Is Fashion A Bully? 23 Easy Tactics To Find Flattering Clothes You Will Love Long Term

Sunny Greetings To You!

My family and I are still on our trip. I’ll be back with the regular newsletter next week. For this week, I have an article for you full of tricks for finding flattering fits for your body. Again, I created an easy-to-digest podcast to review the main points in the article in a fun, conversational style.

Enjoy and have a wonderful week!

Tatyana

Is Fashion A Bully? 23 Easy Strategies To Find Flattering Clothes You Will Love Long Term And Be Free From Fashion Oppression

Have you ever felt like fashion is a bully? Much like the stereotypical school bully, the fashion industry often makes us feel excluded, inadequate, and like outsiders. It manufactures trends and supply shortages, creating a false sense of urgency and elitism that pressures us to compete for styles that aren't even all that extraordinary (if we’re to be honest). This bullying isn’t just psychological; it extends to the very fabric of society, taking advantage of some of the most vulnerable populations on the planet. So both the consumers and the garment workers are victims of this cruel bully.

It’s no secret that the fashion industry treats poorer countries as sweatshops for our consumption habits, forcing workers—many of whom are women, women of color, I might add—into precarious conditions for the sake of our fleeting desires. The tactics employed by an overwhelming majority of brands literally foster insecurity in the buyers while perpetuating exploitation in the workers. This is without even taking into account the significant ecological damage that results from overproduction and waste.

This isn’t just an industry issue; it’s a human one, and nothing will change until we change our relationship with fashion, trends, and brands.

Purging Our Lives for a Sustainable Future

I’ve been reflecting how to change my own relationship with fashion. While the demand for fast fashion continues to rise, I want to be on the right side of history. As women in privileged countries, we have a unique responsibility to think holistically and globally about our impact on the garment industry. Most garment factory workers face significant challenges and injustices in their work environments. We must empathize with their struggles and recognize that the clothes we wear are not just items; they are tied to the lives and stories of those who create them.

The Cost of Fast Fashion

The fast fashion industry thrives on overproduction and consumerism, leading to a global ecological disaster and exploitation of vulnerable communities. The convenience of cheap clothes often comes at the expense of the very people who make them, leaving many of the workers trapped in cycles of poverty and abuse. Knowing this was definitely a call to action for me.

Now when I think about shopping for clothes, I do think of the mothers, sisters, and daughters who have to toil in factories to produce them. I know I can’t solve the whole world’s overconsumption problem, but I don’t feel right overindulging in trends and constantly feeding the monster. I often just choose to abstain from fast-fashion brands, save up and buy from a more sustainable brand, or I simply buy certain pieces that work with my colors, proportions, and the rest of my wardrobe in thrift shops or from online reseller sites. 

A Sustainable Wardrobe Without Compromise

It would be easy to think that sustainable fashion means sacrificing style for ethics. However, we have a wealth of options available to us, including beautifully curated second-hand and vintage pieces that are both stylish and sustainable. By embracing resale and consignment, we can build wardrobes that not only reflect our individuality but also honor the workers who produce our clothes.

Here are some reputable online and in-person resellers to consider:

• Online Resellers:

  • ThredUp: A popular online consignment store offering a wide range of second-hand clothing.

  • Poshmark: A platform where users can buy and sell gently used clothing, promoting a community-driven approach to fashion.

  • Depop: A marketplace for vintage and unique items, especially popular among younger consumers.

  • Etsy: While primarily known for handmade goods, it also features vintage clothing that supports sustainable practices.

  • TheRealReal: The upscale online consignment shop can be surprisingly affordable and is second to none when it comes to standards of authenticity. (Pro tip: sign up for their emails and they will send you notifications when they have great sales.)

• In-Person Shops:

  • Goodwill: A well-known thrift store chain that supports job training and community services.

  • Buffalo Exchange: A buy-sell-trade store specializing in vintage and trendy second-hand clothing.

  • Local Consignment Shops: Check your local area for consignment boutiques that curate quality pieces.

  • Google Your Local Area: Go to your Google Maps App on your smartphone and type in “upscale consignment near _____” and see what comes up for your city, or type in “thrift shops” and see what comes up in the search. Check out the reviews that are easily visible and read some feedback others have left. It’s fun to do this in our own hometowns and when we travel!

Beyond the Closet Purge: A Call for Change

This is about more than just a closet cleanout; it’s about changing our entire relationship with fashion and clothing. Of course, the clothes we buy should enhance our appearance and fit well with our body types and personal color palettes. However, many trend-based lineups fall short in both quality and style. As I’ve discovered through my own journey, the key is not just purging but strategically selecting pieces that work with our undertones (warm or cool) and our unique proportions. 

Always remember color and proportion! Those are the top two design elements of your wardrobe, not your feelings, emotions, and habits. The majority of us just buy whatever’s on sale, whatever looks cool in the store, or what’s on trend. This can leave us looking washed out and blah, but we might never really know why we don’t really gravitate to those items day-to-day. 

When our clothes are right for us, we shine. Doesn’t this sound more sustainable than a cycle of buying clothes we thought we loved only to have them hanging in the closet until we finally purge to make space for more clothes we think we love? 

