Mindfucked by Fashion: Stop Dressing to Belong

Let’s be real: the fashion industry has fucked with our minds. For years, we’ve been sold the idea that we need more—more clothes, more trends, more stuff. We’ve been led to believe that we’re not enough unless we’re constantly consuming, constantly chasing the next big thing. But here’s the kicker: it’s all bullshit.

From the moment we scroll through Instagram to the second we walk into a store, the message is clear: you need more. It’s not just about keeping up with trends anymore—it’s about belonging. We’ve been convinced that we have to wear the right thing, look the right way, and buy the right items to prove we’re not being left behind. The Gold Coast is the perfect example of this, where it feels like everyone is wearing the same thing—oversized sunglasses, activewear, and logo-heavy outfits. It’s like we’re all part of some influencer-led clone club, where individuality is traded in for safety.

But in a place where everyone wants to fit in, why not be the only one to fit out?

The industry has done a masterful job of making us believe we’re incomplete without the next “must-have” or whatever some influencer is wearing this week. We’ve been tricked into thinking that style is about keeping up, not showing up. That blending in means belonging. But real style isn’t about the newest drop or the biggest label—it’s about authenticity. It’s about wearing what makes you feel good, not what makes you look like everyone else.

In a world of fast fashion and constant trend turnover, it’s easy to get caught in the cycle. New styles drop every week, the algorithm feeds us endless outfit inspiration, and the pressure to keep up is exhausting. But the more we buy just to fit in, the further we drift from our own identity. Style becomes mimicry, not self-expression.

And look—it’s okay to buy new. It’s okay to want something fresh. But before you tap “add to cart”, ask yourself: do I actually love this? Is this really me? Would I wear it if no one saw me in it? Or am I just trying to blend into the crowd?

Try curating your wardrobe with more intention. Choose pieces that spark something in you, not just because they’re trending. And if you’re ready to really stand out, ditch the high street lookalikes and explore smaller, local brands that offer something different. These pieces are often made with more care, creativity and soul—and they don’t come with a side of mass-produced sameness.

Support the people in your own community. Buy from makers who are pushing boundaries and doing things their own way. And if your budget’s tight (or even if it’s not), shop secondhand. You’d be amazed at what you can find on Marketplace, Depop, or in your local op shop or vintage store. These are the places where individuality lives—where your next favourite piece is probably just waiting for you.

Shopping consciously isn’t just better for the planet—it’s better for your personal style. When you wear something no one else has, you’re telling a story. You’re stepping into your own lane. You’re showing up for yourself, not a trend.

We’ve been conditioned to follow. To copy. To consume. But the most stylish people are the ones who don’t try to look like anyone else—they look like themselves. And they do it on purpose.

So stop dressing to belong. Start dressing like you. And if everyone around you is wearing the same thing? Even better. That just makes it easier for you to stand out.