We all remember buying an item of clothing for one night out, only for it to gather dust six months later. Shopping for new clothes can be an expensive habit, especially when fashion trends seem to change every few weeks. No wonder shoppers are increasingly looking beyond what’s currently popular and starting to ask more useful questions about their clothes – Can I wear this dress regularly? Will I still like this coat next winter? Read on to find out why ‘practical style’ is gaining ground and some tips on how to make smarter wardrobe choices.
The shift towards buying clothes that serve more than one purpose
You don’t need rails full of clothing to create a useful wardrobe – the trend is toward having a few core pieces that work well together. Think tailored trousers you can wear with casual trainers on Saturday and loafers on Monday, or a well-cut overshirt that can double as an extra layer as the evenings get cooler. Instead of buying something specifically for a party, consumers are increasingly looking at how ‘special occasion’ items could also work for everyday wear (for example, a little black dress that can be worn with a blazer to the office) . Make sure to choose neutral colours, comfortable fabrics such as linen and wool, and simple silhouettes so that it’s easier to mix outfits.
Beyond the price tag: Prioritising cost-per-wear over trends
A shirt might only cost £20, but it isn’t really a bargain if you only wear it twice. Shoppers are now looking at cost-per-wear to assess value. For example, a £60 jacket worn 60 times will cost just £1 per wear, while that £20 shirt worn twice works out at £10. Items such as midi dresses are a great example of a versatile staple that will give you low cost-to-wear – just pair it with sandals in summer, add boots and a cardigan in autumn or dress it up with jewellery for dinner at any time of year.
Social media now encourages capsule wardrobes and repeat outfits
Of course, social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok still encourage impulse purchases, but now they’re also giving alternative approaches more visibility. Creators share their capsule wardrobes, show you multiple ways to style one item and celebrate repeating outfits. You might see a single white shirt appear with jeans, tailored trousers and a slip skirt across three or four posts. Viewers are encouraged to experiment with clothes that they already own, rather than buying something new.
The growing interest in long-lasting fashion
More and more people are opting for clothes that they will want to keep for the long-term (or even forever). This starts with checking features such as stitching, fabric composition and washing instructions before buying. A jacket with strong seams and a lining that sits properly is more useful than a trendier alternative that loses its shape after a few months. Maintenance is also making a comeback – make sure to increase your clothing’s longevity by repairing loose buttons, follow care labels and store knitwear folded to prevent stretching.
Versatility is the new fashion essential
The idea of ‘practical’ fashion is about dressing boringly or even abandoning trends completely. Just choose pieces that you’ll enjoy wearing over and over again, and find fresh ways to style them. It’s all about rethinking the way you shop and creating a wardrobe that works for your life and provides real value rather one built around whatever happens to be trending this month.
