A few days back, when I thoughtlessly scrolled through TV channels, an advertisement caught my attention. It was an advertisement for one of Pakistan's leading clothing brands, which meant the one style statement a woman could make is not to repeat her outfit. I pondered over that TV commercial for a long time because it didn't sit well with me.
Does clothing, especially designer clothing, determine whether a man or woman is worthy enough to make a style statement? Is repeating a dress still considered conservative in our society?
We are living in the year 2022, where people are thinking beyond boundaries. They are talking openly about issues that were once considered taboo to talk about and the biggest 'issue' being promoted here in our society is 'never repeat an organization'. The virtual world and its fame have given people unnecessary power. We are becoming materialistic day by day. Whenever an event or function is near, our biggest concern is what to wear or aspire to look different.
Many people around us are compromising on their peace of mind and self-satisfaction just to be in the limelight by showing off their designer clothes. Brands promoting this culture need to be more cautious and prudent about their content and the kind of message they are conveying to their audience, especially the youth. In a poverty-stricken country plagued by inflation and corruption, this kind of mentality is the reason for the growing inferiority complex of the population.
Repeat your outfit with style
There is nothing to be ashamed of repeating your outfit. There is a simple way to replicate your clothes efficiently and the main thing is to style the pieces differently. This is where fashion gets really enjoyable and interesting. You can use your imagination and come up with different ways to wear your clothes. Speaking of wearing the same outfit again on a different occasion, we have the perfect example of Kate Middleton – the Duchess of Cambridge known as the 'outfit recycling queen' who flaunts her fashion favorites on special occasions. Unaware of wearing it again. Just when you think the princess has put on a dress for good, she wears it casual and makes it ten times better. Our brands and celebrities should take some notes and remove the stigma of repeating an outfit without any shame.
The only thing you need to learn is; How can you pull off the same outfit with a different yet classy look? The way you style your outfit matters a lot. For example, you want to replicate your favorite blacktop and you've already worn it with a pair of jeans; Next time, replace it with a skirt and a different pair of shoes. Tada! Now you are repeating in style.
When you're trying to mimic an outfit but don't want to add any outerwear, you can opt to wear a different necklace or skip the necklace altogether and go for statement earrings instead. Huh. Also, keep in mind that scarves, hats, and shoes are all accessories, so turning them around will make a tremendous impact. Once a black maxi dress with loose hair and later an intricate up-do with red lipstick will feel and look different. Even though the change is minor, these details are important. Clearly solid colors can be replicated more often and easily than prints and statement pieces. So remember to have a good break between your printed outfits before repeating them.
There are many dresses that are versatile enough to be worn on various occasions. A shirt that works at work can also work for an evening out with friends. It's all about how you layer the same shirt with a pinch different style.
As we all know no get-together is complete without social media posts. Once it's Instagrammed, its history. But that doesn't mean you can't recycle your clothes. Just give some space to your post and post that picture.
Instead of getting caught up in this toxic mindset, these brands can take the initiative to shine a light on the more serious problems going on around the world. There's no need to fill your wardrobe with single-use clothes. It's quite natural to repeat outfits, and you shouldn't feel compelled to reduce your clothing's maximum potential. In addition, hoarding clothes has a harmful effect on our environment. However, there is one rule you need to follow: Feel free to repeat your outfit and finish off your favorite look without feeling shy.
And most importantly our brands should be held accountable for promoting such irresponsible and careless content and giving the impression that it is a matter of pride not to repeat the designer outfits for every occasion and buy endless designer clothes. Is. This blatant and rampant consumerism must be suppressed before it changes our society and culture beyond recognition.