Can we let Summer have its Moment?
Pumpkin spiced lattes, a perfect crunch of that fallen leaf and rewatching Gilmore girls for the 100th time, sounds like the perfect day – in October. But this year code orange has already started, with ‘Summerween’ décor plaguing the shops with all thing’s pumpkin since the beginning of June, it feels like Summer never came.
The overconsumption of it all
With Primark, B&M and The Range releasing their autumn collections prematurely it’s easy to get FOMO. Especially when you see a mass of influencers posting massive hauls every day showcasing the items ‘you must buy now’! In fear of our favourite item selling out we’re encouraged to rush to the shops to purchase more items than we need.
This is intentional. Retailers lengthening the seasonal shopping periods, whilst simultaneously sending PR packages to influencers to promote their new items is all a ploy to encourage overconsumption and drive revenue. It’s difficult not to be tempted to purchase the full range in case it sells out but how many autumn pillows do we actually need?
Autumn triggers nostalgia for simpler times. It promises relaxation and a cosy lifestyle.Companies exploit this, convincing consumers this certain product will provide the feeling they are craving to capture the spirit of the season. The result? An excess of replacing practically new items year after year to continue the cycle of over consumption.
The season provides visually rich and comforting aesthetic. This highly appeals to people in a cost-of-living crisis, showing a comfort that most can only dream of. It seems we have a longing for a time of comfort internally which, as we cannot seem to provide, we substitute with external comfort instead.
Why Autumn fashion is just – well – better
#fallfashion has over 3.3million posts on TikTok with fall/autumn clothing providing more content opportunities than summer fashion due to the complex outfits available for creators to build.
Autumn clothing allows for creative layering, different textures and patterns and an elevation through different accessories. It also offers a relief from the pressure of the ‘summer body’ aesthetic allowing people to feel more comfortable.
Being able to include hats, scarfs and tights into an outfit without over heating provides more outfit choices leaving many feeling more stylish once the weather changes. Structure coats and cardigans also allow for more silhouettes to be added to an outfit making it visually more appealing.
Series including ‘Gilmore Girls’, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Gossip Girl’ all have Pinterest’s boards dedicated to them creating an easy to build capsule wardrobe. Iconic autumn fashion is repopularise every Autumn by these pre 2010 shows.
The Autumn Pieces worth Investing in
Making Summer Fashion Exciting Again
The yearning for autumn is not a new craving. But maybe it is time we changed the way we approach summer dressing. Instead of rushing to replace our wardrobes when the seasons change, we can find new ways to enjoy the clothes they already own.
Summer fashion does not have to mean repeating the same basic outfits and accessories. It is an opportunity to experiment. Layer a lightweight shirt over a dress, play with accessories, mix textures or find new ways to style a piece you have worn countless times. The aim is not to buy more, but to make what we already have feel new again.
We should not feel pressured to put summer aside in June simply because autumn trends have arrived. Nor should we feel the need to replace our wardrobes every few months to keep up with the next aesthetic. Enjoying summer fashion is less about searching for something new and more about rediscovering what is already in our wardrobes.
What are Style Cartels top tips?
Sustainable fashion. Browse your local second-hand shops or pop online and check out items reselling online. Look at items that aren’t trending. It allows you to decide whether you like it or whether it’s just because it’s popular. It also helps the environment!
Check your wardrobe before you shop. You might already own pieces from last year that you’ve completely forgotten about. So many people have amazing items hidden away that just need styling in a fresh way.
Battle the summer with accessories. Maximise your accessories, stack your bracelets and layer your necklaces. Also, try out new fashion trends (like the neck scarf from this summer). Whilst you might not be able to bring out your different scarfs and hats you can certainly pair different items together to create an interesting look.
Let Summer be Summer
There’s nothing wrong with looking forward to autumn. The cosy knits, chunky boots and pumpkin-spiced everything have earned their place as seasonal favourites. But perhaps it’s time we stopped letting retailers decide when one season ends and another begins. Summer deserves its moment too.
Fashion should be about creativity. Great style comes from making the most of what you already own. Invest in pieces you’ll wear year after year and embracing each season as it arrives. So, before you reach for that pumpkin-shaped mug in June, enjoy the sunshine while it’s here – autumn will come around soon enough, and when it does, it’ll feel even more magical.
What’s your favourite season? Comment below and follow Style Cartel on Instagram for more fashion news.