I'm Having an Existential Style Crisis
UGH, y’all. I need to vent. I’m a stubborn millennial struggling with a capital S with these new fashion trends. I know fashion trends are cyclical, but I still feel really weird about the fact that the 90s are back in style. I think part of the reason is because I was alive during the 90s, and I remember when these things were in style back then. And I feel like I cannot go back to those days ever again, LOL.
But in all seriousness: I feel like I’m having an existential style crisis. I browse websites and very few items are appealing to me, which is a problem because I feel very uncool in everything I currently own. I put together outfits and feel like I can’t share them because they’re dated. I’m still wearing items I love…but now what I love isn’t in style! 😩
A Millennial Has an Existential Style Crisis
Stubborn Millennial vs. Current Fashion Trends
Every jean or pant silhouette is bootcut this, wide leg that, slouchy this, flare that. I’ve dipped my toes into a few non-skinny pant silhouettes that I ended up liking (demi-boot/kick crop jeans, wide leg pants, even boyfriend jeans—though I need to find a new pair of boyfriend jeans to love). However, there are still a lot of styles I’m actively avoiding, including flares, anything full-length, and especially anything low-rise. *shudder*
It also doesn’t help that sooo many of my jeans and pants (and shorts…and dresses) don’t fit me anymore. It’s SO ANNOYING! I was really fortunate to be the same size for so many years, and I’m so sorry to those of you that have always dealt with fluctuating weight! I’m someone that enjoys shopping for the most part, and I’m getting frustrated because I no longer have any idea what size I am. Of course, it doesn’t help that I could be 2 or 3 different sizes in the same exact brand or even the same exact style. Gotta love it.
Oh, and SHOES!!! Lugsoles are everywhere. I don’t hate lugsoles; in fact, I think they’re quite practical for boots, and I own a couple of pairs of lugsole boots. I like the extra grip. BUT, does every pair of shoes need to have a lugsole? Loafers, sandals? If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my Madewell try-on in stories over the weekend. I ordered these lugsole loafers in cherry wood in the recent LDW sale. I really wanted to like them, but loafers with a giant sole just don’t look right on me. I just wanna wear my dainty loafers that don’t make my feet look huge. (FYI, if you want to order those loafers, I recommend sizing down a half size unless you plan to wear really thick socks with them! I was sliding out of my true size 7.)
Also…platform shoes are a thing again. And ankle boots with longer, slimmer shafts. Apparently our ankle boots with low heels and short shafts are a big fashion no-no. Luckily, I do own one pair of ankle boots that have the “sock” feel with the long, slim shaft to pair well with straight or wide leg pants, but my other 20 pairs of ankle boots (rough estimate, lol) are not that.
Where Are Millennials Shopping for Clothes?
My fashion-forward millennial friends: Where are we shopping for trendy items? Where should I shop for trendy items without spending too much money? What other retailers have excellent return policies? Can I successfully avoid going to the mall? Lol.
I’m finding myself browsing the same sites over and over and over again: mainly Madewell and Everlane. I really want to branch out, but I can only stand to buy from brands that have an easy and free return policy, because, like I said, I have no idea what size I am.
Nordstrom is another great retailer—I was able to return a pair of shorts I bought a year ago but never wore because they were too small—but I always forget to browse it when there’s not a big sale! (FYI, the Nordstrom Summer Sale is going on now through 9/12—take up to 60% off—and many of the items had previously been in the Anniversary Sale.)
Shopping aside, can I somehow make what I already own feel fresh and new? I can’t afford a whole new wardrobe (nor do I want a wardrobe full of trendy pieces), but I also don’t really like a lot of the current trends. That’s my goal for this fall and winter and beyond: somehow try to make outfits out of what I already own look somewhat updated. Or, do I just embrace the fact that I will never be cool again and wear whatever I want? Haha.
Recent Purchases from Madewell
ANYWAY. I’m just rambling now. I do have some new Madewell pieces that I’m excited to share soon, like the lightweight pants I’m wearing here. I never thought I’d be into cargo-like pants again, but here we are! I’m glad I took a chance on these; they’re so comfy and not too long. I bought the curvy style in size 26, though I almost could’ve taken a 25 so they definitely run a little big (there are buttons along the waist to tighten if necessary so I won’t be exchanging). These pants are also available in a regular (non-curvy) version.
I am returning the loafers because they’re too big, but I am considering reordering them in black in a half size down. The black is backordered until October so I might shop around and see what else I can find! I’m willing to give lugsole loafers another try, haha.
I just ordered these straight-leg pants because I love the color. I’m not typically a fan of pant pleats, and these look like they might be borderline too long, but I need to try them. I’m sad I don’t fit into my olive green skinny jeans and these might be the perfect updated version!
Another item I have my eyes on: these platform (!) chelsea boots! Isn’t that green color gorgeous?! 😍