For as long as best dressed lists have existed, outfit repeating has been treated as a near fashion crime. And yet, as we enter an era where trends move at the speed of a TikTok scroll and ‘newness’ is dangled before us like a sartorial carrot, the concept of re-wearing the same outfit can feel almost rebellious. But is outfit repeating really the fashion faux pas we’ve been led to believe?
Fashion icons like Jane Birkin and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy built their long-standing legacies through fine tuning their styles into distinct, timeless wardrobes and shamelessly wearing their favourite pieces on repeat.Taking inspiration from them, we can stand firm in the belief that a signature outfit isn’t boring—it’s a statement. The fact that fashion enthusiasts have spent decades emulating their styles is proof that repetition isn’t the enemy of style; it is, in fact an art of knowing what suits you, and wearing it confidently.
So, if you’ve ever hesitated before reaching for that beloved work blazer or questioned whether the statement dress that’s featured in your last two Instagram posts has had too many outings, consider this your permission slip. Outfit repeating isn’t just acceptable – it’s chic, considered, and dare we say it, an art form. Still not convinced? Here’s what the FQ team had to say:
The FQ team on outfit repeating…
Sarah Murray, Editor-in-Chief
“If I’m investing in a piece, I want to get plenty of wear out of it. I always consider cost-per-wear—the more I reach for something, the more worthwhile it becomes. Some of my most-loved pieces, like those from Maggie Marilyn and Harris Tapper, are timeless staples I keep coming back to. On the weekend I wore a Maggie Marilyn polka dot dress that I first purchased six years ago for my daughter’s christening…”
Georgia Bramley, Creative Director
“In my opinion, being an outfit repeater is the best proof that your wardrobe truly works. My most-worn pieces? The Paris Georgia Elemental Chunky Cardigan – it’s effortless, practical, and pairs with everything. The same goes for my Silk Laundry Bias Cut pants, which I own in multiple colours and reach for on any occasion. I love pieces that are versatile and stand the test of time, and if I need something for a one-off event, I’ll rent it. But when I invest in a piece, I wear it to death.”
Natalia Didovich, Digital Producer
“I am a serial outfit repeater. I believe if you find an outfit that you love and makes you feel good, it’d be a damn shame to wear it only once. My FQ colleagues can attest that I’ll even go as far to buy my favourite styles in multiple colours (most notably the Dominique Healy Niveah Tee, which I own in both chocolate and red). This also extends to eventwear – why spend thousands of dollars on a new dress for every wedding in your calendar when you can buy one timeless piece that you’ll have in your wardrobe for years to come? My outfit repeating brands of choice: Dominique Healy, Marle and Ganni.”
Tiffany Low, Commercial Director
“For me, when I shop, I think about investing in staple pieces (a bold blazer, LBD, versatile trousers/jeans that I can wear at the office or when going out) for longevity and since most of my wardrobe is black, white, cream, or navy, it’s easy for me to outfit-repeat through the seasons since the key pieces I have are easy to style with different accessories and shoes depending on the occasion.”
Bridget Hewitt, Brand & Strategy Director
“My absolute go to event dress is the Paris Georgia Remmy dress, I invested in the blue version and have worn it multiple times – with heels for dressier events and sandals for a day time picnic. I loved it so much I rented it in pink as well! I am conscious that when I invest in a piece, that I do wear it consistently and give it a good life.”
