By Dan Nyguen, Guest Columnist
Editor’s Note: The Gettysburgian hosts guest columnists from the Fashion Initiative organization at Gettysburg College. The opinions published in this section are those of the individual writers and are in no way representative of the views of The Gettysburgian staff, The Gettysburgian or Gettysburg College.
A well-curated wardrobe is essential for several reasons. It is important for personal expression, it speaks to who you are, becomes a reflection of your identity and portrays the way that you want to be perceived. Wearing well-fitted, stylish pieces that align with your taste can significantly boost your confidence. With a curated collection of versatile, coordinated and timeless pieces, you can also easily mix and match for any occasion. I have found that trends are also an important part of fashion, so a balance between trends and timeless pieces is ideal.
First, you must understand your style. Many people seek out fashion inspirations when beginning their style journey. Whose styles do you like? What aesthetic do you want to mirror? You can look for inspiration anywhere on the internet, in books or magazines. The easiest, most accessible way you can do this is through Instagram or Pinterest. Some of my favorite Instagram pages to look for inspiration are listed below:
- @fitsonpoint__
- @leaguefits
- @wearpanki
- @modeblogg
- @styleidealist
- @timdessaint
- @attiresaint
Of course, there are so many more fashion influencers and pages out there that you can look into depending on your style and preferences. Body shape and size are also important factors in choosing your clothing items. Some pieces and styles may appeal to you more than others. Understanding your proportions and focusing on clothing that suits you is important. For example, if you are on the shorter end, you might opt for items that showcase more length on the leg (e.g. wearing boxy tops).
Building a strong foundation for your wardrobe with versatile basics is necessary; if you focus on high-quality, timeless pieces, you can be sure they will withstand the test of time, meaning less frequent replacements and higher cost efficiency. Such pieces include:
- A pair of well-fitted, straight denim jeans
- Plain neutral color T-shirts
- A pair of white sneakers
- Timeless formal wear (suits or dresses)
- An overcoat
- Sunglasses
- A scarf
- Sweaters
These pieces were worn 50 years ago and maintained their relevance. They are adaptable, existing as foundational pieces of many trends and maintaining compatibility with most said pieces. By maintaining fashionable basics, you reduce the impact fashion has on the environment by not buying new articles of clothing every trend cycle.
Incorporating trends into our wardrobe adds a dynamic and contemporary flair to our style. It allows for creative self-expression and the maintenance of cultural relevance. This is one way people can infuse their wardrobe with freshness and excitement; this approach encourages flexibility and adaptability in our fashion practices, enabling us to experiment with diverse styles, colors and patterns that reflect the spirit of the moment.
After you get the basics down, it is time for trial and error. There is no shame in stepping out of your comfort zone to try something new and failing the first few times. I have had periods of confusion about my style and a fair share of miserable outfits, and I have found that it is a natural part of the journey to discover your style, whether that be determining body shape, flattering fits, and/or adapting to your changing tastes.
It is also vital to practice sustainable and ethical fashion. We should all aim to minimize the environmental impact of fashion by, for example, reducing our dependence on fast fashion, thrifting, and buying clothes made from recycled materials. We should also support brands that have fair labor practices, as the commitment would help combat exploitative working conditions and human rights violations prevalent in some parts of the fashion industry.
In conclusion, crafting a well-curated wardrobe involves understanding personal style, prioritizing timeless pieces, and embracing trends in moderation. Building on versatile basics ensures longevity and reduces environmental impact. Through trial and error, one discovers individual preferences and adapts to changing tastes.
