. It’s one of the hardest working pieces in my wardrobe! - Camel coat
And last on my list of five classic wardrobe essentials is the camel coat. There is nothing on this Earth chicer. A few years ago I invested in a Max Mara camel cat with a 50% discount. It’s both my most expensive and best value purchases. I will own it forever and I can wear it with everything. I wear it from Autumn through to Spring. It works over everything from a date dress to joggers when I’m running to the shops.
There you go, the five classic wardrobe essentials I advise investing in this sale season.
Dress by Ganni (past season) | Heels by Topshop (past season)
Photography by Kylie Eyra.
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