Every day, every girl, without an exception, goes through the same series of mini-panic attacks when she opens her “empty” wardrobe crammed with clothes. The two parallel dilemmas of having “nothing” to wear yet not having room for more clothes, the sinking feeling of finding nothing appropriate after hours of looking and the walk of shame after you have to settle for repeating your clothes.
Ironically, we grow up wearing the same uniform every single day during our school years. Even the dull-coloured smocks during college time don’t seem to bother us but as soon as we make it to university, wearing a new outfit every single day becomes our ultimate graduation goal.
The scenario only seems to intensity once we have entered our professional life where at least half of our performance is measured by our “self-presentation.” One has to meticulously navigate at the interface of sufficient intervals of days and the right combination of colours in order to repeat a dress without being noticed.
And God forbid if anyone dares to repeat their attire at weddings or other formal events. Let the wedding be your own or someone else’s, the cost of clothes outweighs all other expenses because we can’t commit the heinous crime of repeating clothes no matter how many millions are spent on them each time.
It is a taboo so deep-rooted that you can literally find women earning some thirty thousands from their job and spending over forty on clothes to wear to it.
Salma, who is a teacher at a private school, works for a salary just a little above than the bare minimum wage. Every month, she struggles between making savings for her future and keeping up with the race of wearing new outfit every single day.
And guess, who wins every single time? Yes, you guessed it right. Like every other middle-class woman, she ends up with a stacked closet and an empty savings account every month.
This fear of repeating outfits is instilled in us via popular culture icons who never wear the same outfit twice and of course by judgmental pressure from our never-disappointing society.
The clothing industry is itself trillions of dollars worth industry and more than 100 billion items of clothing are produced each year with a high percentage left unsold and unworn.
According to a UK based charity the Ellen Macarthur Foundation, a whopping 87% of fibres used for clothing ends up in landfills or incinerated. As the recycling rate of textile waste is less than one per cent, it’s clear that the need of the hour is to normalize re-wearing clothes.
Fortunately, many celebrities have now begun challenging this expectation and we are finally seeing a trend that is not only healthy for your monthly budget but also for your over-stacked wardrobe of yours.
From Emma Watson to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, fashion icons have repeated outfits and looked even more stunning with each wear. The paparazzi feed of Bollywood divas’ airport looks or gym clothes also show repetition with grace.
Last year, British Academy of Film and Television Arts attendees were strongly encouraged to buy vintage, seek out environmentally friendly brands or re-wear existing pieces. Most celebrities not only appreciated the notion but many showed up in clothes they had already worn on previous occasions too.
Needless to say, outfit repeating is the new style trend we can actually and happily get behind. In this exclusive piece of The Blind Side, we have compiled a list of 8 celebrities who have repeated their outfits like a boss.
1. Kate Middleton
The Duchess of Cambridge is certainly a trendsetting icon of the fashion world and we have seen her repeating her many royal attires on more than 2 occasions. So ladies, if “Her Royal Highness” can re-wear her dresses, what is holding you back?
2. Lady Diana
Of course, Diana did it before it was cool. The style icon of 90’s Princess Diana repeated her clothes on several occasions and aced them every single time.
3. Michelle Obama
Even the former first lady of the US does not care if you see her in the same clothes. Michelle Obama wears her attires with such confidence and style that her fashion repeats are always a hit.
4. Deepika Padukone
Repeating clothes was once seen as a crime in Bollywood but today celebrities don’t mind sporting the same outfit at multiple events. Thanks to Deepika Padukone who has done it multiple times to make a sustainable yet stylish statement.
5. Harry Styles
Harry Styles might not come to your mind when we talk about celebrities flexing their outfits. But this British singer has won our hearts not only through his music and good looks but also when he wore the same clothes at multiple events.
6. Emma Watson
The Harry Potter star is famous for being outspoken about many taboos including choice of clothes. Emma Watson, who is Women Goodwill Ambassador at UN, showed up like a boss for her speech wearing her signature black turtleneck.
7. Ramsha Khan
Surprisingly, the trend of repeating clothes have reached the Pakistani drama industry too. Recently, Ramsha Khan was seen wearing the same red bridal wear in the Drama serial Kesa Hai Naseeban and Ghissi Pitti Muhabbat. Repeating dress that too being bridal? Bravo!
8. Joaquin Phoenix
After Oscar, The Joker star won our hearts too when he kept showing up in his sleek tuxedos at multiple award shows. Phoenix is all environment-friendly and yet as good looking as ever.
Even if not for this glamorous world of fashion, there is nothing wrong in repeating your clothes that you own, like and have paid for. You should repeat your clothes if you’re comfortable and happy wearing and re-wearing them. And yes, also because you own a washing machine. 😉
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