I was a freshman in high school when I first started caring about fashion.
From kindergarten until 8th grade I attended Catholic schools, and was therefore required to wear a uniform for the majority of my formative years.
Blue and green polos in the spring and an uncomfortable shirt and tie during winter.
Sometimes I’d mix it up with a cardigan, but there’s only so much you can do in that type of environment.
For various reasons, I attended a public high school, which lacked the stringent dress code so common in private schools, and from there my fashion journey began.
Now, after 11 years of experimentation, I’d like to share what I’ve learned.
With that being said, here’s five fashion tips by Chance!
tip #1
Tip #1: Embroidered > Everything
If you’re buying clothes with a logo or any type of language on it, try to make sure it’s embroidered. Many clothes today have shifted to cheap, sticker-like designs that tend to fade and disintegrate after a few washes. I currently have a $150 Tech Fit Hoodie sitting in my closet that I haven’t worn in ages because the Nike swoosh is starting to peel off.
Embroidered logos and designs will never fade, and oftentimes, there isn’t a significant price difference between them and their low-quality sticker contemporaries.
By prioritizing embroidered pieces, you’ll ensure that your wardrobe maintains the test of time while also saving yourself the stress of watching your clothes deteriorate.
tip #2
Tip #2: Black Fades
It took me a while before I noticed that black clothes tend to fade. I remember rocking a pair of my favorite shorts and noticing that their original dark hue had faded to a strange, greyish brown color. Whether or not your black clothes will fade depends on the type of material they’re made of and how often you wash them.
As a rule of thumb, you should wash your clothes as infrequently as possible. Washing initiates a lot of wear and tear that can lead to color fading and overall degradation. Cotton clothes are highly susceptible to damage, while materials such as nylon fare far better in longevity and durability.
If you decide to go black, make sure it’s made of solid material. Or never wash it. Whatever works for you.
tip #3
Tip #3: Stains Suck
About a year ago, I wore a pair of my favorite North Face sweatpants to the movies. Upon leaving, I noticed a huge wet stain on my left thigh. Apparently, the oily butter from the popcorn in my lap had seeped through the box. I had to wash the pants twice before finally admitting that they were unsalvageable.
Stains suck, and the only way to fight one is to clean it as soon as the incident occurs. The longer it sits, the deeper it will penetrate. After a certain point, it will be impossible to remove without damaging the piece. This applies to both clothes and shoes.
As soon as you see a stain, wash it off with soap and water as quickly as possible. Sure, it might look like you pissed your pants, but it’s better than ruining your favorite pair of jeans right?
Pro tip: White clothes will get stained regardless! Simply wearing a white shirt will eventually cause collar stains. No matter what you do, that white will eventually turn brown, so plan accordingly!
tip #4
Tip #4: Quality > Quantity
At the start of my clothing journey, I invested in dozens of cheap clothes from stores like Rue 21 and Pacsun. My closet was filled to the brim, yet it lacked substance. While these pieces were staples of my high school wardrobe, they were eventually abandoned for more minimalistic, mature pieces.
Instead of investing in a bunch of cheap, tacky junk, consider limiting your investments to a few select, sustainable items. Aside from price, consider traits such as durability and reusability.
The beautiful thing about this tip is that quality clothing doesn’t have to be expensive. You can get a plethora of affordable, classy pieces from stores like Marshalls, Dillard’s, and H&M.
tip #5
Tip #5: Consider Thrifting
I know thrifting can be a polarizing topic. Many people scoff at the idea of spending money on used clothes and hand-me-down garments.
I, however, rebuke that sentiment.
Some of my favorite pieces have come from a thrift. There’s something magical about a good thrifting exhibition. It’s akin to time traveling, each store bursting with echoes from the past. A Vietnam vet’s jacket on one rack and granny’s homemade sweater on the other, nothing beats a good trip to the local Goodwill.
Not only will you find amazing clothes for stellar prices, but you’ll also have a great chance of finding unique, retro items that would be impossible to find anywhere else.
Pro Tip: Aside from major outlets like Goodwill and Savers, be sure to research thrifts that are local to your area. You’ll have an even better chance of finding rare items while also supporting your community!
stay jiggy
My father always told me, “If you look good, you play good.”
While clothes are far from the end-all be-all, a solid fashion sense can and will improve both your personal morale and social standing.
Clothes are an outer reflection of our inner beauty, a wordless form of expression understood in every language.
So continue to express yourself!
Just try to remember these five tips while doing it.
Bye Chance.