From bandanas, neon color schemes, and bedazzled low-rise jeans to minimalist gold jewelry, basic tank tops, and ballet flats, fashion is making its way back to the basics. While some may label this fashion shift as “boring,” basic never truly left; we’ve simply found a new way to appreciate how effortlessly chic it can be.
From Insult to Compliment: “Basic” as The New Norm
Being called “basic” in previous years was often a dismissive critique of personal fashion. Whether aimed at an individual’s fashion sense or their economic situation, the term carried a hefty negative connotation. Today, however, the same label is now being reclaimed as a compliment.
Rather than focusing on the flashiness of an outfit, showcasing brand names, and standing out against the crowd, trend followers are now moving towards the “symbolic value of appearance” to showcase their individuality and confidence.
From Microtrends To Capsule Wardrobes
In the past five years, fast fashion has capitalized on fashion lovers’ desire to participate in shifting trends. Especially in the post-pandemic digital landscape, increased Internet consumption convinced viewers that they needed the newest trending item, with little regard to trend longevity. Especially on TikTok, short-form content leads to the popularization of numerous micro trends, trends that viewers feel they need to immediately engage in.
This immediate need for gratification lead many to fast fashion, an environmentally devastating solution to the trivial need to follow trends. According to Earth.org, 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year. This cycle of creation, limited usage, and disregard is not stopping anytime soon. Earth.org has also made it clear that “Emissions from textile manufacturing alone are projected to skyrocket by 60% by 2030.” While a movement towards more basic fashion pieces does not eliminate the likelihood that buyers will purchase clothing from fast-fashion sources, versatile pieces are far more likely to be worn repeatedly, indicating an extended lifecycle and reduced waste.
Investing in Quality Over Quantity
The abundance of inexpensive clothing has led many to use only 20% of the garments in their wardrobes. On top of that, bold clothing can create pressure to avoid outfit repetition, out of fear that repeating an outfit will be seen as a fashion cop out. While this concern isn’t necessarily valid, quality minimalistic clothing mitigates this concern. White tank tops, Levi’s 501s, and black belts are much less noticeable than bright colored and patterned pieces, and can be worn over and over in different combinations to create endless fashionable combinations.
While clothes don’t last forever, the money spent on disposable fashion can be better invested in buying quality items. On top of that, investing in keeping clothing items in good condition is crucial to repairing the fashion lifecycle. Good condition practices for high-quality clothing pieces include actions like careful storage of garments and purposeful washing practices. Not only that, but taking the time to learn how to repair clothes and carrying out the repairs helps create a relationship with the clothes, leading to a better appreciation of their value and the way they serve individuals.
The Power of Celebrity Endorsement
Kendall Jenner, model and fashion icon, has become the poster child for tasteful “basic” fashion. Arguably, Kendall Jenner would look good in any style, as showcased by her partnerships with Miu Miu, Prada, Gucci, and Chanel. But, for her personal style, she often reverts to “plain tees and fitted leather, her hair slicked back or in a claw clip, rarely a logo or colourful print in sight,” according to Vogue. This intentional simplicity, especially from someone of Kendall’s influence and net worth of over 150 million dollars, reframes “basic” as a conscious choice rather than a lack of style or resources.
Dakota Johnson has similarly mastered the chic minimalist look. Fashion officials even call it the “Dakota Johnson Effect,” referencing her basic style as the reason she stands out amidst Hollywood stars. Her effortless “less is more” approach leaves her beauty, personality, and individual style to be an attention-commanding quality amidst a convoluted fashion environment. Often found in minimalistic color combinations and silk material, Johnson still manages to stand out among more flashy looks on the red carpet. Her streetwear style reflects the same principles, keeping large logos, bright colors, and flashy bags to a minimum. She is often found in blazers, Levi’s, and a chic kitten heel, stealing the street’s attention with her love for the classics.
Back to the Basics
Movement back to the basics is a fashion “trend” worth embracing. Simplicity allows for creativity through mix-and-match pieces, a huge element of the fun that comes with fashion. Also, accessorizing with jewelry, sunglasses, or pops of color allows for personality to shine through beyond blindly following menial trends.
Ultimately, going back to the basics is not about laziness or stagnation; it’s about chic intentionality. So, next time you see a microtrend you want to participate in, it may be worth asking, would it be better to go back to the basics?