In an era where one trend is rapidly overtaken by the next, has the consumer had enough of consuming? Thus, welcome the latest profitable trend: versatility. Brands are releasing reusable, rewearable, and re-stylable items: Damson Madder with reversible ‘multi-wear trench coats’ with detachable collars, and Susmies with their infamous reversible halterneck top. Are we really reducing our consumption, or are we instead being sold piety at a price of £50 plus shipping?
Of course, the notorious cost of living forces us to be more mindful with how we spend our money, and what on. Instead of just buying more, it seems we are buying better. Two tops for the price of one seems like a good deal, right? We are given more jurisdiction in our own wardrobe by styling the same item in unique ways — a creative license that, in an age where social media homogenises personal style, everyone craves.
But is the supposed versatility of these multiway clothes just enabling brands to charge even more? Yes, you can tell yourself the cost per wear may be lower, but would you really wear it as you intended, once the novelty runs out? Perhaps you decide you only like the one side of your two-way top, despite convincing yourself a £50 top is actually only £25. No amount of buying tops you can wear inside out, back to front, or upside down can disguise overconsumption in a pretty double sided print.
So, I encourage you to have a look through what you already own. A bit of innovation and a Pinterest scroll can go a long way. My personal favourite way of styling clothes is layering, this can be done by layering mini dresses, wearing midi skirts as tops, or putting skirts over jeans.That white mini dress you’ve coined as ‘summery’ could be perfect for an Edinburgh winter over jeans, paired with a warm knit, trench-coat, statement bag, and loafers. Seeing the same item in a new light doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. A recent trend I’m certainly buying into —conceptually, at least — involves tying a sweater or long sleeve around your waist as a colour statement ‘belt.’ A trend dominating the streets during Copenhagen Fashion Week this season was breaking up an all-black outfit with a bold red jumper, which instantly adds more dimension, visual interest, and individuality.
By reimagining and reworking pieces you already own, a new wardrobe can be unlocked without spending a penny. That t-shirt you bought three years ago that’s a little bit too low cut for your liking — turn it around! Now you have a sleek backless top, perfect for a night out. Ever thought about doing the same to a cardigan around and wearing it backwards? Even simple things such as your dad’s plaid or striped button down can be renewed simply by switching which buttons you leave open: try the top or middle three. Or instead, use the sleeves to tie the same shirt around your chest as a bandeau — that in itself is four ways to style one of the shirts you already own. The opportunities really are endless, albeit with a bit of time and imagination!
Photo by Burgess Milner on Unsplash
