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There’s a new fashion and lifestyle movement gathering pace called frugal chic. While many social-media-driven trends should be taken with a healthy dollop of cynicism, I do like the sound of this one. And it’s not, as its name may suggest, about being cheap, rather it focuses on living stylishly but buying with intention.
You have probably heard of ‘The Haul’ – when an influencer buys 20 or so fast-fashion items, shows them off to their followers, then discards them, and they are never to be seen or loved again. Well, think of frugal chic as ‘The Anti-Haul’. Here’s how you can adopt it.
Jacket, Huishan Zhang. Roll-neck, Soft Goat. Trousers, Cos. Sunglasses, Prada. Bag, Balenciaga. Shoes, Jil Sander
Your look The trend is all about wearing classic, well-made pieces, repeating outfits, mixing high-quality secondhand finds with investment pieces and prioritising versatility over fleeting fashions. Buying things with intention, clothes that you know you’ll return to again and again, is also key. Fun and creativity still reign, but be smarter about what you spend your money on. If something doesn’t spark joy, banish it.
Your lifestyle Frugal-chic living involves creating healthier habits – being more mindful about how we use our time and making sure we allow ourselves to reset and relax rather than running from one thing on our to-do list to the next. It’s about pausing to notice the little things, too, and enjoying pursuits that broaden our horizons rather than losing hours scrolling through reels that leave us feeling anxious and overstimulated.
Jacket, Huishan Zhang. Roll-neck, Soft Goat. Trousers, Cos. Sunglasses, Prada. Bag, Balenciaga. Shoes, Jil Sander
Your go-to brands For well-made pieces that look luxurious without breaking the bank try: & Daughter for knitwear; Isabel Marant for boho-style; Toteme for classic pieces; Cos for trousers; and WNU and Almada Label for soft, tailored pieces such as satin trousers and brushed cashmere. Every new city you visit, make a list of where you want to shop, including vintage outlets to up your chances of finding unique buys. I love Tarin Thomas in New York and Alexandra Alexandrie Paris in the Le Marais district.
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