Welcome to the Twenties. A new decade has swiftly surrounded us and whether you have wholeheartedly welcomed the change in calendar or dreadfully denied the progression of time, the Twenties are here!
With the entrance of a new decade comes the opportunity to reflect on what has been and envision what could be. All areas of life are under the spotlight in this reflection and projection, including our relationship with clothing and how we choose to present ourselves.
Environmental impact is at the front of our minds as we step into the 2020s and when revitalising our wardrobe, it is important to consider the quality and longevity of our garments over quantity. The following are five building blocks that can be styled to create an abundance of individual looks, curating an effortless wardrobe that will sustainably stand the test of a decade.
The white shirt. Photo: Getty Images
The White Shirt
Timeless and classic, the white shirt is foundational. This flexible piece is the blank canvas of your wardrobe. It transcends social setting and will go effortlessly with anything. The white shirt can transform from elegant to edgy in a moment, depending on the roll of a cuff, tuck of the shirt or number of buttons left loose.
White shirts are in generous global supply and to find one, look no further than your local op-shop, most apparel providers, or even a loved one’s closet. The white shirt gracefully withstands the test of time, displaying its durability and flexibility decade after decade.
Signature pants
Styles come and go. This truth we know well and pants are no exception to the tides of change. The secret to finding a timeless pant is to work with the body and lifestyle you’ve got. Finding a pair of pants that will go the distance with you is much like building a healthy relationship: it starts with honestly understanding and loving yourself.
Invest in friendship with your body and mind, get to know them without judgement and with a healthy dose of kindness, acceptance and respect. Acknowledge your shape and daily activities to find the pant style that you will feel confident and comfortable in.
High-waisted trousers or ski pants, the choice is yours, and finding a pant that echoes your shape and style will elevate your wardrobe, allowing you to radiate throughout the decade in pants that you are friends with.
A century ago, the 1920s brought us Coco Chanel’s iconic little black dress and the LBD shall remain a wardrobe’s bread and butter till time’s end. However, the LBD has a close relative, the long romantic dress, which has recently entered fashion’s consciousness, elegantly reflecting the zeitgeist.
Opulence, decadence, escapism and exploration were themes prevalent in the 1920s and, coincidentally, are uniquely reverberating a century later. The long romantic dress embodies notions of freedom, fluidity and a coming renaissance.
The playful dress offers ease to your wardrobe, providing a sense of liberation and comfort, not to mention a complete outfit in one garment. Embrace the romance and consider the long romantic dress as staple of your twenties wardrobe.
The relaxed blazer
Tailoring also reflects the transformation of time. Tailored garments are currently taking on a relaxed fit as we see societies’ structures loosening and being re-evaluated. The relaxed blazer slips seamlessly into your twenties wardrobe alongside the white shirt, signature pant and long romantic dress, all offering elegance, ease and adaptability.
An oversized and uncomplicated blazer breathes an air of effortless cool to your curated collection.
Confidence
As the old adage goes, “New year, new you!” However, aren’t we all acutely aware that as we cross the threshold of a new decade, we accompany ourselves. We are, after all, the same us and hold within our lives experiences, both positive, negative, harmful and healing. The new year offers a unique focus on transformation and provides the opportunity to examine our attitudes towards our stories and selves.
It can be tempting to expect a new wardrobe to transform how we feel about ourselves. However, that is an inside job and there is support available for the inner work. The fifth staple for our twenties wardrobe is confidence. Confidence is completely free and elevates every outfit we can configure. Confidence arises from creating a safe and nurturing environment within, offering ourselves the same generous care we would for a beloved friend.
Through support and celebration of our self-expression, not only can we confidently pull off any outfit our creative minds conceive, but we can also be present, experiencing gratitude for the time we have and inspiring confidence in those around us.
Perhaps the time has come to refresh the old saying “New year, new you!” to “New year, I’m here!”.
