March 29, 2024

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“I buy clothes that will help me get more wear out of my current wardrobe and avoid buying things that I truly just need to ogle to scratch that consumption itch.”

There’s no Facebook feature more disturbing than the memories notification – the one that pops up to remind you where you were ‘on this day’ several years ago. While it can be nice to reminisce, the more common reaction is horror as you witness the awkward outfits a younger you believed were stunning enough to immortalise online. 

When I was recently notified of a photo from six years back – a 23-year-old me sporting a cheap floral jumpsuit and the chunkiest Windsor Smith boots you’ve ever seen – I reflected on how much my style has (blessedly) developed over the last decade, as well as how significantly my shopping process has evolved. Once obsessed with a bargain and a nut for fast fashion, I now shop mindfully instead of seasonally, opting for thoughtful pieces that will long outlive the length of a trend.


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Doubting my own shopping evolution was unique and eager to hear from fellow-minded folks, I quizzed seven people working in and around fashion about how their style and shopping rituals have transformed during their lives, and what exactly influenced these changes.

Millie Savage, 30, jeweller

How has your style changed over your life?

I’ve always been really drawn to colour – you can probably guess that from my jewellery – and bright, happy, patterned, sparkly designs make me feel good. What’s changed over the years perhaps is my approach to functionality – when I wear clothes, I really WEAR them. I’m at the studio making jewellery, I’m gardening, I’m going to a party and I’m going to be dancing all night, so the clothes have to keep up with me. Looking at a piece of clothing, I need to be sure it’s going to last more than one wear. I’ve learned the hard way that some really delicate pieces just aren’t for me and that quality fabrics and considered craftsmanship are worth the price tag because I tend to fuck shit up. Also, it might be because my husband James is a fashion designer (at Reigner) but I have a lot of time for good tailoring. Love me a suit. 

How has the way you shop evolved since you were younger?

When I was younger, I probably made impulsive purchases more often at op shops and in physical stores. Now I don’t have the bother or time to be going from shop to shop. If I see someone wearing a sick fit, I’ll ask them where they got it. I buy mostly online though. Instagram has opened up a whole world of fashion. 

What do you think has had the greatest influence on your shopping evolution? 

Honestly, social media and online shopping has changed the way I shop in a really positive way… As someone who gained an audience via Instagram, I know how effective social media can be as a platform for promotion and I love finding and purchasing from emerging creatives all around Australia and internationally.

@millsavage

Flex Mami (Lillian Ahenkan), 28, author, media personality and radio host

How has your style changed over your life?

Oddly enough, my style really hasn’t changed that much over the years. I still have the same key pieces on rotation, I still experiment with contradicting expressions – sometimes I’m hyperfeminine, sometimes androgynous, sometimes utilitarian. The constant factor is that it’s still bold, still incorporates a ‘uniform’ of some sort [and] still is exceptional.

How has the way you shop evolved since you were younger?

I shop waaaaay less. My consumption issues were amplified working in the influencer and media landscape, using new clothes as a talking point and content opportunity. Now that I’ve refined and streamlined my approach to content and have done some soul-searching and reconciled the belief that my identity isn’t the sum of what can be externally identified, my shopping process is fundamentally more fun. I buy clothes that will help me get more wear out of my current wardrobe and avoid buying things that I truly just need to ogle to scratch that consumption itch.

What do you think has had the greatest influence on your shopping evolution?

A tonne of reasons, but a core one that reigns supreme is that the lack of size inclusivity ostracises me from most stores. [You] can’t buy if they don’t make your size or cater to your aesthetic.

@flex.mami

Sally Mackinnon, 51, fashion stylist

How has your style changed over your life?

I think it’s somehow become more creative yet also more minimalist! It’s a work in progress, but I would definitely say [my style today is] more refined and tailored.

How has the way you shop evolved since you were younger?

When I first started Styled by Sally in 2007, I would rarely leave the shops after working with a client without going back and buying something myself! Those days are thankfully long gone. This year I’ve pledged to only buy locally-made clothing. I definitely buy a lot less these days and shop my wardrobe instead.

What do you think has had the greatest influence on your shopping evolution?

I’ve become a lot more aware of the impact of overconsumption and I’m trying to set the example on my own social media channels that it’s okay to re-wear your wardrobe. I think also, as I get older, I don’t need so many clothes and want to refine my look. So buying less, buying with intention and working with what I’ve got appeals to me.

@styledbysally

Carol Green, 66, ballet dancer and model

How has your style changed over your life?

