It's hard to remember a time when everything you mused, liked and (let's face it) ate wasn't documented on social media. And we've definitely felt the effects of social media on our wardrobes, as well. For many, posing for a photograph to show off an outfit has become a daily ritual. Some have carved impressive careers from doing so, but at what cost? As it turns out, a financial one.
Our obsession with showcasing our clothes has developed into a culture of excess, where many would choose buy new rather than be seen in the same dress for a second or third time. Don't take our word for it—just look at the facts. In a study of 18,000 households across 20 countries, Movinga asked participants to estimate the percentage of unworn clothes they have in their wardrobes. On average, those in the UK thought about 34% of their wardrobes were unworn. The reality? They hadn't worn a whopping 73% of their clothing.
But there are those who have long championed wearing the pieces they love again and again. Of course, this isn't a groundbreaking idea, but it's still refreshing to see on social media. And with the rise of fashion rental platforms and secondhand shopping, we're hoping this is only the beginning of healthier dressing habits. Scroll down to see a handful of influencers who show us how to repeat outfits on the regular and who might inspire you to don some long-forgotten pieces in your own wardrobe.
MONIKH DALE
Style Notes: Our interest in dresses is set to continue well into autumn, and you needn't always fork out money to get your frock fix. Monikh Dale is just one influencer who repeatedly wears her frocks from previous years, which she's continuing to style in her minimal aesthetic.
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Natasha Ndlovu
Style Notes: Natasha Ndlovu proves that a strong, checked blazer is worth the investment, and she's worn this style more times on her Instagram than we can count (almost always with a white camisole underneath).
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Ada Oguntodu
Style Notes: Ada Oguntodu wears her camel leather coat relentlessly. Her favourite pieces to pair it with are pink satin dresses and skirts, which create a gorgeous colour combination, or checked trousers and white footwear—all statement pieces in their own right.
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Emma Rose Thatcher
Style Notes: One of the easiest ways to repeat your outfits is to invest in wardrobe basics that can be interchanged with one another. Emma Rose Thatcher does this best. She repeated this Breton-stripe look with blue jeans and black mules, and it looked equally relevant.
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CHLOÉ PIERRE
Style Notes: Chloé Pierre proves that versatile staples can work all year round, but you might have to switch out the shorts for full-length trousers in the cooler months.
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Léna Farl
Style Notes: Cardigans are a year-round staple, particularly for French women. I continuously spot Léna Farl wearing this cropped, yellow Rouje style with jeans and gold jewellery.
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Jessica Skye
Style Notes: Rain or shine, winter or summer, Jessica Skye wears this satin-skirt-and-white-top combo without fail. All she needs is a shoe switch and a woollen blazer to transition her monochrome ensemble from season to season.
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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: Autumn/Winter 2021 Trends, The Most Important Fashion Looks You Need to Know