How to promote creativity in fashion without breaking the bank – answer: op shops
Updated: Aug 8, 2021
The industry is built on creativity but as the sustainability debate becomes more and more mainstream, we are encouraged to stop bulk buying. The fabulous factor of in person shopping in person is that you never know what you're going to find. As much as it is can sometimes be more tempting to buy a whole new outfit rather than altering a garment yourself or taking it to a tailor, don't buy the outfit. This may not be the case. In November of 2019, I had ticket to The 1975's concert and to commemorate the fact after four years, i was going to see them live for the first time, i decide to add a bit of pizazz to my outfit. I hadn't horned my craft when it came to thrifting (i didn't look properly), i bought a mens' black jean jacket. At that time, i preferred an oversized fit to my jackets and because of Beau Brummell causing men's fashion to barely adjust in the last 200 years, men's jackets are plain. It was a perfect canvas. Just a tip, denim jackets are in the women's section and the men's section of op shops, as they have gone from trendy to timeless. On the 20th of November, i left school at 3:35 to go buy some fabric paint to replicate Matty Healy's iconic 2016 FIGURE MY HEART OUT JACKET.
In relation to reimaging your jackets, here's a tip to add a bit of glamour. I have doubled up on warmth and style by finding a range of detachable collars which are currently very much in style but also allow me to refrain from buying a whole new jacket. Although faux fur is bad for the environment, it is however more sustainable to buy it secondhand because you are giving it a new life.
Since the industry is built on overproduction, you can find this outfit, modelled by Jazzmyne Jay, in a thirft store: oversized satin blouse (or whatever fabric you prefer), black bralette, black shorts, chain necklaces, earrings (remember to wash them), and rings. For the fishnets, try your dance tights or your sister's (check out my blog post, sharing is caring, for the benefits of borrowing from your family and friends). Remember, op shops have many options of how to jazz (hehe) up your outfits.
Thank you for reading lovelies. Let me know in the comments your favourite thing to wear (bonus points if it came from an op shop). Kisses xx.
