This isn’t a regular Style File Friday; next week I will be back with some of my tried-and-true accessories. However, I pushed that post because of what I’ve been seeing across social media. We are all aware of the state of the planet, and the role that fast fashion plays in it. It is 2019, and we have known this for years. But every single day, there are more and more people buying more clothes day in and day out. Why do we keep buying clothes, and why won’t we change?
I have been putting a concentrated effort into paying attention to what I see on social media recently. Are they trying to sell me something? Is every second post tagged #ad or #gifted or #sponsored? And are they getting something for it? Even if the answer is yes, I may still enjoy that content. However, it does make me think twice.
Influencing?
I don’t consider myself an influencer. I have absolutely no issue with influencers- I think that they can provide valuable services for both their audience and brands. I can’t always successfully put myself in their shoes though. I understand the concept that if you are a style or fashion blogger who does affiliate linking, you need to keep buying new products in order to generate more links and collect more commission. However, I find myself asking: do they not realise that they are influencing people to buy more clothing? To put in overflowing wardrobes, stuffed with clothing they don’t wear? What are all of the effects of their influence, and do they care?
Hiding Behind a Budget?
I do not have a particularly large clothing budget. I budget carefully, I plan seasons ahead, and I try to be as thoughtful as I can with purchases. I have a long way to go in my own buying habits, but I’m doing everything within my power to cut down on fast fashion. I’m repairing clothing to extend its life. And I try to mix up my outfits on a weekly basis to find new and creative combos to wear. However, at what point does your budget stop mattering? I follow some bloggers who buy five to seven $20 pieces a week. At that point, it isn’t about you being on a budget ($140 isn’t a small amount of money). When do we decide that it isn’t about getting 5 new pieces a week? When do we stop mindless consumption of cheap jumpsuits and tank tops and sneakers? To quote my favourite fashion podcast, Pop Fashion Podcast, “do the best with what you have”. But if so many of us are continuing to buy those dirt cheap pieces when we don’t need to, is there anywhere to go from here?
What is their Goal?
My only question is this: what is your goal? Is it just to rack up affiliate commissions? If it is, that is absolutely fine but I don’t know that you are a good fit for me. Is it to spur on your own sense of fashion? If so, perhaps a wardrobe consultant can help use what you already have. I do realise that there may just be too great of a gap between where these people are at and where I am at, and maybe one day we will meet at the middle. But right now, I’m not understand what their goal other than making commission that would lead to rapid consumption in this day and age.
Slow Fashion- Who to Follow?
There are a few people I follow on Instagram who are really committed to slow fashion. While I can’t say I’ve gotten to where they are, they’ve really inspired me to do what I can. My absolute favourite right now is @hundreddayholly – she does the best job at showing all of the different ways you can restyle the clothing that you already own. She is also honest, which I really appreciate- if she does stop and buy something, she will say that. We all need to be realistic about our consumption, and we aren’t all going to be zero-buy for our entire lives! But you can be more thoughtful and purposeful about what you are buying and how many things you are buying. No-buy months, secondhand shopping, and re-purposing are all things we need to consider before ordering a shirt from Amazon or a sweater from H&M!
So, why do we keep buying clothing? And what can we do about it?
Cheers,
The Historian
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