Photo Illustration: By The Cut.Photo: Morgan Ma
TikTok often tells you what you need to buy next (think Shein’s haul or a video encouraging you to stop what you’re doing and go to Target), but the most sustainable The smartest way to shop is to not shop at all.But we do know that wearing something new releases dopamine, and to remedy that, stylist Alison Bornstein said: It teaches you how to “shop your own closet.” Bornstein agrees in several ways. One called “find your girlfriend’s three words” and the other described it as “fashion wellness.”
According to Bornstein, everyone from Emma Chamberlain to Amal Clooney has three words that can sum up their style. “Shopping in your own closet is a response to over-consumption and the influence of social media and micro-her trends,” says Bornstein. “We see so much newness on the internet, so many different trends and aesthetics. Well I don’t have it. You need it?”
Here’s what she told us about her method.
The first word is what you wear all the time: color, texture, or silhouette. “These are what I call regulars.” It is said that it is “target”. What do your fashion icons have in common? Finally, Bornstein says, “I like to think of the third word as the more emotional one.” Bornstein wants you to think about how your clothes make you feel. .)
Coming up with three words can not only help you refine your style, but can also play a role in making your shopping more sustainable. “When you’re shopping and you feel like something really calls you, and you may like it, but it doesn’t fit your style, it’s time to call out your three words.” “It’s easy to shop impulsively,” said Bornstein. says. “These words can change. These words intention They vary, but these are guidelines to help you stay focused. ”
You can also choose words that describe your commitment to sustainability. Bornstein recommends words like “thoughtful” or “considered” (describing Joan Didion, she says), but not words like “functional” or “high quality.” You can also use
Bornstein’s three words are classic, elegant and ’70s.
Photo: Morgan Ma
Should I buy something new every time another core comes along? Bornstein’s answer is no. If you want to join a new trend or recreate a style you love, start by looking through your closet and pulling out items that remind you of it, she says. She will find that she has what she needs. ”
For example, if you don’t have hot pink but want to have a Barbie core moment, the stylist says she starts with the funky platform heels she owns and incorporates them into her outfits more often. can do Barbie Core, but on her own terms, which feels better than trying to fit herself into an existing trend. I don’t feel like I am,” Bornstein says. “By shopping your closet, you’re using your own stuff you already love.”
Bornstein does this while watching real housewife. try it. take a picture. This will help you create your own lookbook that you can refer to when you can’t decide what to wear. This goes back to Bornstein’s idea of fashion as wellness.
Photo: Jen Trahan
Bornstein asks himself seven questions before buying anything. This allows you to buy intentionally and slow down the consumption process. These two things lead to a more sustainable wardrobe. “She needs to remind herself that she doesn’t have to buy everything just because she likes it,” she says. Here are the questions:
1. Do I like this?
This may seem like a simple question, but Bornstein always does this pre-check to actually I like what she sees “For example, I often buy things because I feel I need them, but I don’t really like them,” she says.
2. Does it make getting dressed easier?
One way to be confident that clothes will make your life easier.
3. Are there any that serve the same purpose?
You don’t have to limit yourself to everything, but asking this question can help you avoid buying unnecessary things that you don’t wear.
4. May I give you something to get this item?
You don’t have to buy another piece of clothing from your closet every time you buy something new, but this question will help you think more deeply about how much you want that piece of clothing.
5. Do I need to buy anything else for this to work?
“It’s always a good question to ask yourself because we don’t want this one purchase to lead to other small purchases that are only in our wardrobe to make this one piece work,” says Bornstein. .
6. Does it match my style?
Recall the three words and decide if the part applies to them. Sometimes someone else sees something we like, but that doesn’t mean we have to buy it.
7. Can you see yourself wearing this in a year?
“A lot of the time clients will say, ‘Do you think this piece is too trendy?’ It’s not a matter of things,” explains Bornstein.
After passing the 7-question test, add it to your cart.
Photo: Morgan Ma
There is no reason to be ashamed to repeat your outfit. “It’s a signal that we know what to wear and can keep wearing it.”
If Fran Lebowitz can always wear the same look, so can you.
