Can You Own the Same Fashion Items as Your Friends?
Is this you? “I can’t get that piece because my friend has it.”
If this is a styling parameter for you, I’m offering some ideas on how to respectfully buy and wear pieces that you love, even if they have already been presented by someone else.
Nobody can claim ownership over clothes, especially on current season, nationally distributed brands. This is why personal style is so important- because you CAN own style. The kind of style that even if you show up somewhere wearing the same piece as someone else, you are not going to feel distraught, embarrassed or generic.
Style is subjective and that is what will differentiate your shared pieces. When I work with clients, I focus on building a workable wardrobe so you can imprint your style on every new piece you buy.
On the flip side, don’t feel disappointed if somebody buys something that you have also purchased. It doesn’t take away from your excitement or style if you have shared pieces. Sometimes, it may even inspire you to consider styling that piece in a new, personal way you may not have discovered before.
Here are some ideas on how to implement your style on a shared item:
Add a vintage or handcrafted piece. Vintage is a treasure because there is usually only piece available- so in this case, actually, you CAN claim ownership!
Rely on a signature color. Using a signature color is a fun way to connect each piece to yourself while giving your circle/audience something to expect. It will also help guide you in future purchases if you landmark a specific color.
Challenge yourself to look past the brand styling. We will discuss this further another time, but some brands have such a strong identity that it can be hard to imagine the pieces styled in any other way. Look for complimentary contrasts in color, concept, fabric, etc to rework that item.
BUT WAIT. There is a life lesson here too. That is, put yourself in circles that support and celebrate each other- not ones that will make you feel small and like you have to ask for permission. That is not an environment where style grows.
You never need to apologize or justify your purchase decisions, but if you feel so inclined to say something, try “I loved seeing you in X. You wore it so beautifully, I wanted to try it for myself.”
If you want to discuss this theory further, I’ll be opening up 30 minute zoom calls soon! Make sure you are signed up for my newsletter to get first access to booking.
