For many fashion enthusiasts their closet is the heart of their interests and the physical representation of self expression. However, not every piece of clothing that resides on a hanger carries that same energy. Those several impulse buys from a few years ago, or that shopping haul to try to step into a new “core” are now regretfully neglected, and now a few questions may have crossed your mind. How did my closet end up like this? What can I do to actually have clothes that I like and wear consistently? These questions can be answered, but it is best to address the phenomenon at hand.

The fashion cycle that we participate in runs on a very strong system reliant on trends spawning from a rapid trickle-down effect. Luxury and independent designers initiate design which eventually reaches the everyday consumer through online and department stores. However, the stores that reach the general masses try to replicate these designs at an alarming rate. This set of circumstances causes consumers to engage with a trend and ultimately drop within the short span of a few months or even weeks. Ultimately, the lack of moderation creates an unfulfilling fashion experience with wasted dollars and materials. 

Trying to curb this poor habit in fashion may seem troublesome, but there are a lot of avenues to approach it. Specifically, if you are trying to personalize this experience it is  best to try and understand one’s personal style. Rather than letting social media outlets dictate what's in taste you utilize what you already have. Items that you find yourself  constantly wearing throughout the years will allow you to create a strong foundation on what works for you and doesn't fit into your everyday life. 

The ability to branch out once you have established your essentials is a great tool of the trade. Shopping second hand through websites and in person that encourage pier-to-pier transactions. Digital services such as Depop, Ebay, Poshmark, and Grailed encourage people to be specific and intentional about their shopping habits. Navigating these sights can be daunting, but utilizing keywords and filtering can get you extremely far. Attending in person events such as flea markets or swap/trade meets encourage bargaining and developing consistent relationships with various vendors.

Overall, these pathways when building a closet force you to be more thoughtful in regards to what you are trying to buy and what will mesh with your existing closet. Furthermore, this aids in material waste as clothes do not end up on the wayside. Selling or donating what you do not need prolongs the life of a piece of clothing and has the potential to reinvigorate someone else’s closet. Hopefully, with these avenues your closet can feel a lot less cluttered and much more fulfilling as you don’t have to adhere to the breakneck speeds of the current fashion trend cycle.

Photography: Sebastien Pierre

Edited by: Sydney Waldrop