My ‘In’ and ‘Out’ style principles for 2024
2024 has kicked off and if your TikTok feed is anything like mine, you'll have seen the latest 'ins' and 'outs' trend in the run up to the new year. This comprises of reels of videos where people state their new mantras for 2024, focusing on the things they well and truly want to discard from their life in contrast to the lifestyle choices that that are here to stay in advance of the new year.
The good stuff: The In's
Hopping off the trend conveyor belt
Video-sharing app TikTok has manifested itself into a microcosm for this insatiable appetite for consumerism and crucially, the desire to stay ‘relevant.’ There is no worse combination than a) hating the clothes you own and b) not having the funds to overhaul your wardrobe.
This doesn't mean that you shouldn't partake in trends at all (I also hasten to add I think this is somewhat impossible) but simply engage with the small elements of an overarching trend that truly resonates with your personal style. Probably slightly influenced by my years of prancing in ballet tutus as a kid, paired with Miu Miu's launch of the dainty ballet flat aesthetic, I have slowly begun to curate a healthy collection of flats knowing that this item for me is one that will transcend seasons across my personal style journey.
In reality, the greatest style accomplishment is not winning the race in capitalising on what's new, but rather, still wearing something from seasons ago because you truly love that item. Heather Hurst of Pigmami's mantra to treat 'trends like a sushi conveyor belt' aka taking only what you need and leaving the rest, is the kind of mantra I'll be adopting for 2024.
Renting 'outrageous' items rather than purchasing them!
The benefits of this approach are that your wardrobe is stocked for your real life and you can focus on making mindful purchase decisions that cater to your everyday needs. If you're hustling a corporate 9-5, this means that you can channel your energies into finding those day-to-day style items that leave you feeling your best self at your desk rather than slumped & stressed.
Check your labels
Curation > Consumption
I truly believe that the best part of owning a closet is seeing you slowly curate a wardrobe you love over time. Part of this mantra is letting go of the instant gratification tied to impulse purchases, and rather seeing the development of your closet as a journey! Adopting this mindset means ditching those 'back to school' style days where you attempt to write a list of essential items that must be purchased in one day, but instead mindfully buying on an ad-hoc basis. When it comes to the new year in particular, don't be fooled by the January sales!! Buying a bunch of Row Dupes/ Wales Bonner Tracksuit sale sets/ pieces from the infamous Matches sale will inevitably lead you down the same existential style hole if you haven't had your heart set on buying such items pre-sale!
Accessorising
Accessorising totally shifted my style game in 2023 and it’s a trick I'll be continuing to use in the new year. Whether it’s a gold hair clip, a bag chain, a belt or a set of studs, mastering your accessory game can open a wave of opportunities to elevate wardrobe items that you already own.
The not-so-good stuff: The Outs
Impulse Buying
Need I say more? In the fashion world, impulse buying is the root cause of all evil. It leads to a wave of dissatisfaction a week after you realise that a sweater splurged with shades of pink/orange swirly tones is actually pretty difficult to wear and rather visually unappealing (a slight niche example but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't drawing from a real-life experience here).
In an attempt to combat the urge to impulse buy I swear by the '7 day rule.' The premise is simple. When considering a purchase, give yourself a week to mull it over to weigh up if it's worth the investment. If the item is NAGGING on your brain, by the end of the week, hit purchase. If not, leave it and wait for the next item to catch your eye. I now only buy because I truly love the item, not under the false pretence that I will grow to like it over time - in simple terms, if it's not a hell yes, give it a pass.
Depop
Depop in 2024 is out in my eyes to give space for its cooler, cheaper, more creative Aunt, Vinted. I am continually amazed at the sheer level of insane pieces that are available on Vinted. I'm on the hunt for a Bella Freud knit to replace the one that was devastatingly ruined by moths at University, and the app hasn't failed to disappoint. Yes, the photo of the item may be carelessly flung on someone's bed and its quality resembles that of the 2014 iPhone, but as the app seems to be keeping price inflation at bay, you can actually get your hands on quality garments for a fraction of their initial first-hand purchase price.
Cheers to a chic and clutter-free 2024….