From the Editor’s Desk: Sticking to the Staples: The Clothes I See Lasting a Lifetime

Growing up in a fast fashion-driven culture, it’s sometimes hard to avoid the most recent fashion trend that everyone is jumping on. In order to avoid overconsuming clothing in recent years, I’ve attempted to primarily buy clothes that I know will be long-lasting staples in my closet. These items are reliable, comfortable and versatile with whatever aesthetic I want to follow on a given day. 

First up, is my trusty Patagonia green coat. Despite only getting it in December as a Christmas gift, I know it will have a permanent home in my coat closet for years to come. With a tattersall printed interior accompanied by a spacious inside pocket, the corduroy puffer keeps me toasty while coordinating with most of my other clothes. 

My love for brands marketed to last doesn’t stop with Patagonia. My Carhartt black overalls are always one of the first to hit the laundry basket. The solid black cargo material sits on my shoulders comfortably while allowing me room for mobility in the way a pair of jeans or skirt could not. The never-ending number of pockets is a plus, too, allowing me to carry the belongings of my friends whose pockets are ridiculously small. 

Catch me on a lazy morning or busy Tuesday night? I’m most likely wearing a stretchy white, purple or red tank. The basics are not just comfortable to sleep in but can be sported with matching biker shorts or leggings to complete the look. While they may have first caught my eye from being a fashion trend, I can see these tanks sticking around for a while. 

Lastly are my shoes. If any of you have seen me recently, I’m most likely sporting brown Dr. Martens Chelsea Boots, which my boyfriend bought me for Christmas. While I fought through the agony of Dr. Martens-induced blisters for the first couple of weeks, I eventually broke in the boots that I now wear everyday. I’m often told how “granola” I look whilst pairing the boots with my Patagonia coat, which I take it as a compliment as much of the aesthetic revolves around investing in well-made products that will last a lifetime. 

Featured illustration by Hanna Houser, photo by Austin Hojdar | The Phoenix