The Drill

We know the drill; what goes around comes back around. Fashion is like that. To illustrate my point, I’ll be adding parenthesis of the decade the “fad” was also present.

I’m talking about the return of cargos, (2K period) sequins, (70’s) and a few other items. 

How many renditions of cargos have we seen? They returned last year.  How many have I worn? The answer is none.  I disliked them in the past and that hasn't changed. If you happen to like them, don’t send me hate mail.  It’s a matter of taste.

For me, the difference today in fashion is where I once might have said no to a bright green silk trouser, I am inclined to try it on, towards adapting a few trends.

However, I limit trends.  Although they are fun, their lifespan is short and I stick to my budget, 2% of my income goes to fashion.  I usually break it up in two seasons, spring/summer and fall/winter. 

I know many women have no idea what they spend.  That’s risky and not smart shopping. 

And some don’t care about fashion at all.  But we all have to cover our bodies with garments, so why not enjoy the process of making a canvas as a medium of communication?

Fashion functions as a mirror of our times, so it’s inherently political whether you like it or not.

Every fast fashion purchase fuels the industry’s unethical and environmentally dangerous practices. They say politics is a dirty business, but fashion is dirtier because problems with sustainability aren’t broadcasted enough. This affects how fashion is perceived, as not enough people know of the impact of these dangerous practices, and the difference their own decisions can make.

And there’s the social injustice that goes into labor. Who makes your clothes, an adult?  A child? An overworked and underpaid dare I say…slave?  I’ll save those questions and examine them more fully in another post 

Back to the trends… camouflage and over-sized I never adapted to and still won’t – even if they are simple and well-cut – I will leave that for the celebrities to sport.

Adapting a trend is what I like most about fashion. They always return but with a twist.  If I choose to wear it, I have to feel good in it without looking ridiculous. This is always a balancing act.

Some things I consider absurd– wearing the naked dress, which is completely sheer, leggings as pants (80’s) wearing a bra as a top (70’s), and wearing your underwear as a bottom.  That’s not fashion.  That’s over- exposure and needing to draw attention to yourself because you’re insecure about standing on your own merits.  And if you haven’t developed yourself then pedestrian values take over, and you’re lost.   

So I won’t be wearing any of the aforementioned trends, or cargos, sequins (I like them but they pinch and hurt the skin) or Mary Janes because they look childish.  As for showing the belly… (40’s) a tad is cool, but not to overdo it or you’re back in the ridiculous camp.

One final thought, you can fight against fast fashion by purchasing vintage and recycled. What's your take on that?