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If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of filling and purging my closet—or, more accurately, a tightly crammed clothing rack—it’s that building an efficient personal wardrobe is essential. Doing so, of course, involves keeping up with the cycle of trends.
Although the year has only just begun, we’re already starting to see some of 2022’s trends cycling out and some new ones cycling in. If the abundance of options overwhelms you, here’s a list of things I’ve personally been loving and not-so-loving so far this January.
IN: Staple pieces
You’ve probably heard it time and time again but let me say it once more: staple pieces are essential to building your wardrobe for this year and the many years to come. If you’re going to invest in anything, get yourself some good quality basics.
When I say basics, I mean basics. A good neutral T-shirt. A pair of quality straight leg blue jeans. This is the foundation on which you’re building your style, and a good quality basic piece makes a world of difference. Van Gogh’s starry night would probably look okay if it were painted on a napkin, but doesn’t the canvas make a world of a difference?
OUT: Rolling your jeans
Whether light wash or dark wash, high waisted or low, leave those pant legs alone. Seriously, slouchy denim is cool; let’s leave the cuffed legs in 2022.
Photo: Herbert Wang
IN: Knitwear
If there’s one thing I hope never ever goes out of style, it’s knit sweaters. It’s like the triple threat of clothing—comfy for lounging, smart for professional environments, and effortlessly chic.
The cool thing about knitwear is that despite being trendy, the options are endless. Turtlenecks, vests, oversized jumpers, cardigans, the list goes on. The universality of knitwear encourages you to make personal stylistic choices. Personally, I’ve been loving chunky colourful knits and patterned jumpers, and I wear my black knit vest at least once a week.
Its ability to add texture and individuality to your outfit makes knitwear so undeniably lovable.
Photo: Herbert Wang
IN: Maxi skirts
There’s nothing better than that maxi-skirt breeze. Long and denim or flowy and tiered, I even rock with cargo skirts.
Photo: Curtis Heinzl
OUT: Logo overloading
For the most part, logos are tacky. If you need to rely on a logo to make an outfit, chances are it wasn’t great to begin with. Logos leave no room for the imagination, not to mention you’re giving the company an unpaid promo. We’re not about that this year.
There are exceptions—a cheeky swoosh on a sneaker or a vintage GAP hoodie have their moments, and I’d be lying if I said there isn’t a thrifted Old Navy sweater in my laundry hamper. If you’re looking for a general rule of thumb, try keeping it down to one visible logo per outfit.
Let your style speak for itself!
IN: Pointed toe shoes
Nothing spices up an outfit like a funky shoe. Scandinavian style has really inspired that cool-girl business casual look, and no pair of jeans is complete without a pointed toe sticking out.
Photo: Curtis Heinzl
OUT: Fast Fashion
Shein was the most popular brand of 2022. That sucked, but we can do better.
Not only is Shein and similar brands detrimental to the environment—not good for carbon emissions—and not ethically sound—overworked employees and stealing small artists’ designs—the clothes aren’t that great.
Shopping 100 per cent sustainably is not attainable for everyone, and ethical consumption is pretty difficult as a broke university student but hear me out: quality over quantity!
You could spend $60 on a few tops that will either break within the month or fit different than the website model, or you could invest in a piece that will last through a night at Stages and be something you genuinely cherish.
Also, Shein’s tacky swirl design is so 2022.
IN: Gender neutral pairings
Gender, schmender. Pair a traditionally feminine piece of clothing with something more traditionally masculine. Shop in the men’s section. Wear a skirt and a necktie. Gender is a social construct that has self-expression at its core—and, crazy enough, so does fashion.
Don’t let gender norms dictate what is acceptable to wear. It’s okay to switch it up a little.
OUT: Buying things you don’t like
At the end of the day, your style is exactly that: yours.
2023 is all about being intentional, which means not buying clothing pieces just because someone tells you it’s trendy. Shopping doesn’t have to be impulsive; take some time to consider what you like and what you feel comfortable wearing. Make a mood board.
Now get out there and have the most fashionable year yet!
Photo: Herbert Wang
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