Edit via ecowarriorprincess.net
Since when has repeating your favorite clothes or outfits been a crime?
While we may not know exactly when this stigma started, most of us have definitely had moments when we’ve felt conscious about wearing the same clothes too many times. With the rise of social media and OOTDs back in 2010, it was almost inevitable that people would pay more attention to how they dressed themselves. As much as we love our go-to fits, it’s highly unlikely that we would upload future posts featuring the same one. However, it’s not only online where outfit repeating can be frowned upon.
Repeating clothes, especially full outfits, has been perceived negatively, even before the emergence of social media. While these platforms may have given more opportunities for others to know when you’ve repeated an outfit, the stigma around repeating clothes can be seen even in some of the most iconic movies and beloved television shows. An iconic line that expresses disapproval of outfit repetition comes from The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003). As we know, movies and shows that have a special place in our hearts may sometimes influence our own perspective of the world.
Image via Pinterest
The message that “new equals better” has been prominent when it comes to an individual’s style. There’s a certain status that comes with being able to show off new outfits in different situations. Wearing the trending styles have especially become more accessible and affordable with fast fashion.
However, I’m sure that several of us are aware of how this greatly contributes to textile waste. Preview Magazine has published an article that does a fantastic job of breaking down what exactly falls under slow and fast fashion. The article also goes through practical ways in which we can help combat fast fashion’s waste problem.
Here in R2R, we value being intentional in everything, even the way we dress. In fact, our designers and artisans have been very intentional in the way they create our products. The design of our bags are not only aesthetically pleasing in form, but functional! Several advocates have expressed that getting the Jacinda Carry Everything was like getting multiple bags in one purchase.
The Better Basics Capsule Collection, from our aptly named On Repeat clothing line, was created to look great with your existing wardrobe, making its pieces something that can be worn on repeat. We don’t only want to dismantle the existing stigma, but we also want to encourage our advocates to join us in normalizing repeating clothes.
The Relaxed Wrap Dress in Marmalade from the Better Basics collection
The capsule wardrobe is one thing you can consider to help in normalizing repeating clothes. A capsule wardrobe consists of a set number of clothes that you can mix and match with each other to create an outfit for any situation. People who practice this have said that it has saved them time and money. Some guides we recommend to help you start your own capsule wardrobe are from Classy Yet Trendy and Pinch of Yum.
Another way you can help is by learning the basics of sewing. Not only do you get to pick up or develop a skill, but you also get to maximize your favorite pieces! YouTube has an abundance of video resources that can help you learn the basic stitches to mend or even revamp your old clothes. We also suggest checking out SEWING.COM's article for sewing beginners.
Something as simple as switching from #OOTD to #OOOTD (Old Outfit of the Day) is one more way you can help. Another notable Instagram hashtag that you can join in on is #OutfitRepeater. Social media often plays a role in people’s perception of life and themselves. While it may seem like a small step to just post about an outfit that you’ve already worn in the past, participating in these hashtags definitely contributes to normalizing outfit repetition. The more we see it on our feeds, the more we wouldn’t think twice about someone repeating their favorite fit.
There are many more ways you can help normalize repeating clothes, but we hope that this post has encouraged you to worry less about wearing your favorite clothing article or fit. Appreciating what you already own and showing it some love by wearing it again or posting about it is not a sin. Lizzie McGuire may have been accused of being an outfit repeater, but don’t be called out by her response—we wouldn’t want to be an outfit rememberer!
Image via brightly.eco
Written by Ysabel Ching
