3 Rules To Follow When Shopping Fast-Fashion

3 Rules To Follow When Shopping Fast-Fashion

Pants: Zara (similar here and here); Top: NA-KD (similar here and here); Shoes: Zara (similar here and here); Hat; H&M (similar here and here)

In 2015, for about a year, I went on a Zara detox. Yup, I didn’t shop at Zara for an entire year. During my Zara detox, I realized a few negative things about shopping at fast-fashion stores. I also realized the difference between mindful shopping and thoughtless consumerism. So, when I began to reintegrate Zara back into my wardrobe, I developed a set of rules for shopping fast-fashion. And today, I wanted to share my rules with you:

Before buying something, think of 3 ways to style it
Due to the sheer number of options at fast-fashion stores, people aren’t smart about shopping. We end up buying things we don’t need and as a result we only wear it a couple of times and let it sit in our closet. This kind of shopping is incredibly wasteful. So my cardinal rule while shopping high street is to think of 3 ways to style the item I’m buying. If you can’t think of 3 ways to style something, it means you’re just buying it because it looks pretty on the hanger. It adds no true value to your wardrobe, so just keep walking.

Never buy something that’s a designer knock-off
As someone who has worked in the fashion industry for a few years, I have a deep appreciation for the work that designers put into creating pieces. So when fast-fashion stores blatantly copy the work that designers spend so long conceptualizing and producing, it seems like a cheap shot. Nobody is denying the fact that the fast-fashion industry thrives on drawing inspiration from runway trends; but an obvious imitation? Stay away from it. It perpetuates a cycle of undermining artistic integrity.

Don’t cheap out on basics
Shop trendy pieces all you want at high-street stores, but when it comes to basics, quality is everything. A great white shirt or timeless LBD will last you a lot longer. Not to mention investing in these basic is the foundation of a solid wardrobe.

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38 Comments

  1. August 28, 2017 / 2:07 pm

    I loved these tips! I always think 3 ways to style it, it kind of changed my life now I’m thinking like this! Haha! Hope you’re having a great Monday!

    http://violettedaily.com

  2. August 28, 2017 / 4:03 pm

    I love these tips because although I try my best not to shop at fast fashion for waste and labor reasons, sometimes I want to explore trendy pieces, and these three tips align with my ethics. Like, your first tip makes sure that the piece that is being purchased is not only going to be worn once and then immediately thrown out. Thank you for sharing!

    Natalie | http://nataliesalchemy.wordpress.com

  3. August 28, 2017 / 4:06 pm

    I used to buy designer knockoffs when I was younger! 🙁 I have never learned my lesson now, I’d rather buy something with good quality even if it doesn’t have a brand name. 🙂

    Angelie // Shein Paddle Brush Set Review

  4. August 28, 2017 / 4:47 pm

    Thank you so much for posting this!! Not everyone can afford to avoid fast fashion all together, so it’s nice to have some balance and remember that we can make wiser decisions whenever we do buy fast fashion. And gosh I need to use that three-ways-to-style rule next time I buy anything. I have way too many things in my closet that never get worn and just a few pieces that I wear over and over.

    ~Krisztina Clifton | http://www.krisztinaclifton.com | http://www.captivatingthecrowd.com

  5. August 28, 2017 / 5:10 pm

    I’m always thinking of different ways of styling that piece when being about to buy it xD. It really helps!! And yeah, basics are worth investing in. Took me ages to find the perfect white tee. Wishing you a great week ahead! x

    Andreea,
    http://couturezilla.com/

  6. August 28, 2017 / 5:27 pm

    First of all, this outfit is genius! So simple, trendy and chic. Secondly, couldn’t agree more on these points. Especially being wise when it comes to buying basics, better to invest than to buy something cheap! Xx

    http://www.thefashionfolks.com

  7. August 28, 2017 / 7:31 pm

    Such a great post! I always feel so guilty spending a lot of money on such simple items (like a white T, for example), but I definitely agree that investing in high-quality basics is important for building up your wardrobe!

    Mia | http://verymuchmia.com

  8. August 28, 2017 / 9:46 pm

    Love this whole look, I am obsessed with those trousers! x

    adelelydia.blogspot.com

  9. August 29, 2017 / 1:41 am

    Great tips babe! You are such a beauty!!! And I love your style. Xx

  10. August 29, 2017 / 9:27 am

    i totally agree with rule 2 and rule 3 (not that I am against rule 1, just that’s a rule for everything ahhah) I am really disgusted by the copy of runway pieces straight.

    xx Margaret
    http://www.maleemaleehong.com

  11. August 29, 2017 / 11:45 am

    You hit home with those points… i for one hate knock offs… i usually stay aAy from obvious high street knockoffs.. i’ld rather save up to get the real deal

    Glowyshoes’s blog

  12. August 29, 2017 / 3:15 pm

    You look gorgeous in that outfit! Those shoes are everything! Basics are really important, so I rather spend a bit more money on those items or then it has to be good quality as you wear it over and over again. Have a great week

    xx Simone
    Little Glittery Box
    Instagram: littleglitterybox

  13. August 29, 2017 / 3:24 pm

    I definitely think 3 ways to style an item is the best option…its what I do when buying any item xx

  14. August 29, 2017 / 3:36 pm

    Great tips! I really need to start considering these when I “pop” into Zara…because I just load up my arms with anything that catches my eye

    http://www.luellapearl.com
    Caitlin

  15. Amy
    August 29, 2017 / 3:58 pm

    These are great tips to help avoid buying fast fashion items that ultimately won’t last. Especially not cheaping out on basics as those we will wear over and over. You look great!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  16. August 30, 2017 / 2:53 am

    For me, I always look at the quality first too! Because fast-fashion sets a lower price, yet the fabric sometimes not good.

    http://www.thequinoxfashion.com

  17. August 30, 2017 / 9:08 am

    Siffat, your outfits are always such a dream, I’m in love haha. And thanks for these tips, I’m trying to build up a collection of quality basics at the moment. And the first tip will definitely come in handy when I’m shopping. xx
    Coco Bella Blog

    • August 30, 2017 / 9:10 am

      By the way, you’ve been nominated for an award on my blog 🙂

  18. August 30, 2017 / 6:30 pm

    You look great! <3

  19. August 30, 2017 / 7:51 pm

    Great advice Siffat! We share the same first rule. I have to envision how I’m going to style the piece at least 2-3 ways before I purchase or else I end up with a closet full of unworn clothes. Learned my lesson 🙂

    Jessica ♥ | THEWAYTOMYHART.com

    Instagram | @THEWAYTOMYHART

  20. August 30, 2017 / 8:45 pm

    Great fast fashion advice! I only shop at a few similar stores right now like Zara. Nonetheless quality is always key. I hate buying something super synthetic that feels like crap on my skin. It’s gotta feel good if I’m shelling out my hard earned money.

    xx Yasmin
    http://banglesandbungalows.com

  21. August 30, 2017 / 11:34 pm

    Love love love your tips. The first is critical, and one that I haven’t thought of in the past. I need to start doing that when I’m looking at fast fashion pieces!! Seriously a game changer.

    xx, Amy
    https://www.theluxilook.com

  22. August 31, 2017 / 4:34 pm

    Oh very gorgeous style darling
    Amazing photos
    xx

  23. September 3, 2017 / 5:10 am

    I love this look, so edgy, chic and simply gorgeous. Thanks for the tips as well dear. I couldnt agree more, especially on the third point.

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

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