Growing up obsessed with fashion, it was considered the biggest faux pas to outfit repeat. Wearing socks and sandals? No problem! Want to wear too many accessories? Go for it! But if you even considered wearing the same outfit twice you risked being shamed by the industry.
Whilst the idea of fashion ‘rules’ has generally improved and personal style has been embraced, it seems we have been conditioned to think otherwise when it comes to outfit repeating.
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According to research by environmental charity Hubbub, 41% of all 18-25-year-olds feel pressure to wear a different outfit every time they go out – rising to 47% for young women.
Social media hasn’t helped. We are endlessly inundated with influencers and celebrities wearing new outfits to every new event. Then there are the popular TV characters in Sex and the City and Emily in Paris who are rarely ever in the same outfit. It’s no surprise that we feel we have to do the same. After all, if famous figures such as Kate Middleton and Michelle Obama are openly criticised for outfit repeating, then where is the hope for the rest of us?
There is nothing wrong with wanting to buy new clothes, but ultimately, the notion to have an infinite stream of new clothing in order to look and feel attractive is not only unattainable, it is toxic. We need to unlearn this behaviour that is leading to overconsumption and exacerbating the issues with fast fashion. As long as we continue to fuel the demand for an insane amount of clothes, retailers will continue to supply.
Dressing sustainably and being financially smart when it comes to shopping should never be considered a faux pas. So, can we please start to normalise and actively encourage outfit repeating?