The Community of Closets

What’s the point in having friends if your wardrobes don’t become one? Personal style is a reflection of authentic self expression but I believe we’re shaped just as much by the people around us as our own choices. Sharing wardrobes isn’t just about fashion; it’s about connection.  Through radical self expression, I embrace the many ways the people around me inspire me - I wear their influence with pride. 

Rummaging through my friends’ closets and playing dress-up has been more than just fun—it’s revealed parts of my own style I never knew existed, all thanks to their unique influence. While self-expression is often seen as an individualistic pursuit, I believe it’s equally a mirror of the community you’re part of. Sometimes when I hear my own laugh, I hear my friends laugh peaking through, and similarly, when I look at myself in my friends tank top, I see the things I love most about the people around me reflected in myself. 

How does the community of closets reflect the importance of sustainable fashion? By borrowing and swapping clothes, you’re actively rejecting overconsumption culture and consuming fashion in a way that is circular. It encourages mindful consumption, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the items you already have. Sharing wardrobes fosters a culture of collaboration and reminds us that style doesn’t have to come at the expense of our carbon footprint. Instead, it becomes a celebration of community and a more sustainable way of being. We learn through sharing our clothes that the best wardrobes do not come from accumulating as many pieces as possible in order to stay on top of micro-trends, but rather the collection of select articles that have personal significance.