A Strategic Approach to Sustainable Fashion

At Light Loves Color, I share knowledge and skills that empower you to make informed decisions about your wardrobe. Here are some steps to guide your sustainable fashion journey:

1. Know Your Colors: Learn about biologically correct colors that enhance your natural beauty. This knowledge helps you choose clothing that truly works for you, rather than succumbing to trends. Do you have warm or cool undertones? Bright colors with the proper undertones do wonders for your complexion! One of my favorite ways to tell if you have cool or warm undertones is to alternate draping yourself with two colors that are literally on the opposite sides of the color wheel (royal blue and orange) while looking in the mirror in natural lighting with no makeup on. Don’t worry about your hair and eyes. They’re not the thing that gets blotches and uneven tones with the wrong colors. Look at the appearance of your skin and look for which color makes you truly glow from the inside out. Most people instinctively know which color they would love to wear all day and which color they can’t wait to take off.  By the way, there are no true neutral undertones. There are some that are too close to call, which are often assigned “neutral”, and there are olive complexions, which have a visible absence of rosy/pink undertones and instead have more blue or gray, but they can be cool or warm as well so it’s important to do the drape tests and not just go by hair, eye, or vein colors. . 

2. Invest in Timeless Pieces: Focus on building a wardrobe filled with high-quality, versatile items that can be mixed and matched, reducing the need for constant purchasing. When you build your wardrobe around your best colors, almost everything mixes and matches wonderfully. Timeless pieces include articles such as well-tailored trousers in straight, slim, or wide (not obnoxikously wide) cuts; flattering jackets of various lengths; merino sweaters of various thicknesses for layering; and shells of organic cotton, silk, or merino.  

3. Participate in the Circular Economy: Embrace resale and take-back programs that extend the life of clothing and reduce waste. Your purchasing decisions can drive change.

4. Focus on Balanced Proportions: Heavier on button than top? Use colors and silhouettes that can serve as an optical illusion to shrink and expand areas as needed. 

I think body positivity is great and we should be content in the bodies we have while doing the best we can with a healthy lifestyle. However, I also think everyone wants to look their best. In our society, the slight  hourglass is still the shape all are knowingly or unknowingly judged by. I’m not here to change the world just help you do your best in it. Here are many other tips and tricks for creating a harmonious silhouette. Here are just a few. 

Proportion Balancing Secrets Cheatsheet I Learned From Sandy Dumont

General Principles

1. There Are No Unattractive Women: Every woman can look beautiful by learning how to balance proportions.

2. Focus on Details: Avoid out-of-place elements in your look that can detract from the overall impression.

3. Attention Management: The goal is to direct attention away from imperfections and highlight strengths so you always feel confident.

Four Basic Rules

1. Avoid Repeating Flaws:

   • Do not choose styles that emphasize your figure flaws (e.g., avoid V-necks if you have a pointy chin; avoid round necklines if you have a very round face, etc.).

2. Use Dark Colors for Slimming:

   • Dark colors recede, making you appear smaller. Wearing dark from head to toe creates a streamlined look.

3. Don’t Wear Baggy Garments All Over:

   • Pair some fitted pieces if choosing a baggy garment and avoid wearing baggy, billowy garments on both top and bottom simultaneously.

4. Make The Focal Point Your Face:

   • Ensure your face is well-presented with tasteful, clean makeup, and use accessories to draw the light and attention to it; it should be the main focus.

Key Camouflage Techniques

1. Choosing Colors and Patterns:

   • Dark Colors: Slimming effect; wear darker shades on the bottom.

   • Small Patterns vs. Large Patterns: Avoid large patterns as they can serve as an optical illusion to make us look bigger than we are. Small patterns don’t make us look smaller either. 

   • Solid Colors: Wearing one color creates a sweeping effect, making you look taller and slimmer.

2. Understanding Silhouettes:

   • A-Line Skirts: Flattering for heavy legs; they provide fullness at the hem.

   • Pencil Skirts: Best for camouflaging weight gain; pair with a loose top.

   • Tapered Bottoms: Avoid straight skirts that taper at the hem, as they can make legs look larger.

3. Color Matching:

   • Shoes and Pants/Hosiery: Match your shoes and legs to create a long line; avoid contrasting colors.

   • Avoid Contrast: High contrast in colors on top and bottom breaks the body into sections, drawing attention to figure flaws. Monochromatic looks are your friend, or wearing similar color pants and jackets and a shirt in an accent color under the jacket. 

4. Fabrics and Textures:

   • Slimming Fabrics: Avoid bulky materials like corduroy if you want a slimming effect.

   • Avoid Busy Patterns: They can make you look larger and distract from your overall appearance.

5. Tops and Jackets:

   • Tailored and Nipped Styles: They create curves and help balance proportions.

6. Special Considerations for Legs:

   • Heavy Legs: Use dark colors and match hosiery or pants with shoes for a sleek look.

Remember, the key to effectively balancing our proportions lies in understanding our bodies and making thoughtful choices that celebrate our individuality without succumbing to one-size-fits-all fashions.

I want to keep putting out content that helps people gain control over the fashion bully. By doing our part for a more equitable and sustainable future in fashion, we can fight back against their tactics. Let’s rethink our relationship with clothing and take actionable steps to support ethical practices. Our choices matter. By embracing this mindset together, we can see change that benefits not only us but also the countless human beings behind the garments we wear.