Dismantling the Myth of ‘More’ when it comes to getting dressed
By Alison Lennard, Philosophy Australia
The Endless Whisper of “Not Enough”
From sales emails to influencer hauls, women are constantly told their wardrobes are missing something. That new jacket, the latest colour trend, the next “must have” item, =every message whispers the same story: what you have isn’t enough, and by extension, neither are you.
After almost three decades in fashion, I’ve seen how powerful and damaging that myth of “more” can be. It taps into something deeply emotional: our desire to belong, to feel confident, to be seen. From a young age, women are sold the idea that we need to keep upgrading, our clothes, our homes, even our sense of self. But the truth is, more often leads to less. Less clarity, less confidence, less joy. The endless pursuit of “new” keeps us chasing instead of appreciating.
“When we stop measuring our worth in outfits, we start dressing for ourselves again.”
Why “More” Feels So Seductive
Fashion plays a starring role in this cycle. Fast fashion thrives on convincing women that what they bought last season is already outdated. Algorithms feed us daily with curated perfection, reinforcing the belief that reinvention equals relevance. When the world moves at this pace, slowing down can feel radical.
But the myth of “more” doesn’t just clutter our wardrobes — it clutters our minds. It leaves us anxious about what to wear, disconnected from our personal style, and convinced that happiness lies just one purchase away.
Choosing Less, but Better
Slow fashion offers a gentler alternative — one that values women’s time, money, and identity. It invites us to pause before we purchase and ask: Does this serve me? Does this reflect who I am?
At Philosophy Australia, we live by the philosophy:
“Life is fast, fashion shouldn’t be. Let’s slow it down together.”
Each garment we create is designed and produced entirely in Sydney, touched by fewer than fifteen pairs of hands from sketch to dispatch. We prioritise durable fabrics, small batch production, and timeless cuts that last beyond seasons.
When you invest in clothes that fit well, feel good, and last, you’re not just buying a product — you’re buying peace of mind. You know it was made with care, you know it will serve you for seasons to come, and you know it reflects your values. Slow fashion is, at its heart, an act of self-respect.
Working Against the Tide
Building a label on the belief that “less is more” in a world obsessed with “new” can feel like swimming upstream. The fashion industry runs on volume: the more units sold, the better. But I wanted to create a business that values quality over quantity, people over profit, and connection over clicks.
For me, empowerment and style go hand in hand. When a woman feels good in what she’s wearing — truly good, not performatively good — she stands a little taller. She walks differently. She shows up as herself. That’s the power of clothing when it’s made consciously.
“Each piece carries the fingerprints of real people who are proud of their craft. That’s something no offshore factory line can replicate.”
Working locally has reinforced those values. I know every person who touches our garments, from pattern maker to machinist to packer, and that connection gives our brand its heart.
Redefining Success
Success, in this context, isn’t about growth at any cost. It’s about integrity. It’s about creating clothes that outlast trends and make women feel like the best version of themselves.
Our customers often tell us that wearing Philosophy pieces brings them calm confidence — that sense of having enough. And I think that’s the quiet revolution we need more of fashion that helps women feel settled, not scattered.
Resisting the Black Friday Frenzy
Every November, the pressure to consume reaches fever pitch. Black Friday emails flood inboxes, urging us to “shop now” before the deals disappear. But nothing you truly need vanishes in a day.
My advice? Pause. Ask yourself why you’re buying. Do you actually need it, or are you being sold the idea that you do? There’s so much power in saying no to the noise.
At Philosophy, we don’t participate in Black Friday. We believe in fair pricing and thoughtful design all year round. Because when everything is “on sale,” what does value even mean?
“Buy better. Choose pieces that make you feel good and that you’ll love for years, not one wear.”
Dressing as an Act of Empowerment
Dismantling the myth of “more” isn’t about deprivation. It’s about liberation — from the belief that we must keep up, catch up, or buy our way to confidence.
Getting dressed can be an act of empowerment when it’s rooted in self-knowledge instead of self-doubt. It’s about building a wardrobe that reflects who you already are, not who an algorithm thinks you should be.
When we make peace with having enough, we make space; in our wardrobes, in our minds, and in our lives for what truly matters. And that’s where our real signature style begins.
About the Author
Alison Lennard is the owner and designer of Philosophy Australia, a Sydney based womenswear label known for its timeless, versatile clothing and commitment to Australian made craftsmanship. Guided by the ‘philosophy’ Easy Wear, Easy Care, Wear Anywhere, Ali champions slow, sustainable fashion that celebrates women, community, and conscious design.
Click to read Ali's article for Ramona Magazine
