I’m not sure anyone is immune to the unavoidable test of time when it comes to fashion fads and trends; something that seems cool and hip one day will inevitably be cringey and horrifying the next. But what do you do when your entire aesthetic is now out of style? Unless you’re extremely wealthy, it isn’t very convenient to throw out your entire wardrobe and start over with the fashion of the current season. Instead, here are some reasonable and manageable tips and steps to manage an aesthetic pivot.
1. Start Sustainably
Some articles of your closet won’t be moving forward with you during this time of change, and so the question remains: what do you do with the clothing you don’t want? I highly recommend donating your unwanted clothes, preferably to a shelter that accepts clothes or another nonprofit. Thrift shops are a good alternative too, but they can charge prices for your used clothes that makes them inaccessible to people who might need them. Additionally, it’s always good to check whether a thrift shop or donation center aligns with your values. And, check their donation process to ensure that the place you are giving such valuable items to will be fair and just in how they give them away.
2. Modify Where You Can
A few of your clothes may be modifiable, allowing you to have a slight change to your style, but not as much of a complete change of aesthetic. Modifications can include many options. Consider bleaching or dyeing your clothes for a change in color. If you have an old pair of jeans that were once black, try soaking them in steeped coffee to return them to their original rich, dark color. Cutting is always an option as well. Though permanent, you can quickly cut an old sweatshirt, hoodie, or shirt into a cute crop top. Modifications don’t always have to be as destructive as dyeing or cutting though. I’ve found that some of my favorite articles of clothing are the pieces I added to. For example, I have a pair of high-waisted mom jeans that were fairly plain before, and I spruced them up by sewing ribbon along the curve of the front pockets. You can sew on ribbon, apply patches, paint, or embroider your clothes. The sky’s the limit!
3. Buy Sparingly
It can be stressful when you want to completely reinvent your style, but the thing is, not many people our age have the funds required to take such a big step. And the truth is, it’s just not necessary. Styles change gradually, and even if you’re choosing to pivot to a new style on the opposite spectrum of your current one, you don’t need to completely start over. Some pieces in your wardrobe may not work, so either save them until they do or donate them. For articles of clothing you don’t have yet but want to include in your new style, be sure that those pieces are a good mix between staples and basics that you can recycle into other styles and statement pieces that will help to mark the change between your old and new style. I recommend a 70/30 split between basics and statements.
4. Style Beyond Clothes
It’s easy to get your mind stuck on clothes when considering how to change up your look. Something that tends to be overlooked, especially for an on-the-go college student is accessorizing. It can seem unnecessary, even cumbersome, to accessorize when you know you have to go all over campus in your outfit. However, I would say that accessories are the best way to make your outfit more manageable, stylish, and unique, without becoming a burden. I find hair accessories to be a great way to communicate an aesthetic easily. These can include hair pins, clips and barrettes, scarves, or even hats. Jewelry is also a good option, especially earrings. Small, unique studs never get in the way or caught on your backpack– I almost had my hoop torn out after getting caught on my backpack strap…terrible experience– and come in a huge variety of styles. You can purchase several sets without breaking the bank.
5. Confidence is Key
No matter how you choose to switch up your look, there’s a chance that you’ll feel self-conscious, maybe even a little insecure about your new style. However, the best course of action, honestly, is to fake it until you make it. It’s understandable to be a little nervous about any situation where you put yourself out there into the world. The important thing to remember though is that this feeling is that it only exists in your mind, and it’s likely that no one else shares this feeling. Once you overcome that obstacle in your mind, you’ll feel free to experiment with new styles whenever you want.