A self-proclaimed “dinosaur”, C.S. Lewis did not consider himself a modern man. Yet he was well-read and culturally savvy, applying wisdom and insight issues of life. Lewis found that thinkers often discarded ideas just because they were deemed old-fashioned. Old ideas were no longer cool. Lewis referred to this as ‘chronological snobbery”: the uncritical acceptance of the intellectual climate common to our age that assumption that whatever has gone out of date is on that count discredited.”1 In fact, Lewis preferred the older texts, as he advises: “if he must read only the new or only the old, I would advise him to read the old”; furthermore, “a new book is still on its trial and the amateur is not in a position to judge it. It has to be tested against the great body of Christian thought down the ages, and all its hidden implications have to be brought to light.”2 Thus, Lewis was a critic of progress narratives, that newer wasn’t necessarily better.
Like timeless ideas, there are timeless pieces of clothing. The impulse to discard older ideas in the name of novelty is nowhere more visible than in today’s fashion cycles, where styles are swiftly relinquished in a restless pursuit of the new. Fashion’s obsession with trends doesn’t equal better; it’s just what’s newer, what’s “of the moment.” This ties into a present moment in time rather than a permanent staple piece that one can wear again at any decade because like an older classic book, it has proved its lasting power. Like a permanent staple piece that’s been proven to stay, Lewis believed that older books have stood the test of time. Instead of being influenced by others, it is better to know oneself (ala Socrates) and what looks good on one’s body type as opposed to whatever new pieces happen to be trending.
This doesn’t mean that one never tries any fashion trend, but rather in moderation and what fits in with one’s own wardrobe. Lewis writes, “it is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between. If that is too much for you, you should at least read one to every three ones.”3 Just like Lewis recommends a sprinkling of a new book only after reading (or re-reading) older books, so one can try a trend within the permanence of timeless pieces.
Up to a certain point in the 2000s, generations had their distinctive fashion markers: the forties, the fifties, the groovy sixties, the seventies, the colorful eighties, the grunge nineties and even up to the 2000s with peplum tops, oversized necklaces and business casual millennial club wear. Now, it is difficult to tell what distinguishes these recent years: The fashion cycles have increased their velocity, going from a carriage wheel to full on speed. Customers expect to find new merchandise at their local retail stores on a weekly basis.
The problem with faster moving fashion is not just about lacking a defining fashion style in our era but about the negative effects it produces: waste. This has been one of the issues with the fashion garment industry, particularly through fast fashion. H&M, one of the popular fast fashion retailers, has attempted to be part of a small solution inviting customers to bring in their no longer wanted clothing in exchange for a discount for their in-store shopping, admits that “ensuring old clothes are disposed of responsibly is a challenge… ‘It is a major problem in our industry and in others, that discarded products are not disposed of properly and become waste in different countries.’”4 Unfortunately, the problem is far too wide for one shop to make a dent. More intervention from other players will be required but being aware of the negative affects of fashion and choosing to shop with intention is a good start.
Thankfully, there are silver linings in this seemingly fashion-style suspended era: one can wear whatever style one wants. The options are endless, which is not necessarily all good, but it can be in a creative sense. Young people on social media adopt styles from the 70s and 80s and they really own the looks. In addition, many Gen-Zers have developed a love for thrifting for re-wearing pieces, while others repurpose items (convert an item of clothing into something else; for example, a formal dress can become a fancy blouse). Repurposing prevents items from going to waste, and in the process may even fuel one’s creativity.
Newer isn’t always better. And dinosaurs are still cool – my three-year-old nephew really digs them.
(1) Lewis, C.S. Surprised by Joy.,p. 241.
(2) Lewis, C.S. “On Reading Old Books”
(3) Ibid.
(4) Kent, Sarah. “Big Brands Are Taking Back Unwanted Clothes. Where Do They Go?” in The Business of Fashion, 25 July 2023.