One of the ideas from the sustainable fashion movement is to buy fewer but higher quality items. The theory is this would, among other things, reduce the amount of throw-away clothes clogging our landfills and allow us to spend our clothing budget on fewer higher-priced, long-lasting, ecologically friendly apparel.
This approach appeals to our logic but tends to fly in the face of the traditional concept of fashion. We enjoy the constant change fashion gives us and revel in the excitement of something new. Let’s face it, fashion is frequently fun.
Fashion allows us to create an identity, to craft an image of who we are and who we aspire to be. However, we are starting to realize that fashion has significant, negative environmental consequences. It turns out that the Buy-Use-Throwaway model is not environmentally sustainable.
But don’t fret, there is a way to enjoy fashion without overloading our landfills with throwaway clothing. I call it the “Core Look” approach and it’s not really radically new but more of a revival of some basic concepts that have been around for a long time.
I define the “Core Look” as a carefully selected, small number of basic garments. These basic garments define your core look. And your core look is what makes you instantly recognizable. Use the basic garments to craft your persona. They should:
- Be a style that works for you.
- Made with quality materials and constructed to last a long time.
- Meet the primary prerequisite for looking good – they must fit well.
Compliment your core look with a collection of fine fashion accessories. They’ll give you versatility and allow you to reuse your basic garments and adapt them to any occasion.
A frequently updated collection of accessories will keep your image fresh and vibrant. Silk shawls, wraps, and scarves make every woman look as if they had just stepped off a film set.
For men, my personal favorite is neckwear. Ascots and neckerchiefs turn the most casual outfit into a larger than life look.
Creating a core look and complimenting it with a collection of accessories will keep you fashionable and also give you a lasting personal style. It will be good for the planet.
© 2019 David Biagini All rights reserved
