DEES

But here’s the truth: most of these trends are pushed by brands that want us to buy more. Influencers receive them as gifts, or they’re paid to wear them. That mix of marketing makes us spend on clothes that last only one season. Next year, they’re forgotten at the back of the closet.

Here are my tips to stay stylish without falling for those traps.

1. Focus on basics.
Basics are timeless. A white tee, a good button-up, a well-cut pair of jeans. You can wear them every day, mix and match, and they’ll always work. If you buy an extravagant piece in the color of the season, you’ll probably wear it once or twice. After that, it feels harder to style and often ends up waiting for a “special occasion.”

2. Two jeans are enough.
Yes, really. You don’t need five pairs of denim. With two good jeans, you can completely change your outfit just by switching tops. Shirts, sweaters, or blouses become the “statement piece.” That’s what people notice first, and it’s how you create variety without overbuying.

3. Accessorize your outfits.
This is key > Accessories let you express your personality. A belt, a necklace, a bag, or a scarf — all easy to thrift. These details may seem small, but they transform an outfit. They make it yours.

4. Shop secondhand.
I’ll keep repeating this one: buy secondhand. Thrift stores, Depop, Poshmark, Vinted. You can find almost any brand for a fraction of the price. Clothes get a second life, your wallet breathes, and the planet thanks you.

Loving fashion while caring for the planet isn’t always easy. But it’s possible. Dress with passion, shop with intention, and choose pieces that matter.

I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Bill Cunningham, the legendary New York street-style photographer:

“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”