When I was younger, I had to learn quickly to be confident in who I am as I didn’t dress like the others… Fashion has always been a vessel to express myself and it’s a form of rebellion to society as well for those misfits. I like to push the boundaries.

How has the way you shop evolved since you were younger?

I’m old school, and living in Melbourne where we have so many shopping strips – from the infamous Chapel Street [to] Collins and Smith Street –  I believe it’s so important to support small businesses as our state economy relies on it so heavily. I believe in giving back to creatives to keep the culture alive. Whilst we live in such a digital age with ecommerce and with the heightened cost of living as well, there is no doubt that it has hurt brick-and-mortar stores. Walking into a boutique and interacting with real people who love fashion is priceless. I think having a mix of both is important. 

To stay up to date with ethical brands on both human rights and environmental I use WGSN (a trend forecasting company)… I research before I buy and that’s my shopping process.

@carol_green_dancer_model

Miranda Stokkel, 33, photographer

How has your style changed over your life?

My style has become a lot more casual over the years – I used to get really dressed up and loved a blazer and tailored pants/skirt combo. Now it’s more about comfort, [with] less items but things that flatter my body more. It’s less about what’s on trend and more about what makes me feel good.

How has the way you shop evolved since you were younger?

I’m still a massive in-person shopper, I hardly ever buy online. I like to try everything on before I buy, especially pants and shoes. I like things that are a little bit different – cool/interesting fabrics and materials definitely draw my attention, so seeing them in person pre-purchase makes all the diff! I used to buy online, and was so often disappointed when my purchases would arrive. I’m also not a fan of having to return via post. I quite often won’t buy something unless I feel fucking fabulous in it when I try it on.

What do you think has had the greatest influence on your shopping evolution?

Definitely [an] increased income. Now I can afford to buy things that are designed locally and are a little more unique. Confidence is also a big one. I used to buy from big retail stores but now I have a bit more of a set style I can shop locally, knowing exactly what works for me and what doesn’t (relying less on large retail trends).

@mirandamirandamiranda

Madeleine Jost, 29, designer and maker

How has your style changed over your life?

I’ve always shopped and dressed with versatility in mind, which means that as my style alters, I can adapt pieces I already have – either through modifying them slightly or through restyling a look with accessories. Comfort is key for me, so I gravitate towards pieces that are cute but also comfortable; if they’re not comfy, I won’t reach for them. I like to think my style is pared back and classic, with a playful twist through funky accessories that are a bit more attention-grabbing.

How has the way you shop evolved since you were younger?

Since studying fashion design and looking more closely at production and consumption practices, I try to consume in a more ethical way. I love secondhand. I like the process of the hunt and not knowing what you’ll find! It’s also a really nice shared experience to go op shopping or to a vintage market with my partner or a pal. I like that these pieces come with a memory or little story attached about where you found them. I try to purchase new pieces that are quality in both construction and fabrication, and consider where it’s made and what industry I’m supporting… My friend and I have done a wardrobe swap for over a decade – we go to each other’s houses and borrow clothes, accessories and shoes, and then swap back after a while. We both love this process as it’s super fun and you end up with a new rotation of pieces to wear.

What do you think has had the greatest influence on your shopping evolution?

I’ve recently gone back to studying, so this definitely has an impact on my choices as I don’t currently have the luxury of a full-time wage. A lot of brands/styles at the moment seem to be quite homogenised, so I like the unique finds that op shops/vintage stores offer. I’m extremely aware of my impact on the planet, so I rarely purchase anything without heavily considering my need or use for it.

@madeleinejost_

Elke Meitzel, 53, photographer and model

How has your style changed over your life?

Comfort has become more of a thing for me. This is particularly true for the shoes you find in my wardrobe. I have a few heels for special occasions but otherwise I opt for comfort [as] I walk a lot and ride a bicycle most days, so things need to be practical and durable. Over the years I’ve gotten to know what works for me and to put it the other way around – what doesn’t work for me! I am a big fan of a capsule wardrobe, it’s something I am currently trying to implement more and more. Buying pieces which build on the existing pieces is key.

How has the way you shop evolved since you were younger?

I don’t follow trends per se but of course take note of what’s out there… I haven’t been to a shop for a very long time and mostly buy online. I can shortlist what I like easily and then when it arrives try it on with my existing pieces. It just works for me. Quality and good ethics resonate with me and I also buy second-hand. I avoid buying fast fashion and avoid pieces which I know won’t get much wear and will just take up space in the wardrobe.

@elkemeitzel

For more on shopping mindfully, head here


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