The Forever Wardrobe | Explained
It started many moons ago, when I was watching (as I often do) a fashion Youtube video with Alexa Chung. She had on this amazing brown plaid blazer and matching flared trousers and the moment she came into frame with her messy hair, red lip and inherent cool-girl britishness, I decided I needed this suit. From there, a note on my phone was born with the title “The Forever Wardrobe”. My thinking was as such; I’ll make a list of clothes that I want to eventually own that all work towards the goal of having the perfect wardrobe to serve me… forever. Obviously my style will shift and sizing won’t always work, but the concept is sound! Why should I pay for something I’m not going to love for years and years? Why would I buy something that I haven’t been looking for, or pining after? I love an exciting impulse purchase as much as the next blogger, but I’ll leave my impulses for those instances in second hand shops when you find a vintage yellow Chanel cropped jumper that you never knew you’d fall in love with. Those moments are amazing, and perfectly suited to thrifting. Buying new, on the other hand, comes along with so much more environmental and social impact, and not to mention (usually) a higher price tag. My point is; By creating this ongoing list of things to keep my eyes peeled for, there’s a constant thrill in scrolling through Vestiaire Collective or exploring a new local boutique. You may just spot something that you’ve wanted for ages and if it’s the right fit and price range, you can finally tick it off that list! Can you tell I’m a notorious list freak? Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, is more satisfying than crossing something off a to-do list. You’ll never make a to-do list quite so special as this one, and I call it “The Forever Wardrobe”.
This week was Fashion Revolution week as well as Earth day. Even more than the average day, I took some time to consider my environmental impact on our home as well as how much I adore this community of fashion lovers committed to doing good. Notice how I didn’t say “sustainable fashion”, because I don’t think ethical fashion should be specified by name. All fashion should be ethical; and that’s the that on that. Considering this week’s dedication to making good fashion, I knew the time had come to explain to you in detail how The Forever Wardrobe mindset has changed my consumption habits and is, in my opinion, the best pathway to endless style, completely guilt free.
The essence of The Forever Wardrobe goes against the overconsumption enabled and perpetuated by fast fashion and the current state of the industry. Luxury isn’t innocent either. I have to practice patience in shopping this way, in order to find the pieces that are truly what I’m after. Everything I’m wearing in these photos was once on the list. A pair of white, wide leg denim-esc trousers remained top of mind for me for quite a few months. A pair came my way on a shopping trip to Vancouver back in 2019. During my search for just the right high-tops, I almost gave in to Converse before discovering the insane coolness of Veja trainers. I had gone as far as ordering some Converse, thank goodness they didn’t fit! A vintage pearl necklace was a search I fell in and out of after gagging on a Dior pearl chocker on Vestiaire. When I found this necklace in my Nana’s jewelry box I knew my search was over. There’s power in your belongings having a story, even better if that story predates the moment you bought it. Sometimes things stay on the list for years, and sometimes I get lucky and check an item off after a few weeks. It’s not uncommon for me to decide I no longer want to continue looking for an item after a while, which is another beauty of this system. It allows you to sit with the idea of owning, say, a pair of leather trousers, for some time. After marinating on the thought I often come to the conclusion that I don’t actually need or want that particular piece anymore: no money wasted. Though I am still on the hunt for the perfect pair of leather trousers…
For those of you who would also fall into fits of pleasure over a list within a blog post, essentially dedicated to a list, here you go: These are my actionable tips for curating The Forever Wardrobe
Keep a look out for what brings you joy, makes you squeal, pushes all your buttons, etc.
Start putting such items on your Forever Wardrobe list, making a mental note to keep your eye out (rather than going straight to ASOS).
Go looking on vintage sites, in local clothings stores, and the many many amazing sites of brands that are ethical and transparent.
When you find the dream, do a wear test. How many outfits can you instantly imagine? What will the cost per wear be for this garment? If it’s not perfect, DON’T BUY IT. The right one will come along.
Consider the item’s end-of-life. Will it have resale value? Does the brand offer a recycling program? Can you tie dye it, make it into something new, or rip it up to clean you house?
Create an intimate relationship with your clothes through cleaning them properly, mending them, having them tailored to fit you perfectly, and celebrating the amazing story of how you two found each other.
Happy Earth Day and Fashion Revolution Week! Please let me know on social, and in the comments below how YOU plan to curate your Forever Wardrobe. Join me, be a nerd, make the list, and reap the long drawn out benefits.
Thanks for reading.
Em
