In the slow fashion world there is this overall consensus that trends are the enemy and everyone should be buying “timeless” pieces. While I understand the principle behind the idea, “timeless” in fashion doesn’t really exist. The only way you can truly be timeless is buy wearing exclusively vintage items and not altering them in any way to change the fit and silhouette to a more current asethetic. Most people aren’t going to be doing that, so is this another consumer tactic to keep us buying? 

To prove my point, I purchased a traditional khaki colored trenchcoat back in 2014, a “timeless” basic seen in many capsule wardrobe must-have guides. Back then the trendy silhouette was a shorter length, more aligned with the trend at the time. Fast forward to today, my "timeless" purchase isn't actually timeless for the longer silhouettes seen today. From a slow fashion standpoint, this was a smart purchase but the reality is that it was still a trendy purchase. 

When shopping in this mindset, it can feel daunting because who can buy a closet they will have, keep, wear, and like forever? That is an impossible task. Instead, I suggest changing the word “timeless” for “longevity”. Buying for longevity in mind means paying attention to quality, material, and sometimes a trendy piece will meet that criteria. 

Before your next buy, ask yourself:

How long will I keep this? 

AND

Is this piece really me? Know what you like, pay attention to the elements of style that piece has. 

But most importantly, don’t sweat it. There is no way to know how long an item will last in your closet, just make sure it is something you truly want, will fit your current lifestyle, and will serve you many times before wearing out. I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Drop it in the comment section below. 

Till next time, 

Dre