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Nearly every adolescent verging on adulthood, I’m sure, will find themselves lost in an overwhelming pursuit of self-identification in their clothes, hurriedly bought before being replaced by another trend and are just as quickly discarded. Picture this: yourself, 16-years-old, refusing to leave the house, fighting with your wardrobe (which is beyond bursting at the hinges with flurries of clothes in all patterns and colours imaginable) and losing the battle because you absolutely cannot find anything to wear.
At some point in the fashionable modern 20-
something-year-olds-life (unless you have had the good fortune to steer clear of whichever transient fad had taken the pop-culture world by storm that particular week/month/year during your teenage years and now infects your wardrobe) a movement will be made from falling mercilessly at the feet of endless micro-trends, towards the investment in timeless, quality clothes. It is hard to say when this shift becomes notably distinguishable to the wear-er, imaginably for some, as it is this writer, it is the moment upon looking in their wardrobe that the 20-something is presented by more quiet-luxury blazers than there are colours in the rainbow.
Perhaps this clothing right-of-passage is summoned by the waning exhilaration of never-ending parcels arriving upon one’s doorstep, paid for with the young fashionista’s newly unbridled access to ‘adult’ money. Perhaps it is the modern 20-something’s political awakening, as their attention is turned towards the fast-fashion and climate-change crises. Perhaps it is the 20-something’s adaptation to working life and a newfound value for labour, particularly their own, that sees attention paid to careful investment of funds into well-crafted, worth-while and long-lasting pieces.
This shift is ‘the modern 20-something’s fashion epiphany’: quality over quantity, investment over micro-trends, ultimately achieving a noticeably elevated and coherent sense of style.
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Changing Views of Fashion as We Age
As you step into your 20s, your journey through life takes on new dimensions, including your evolving perspective on fashion. Fashion thoughtfulness becomes a guiding principle, allowing you to view clothing from fresh angles. Here are key ways in which your outlook on fashion transforms during this pivotal decade:
Objects of Exchange: Beyond Transactions
In your 20s, you realise clothing is not merely about buying and selling; it's a currency of identity and connection. What you wear holds the potential to open doors, create connections, and reflect your aspirations. It's a passport to different social settings, career opportunities, and personal expressions. Your clothes become more than just fabric; they become vessels for the exchange of ideas, ambitions, and connections.
Objects Associated with Memories: Labor and Personal Growth
Each garment embodies more than its material. It represents the labor, dedication, and personal growth that went into its creation. Whether it's the hours spent shopping for the perfect interview outfit or the memories attached to a well-worn pair of sneakers, clothing becomes a living record of your life's journey. This awareness shifts your perspective on fashion, making you appreciate the rich stories and experiences woven into each piece.
An Investment in Self: Crafting Your Identity
Fashion thoughtfulness reminds you that achieving your desired expression through clothing is an investment in yourself. In your 20s, you're increasingly conscious of the role attire plays in shaping your identity. Every choice you make about what to wear is a brushstroke on the canvas of self-expression. Your clothing choices speak to your evolving self, revealing your values, ambitions, and the narrative you wish to convey. Selecting the right attire becomes an art form, a way of crafting your identity.
Presentation of Life, Self, Culture, Interests, Ambitions
Fashion in your 20s is not just about what you wear; it's a presentation of your life, your self, your culture, your interests, and your ambitions. Your clothing reflects your individuality and serves as a visual language that communicates your evolving identity. It's a mirror that reflects your values and aspirations. With each ensemble, you convey a message to the world about who you are and where you want to go.
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Telling Stories of People and Places
As you grow into your 20s, your awareness of clothing's rich history and cultural significance expands. Each garment becomes a storybook, filled with tales of people and places. Your attire tells not just your story but also the stories of those who crafted it, the locations it traveled to, and the cultures it embodies. This realisation underscores the importance of sustainable and ethical fashion choices. You become more attuned to the narratives behind the garments you choose, appreciating the diversity and uniqueness of each piece. As consumers, it is our duty to be mindful of the history of each item we purchase, as we effectively contribute and bind ourselves to the global sphere of Fashion which encompasses millions of people and livelihoods, the good and the bad.
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