The Intentional Style | Ep. 7 — Why Fabric Matters More Than the Brand
- Erin Gore
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
There was a time when I thought great style came down to the brand name on the label.
If something was expensive, I assumed it would automatically look better, fit better, and last longer. But over time, I started to notice something subtle—and once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it.
Two pieces could look nearly identical on the hanger. Same color, similar cut, styled the same way.
But once worn, one would feel effortless and elevated… and the other would fall flat.
The difference wasn’t the brand.
It was the fabric.
Why Fabric Matters in Everyday Style
Fabric is one of the most overlooked elements in building an intentional wardrobe, but it’s often the reason an outfit looks polished—or slightly off.
It determines:
how clothing drapes on your body
how it moves throughout the day
how it holds its shape over time
and how it photographs
Even in the simplest outfits, fabric is what gives something presence.
The Difference Between Elevated and Basic Outfits
If you’ve ever wondered why some outfits look expensive and others don’t, even when they’re styled similarly, fabric is usually the reason.
A well-made tank paired with structured denim and a leather flat will always feel more elevated than a similar outfit made with thinner, less stable materials.
It’s not about dressing up more.
It’s about choosing pieces that hold their own.
Natural Fabrics vs. Synthetic Materials
Over time, I’ve found myself reaching for natural fabrics more often—cotton, linen, wool, and silk.
They tend to:
breathe better (especially in warmer weather)
maintain their structure longer
and age in a way that still feels intentional
That doesn’t mean synthetics don’t have a place. Some blends add stretch or durability where it’s needed.
But when something feels off in an outfit, fabric is usually the first place I look.
How to Tell If Clothing Is Good Quality
When I’m getting dressed—or deciding whether to buy something—I don’t start with the brand anymore.
I ask:
Does this hold its shape when I move?
Does the fabric feel substantial or thin?
Will this still look good after multiple wears and washes?
Is this something I’ll reach for repeatedly?
These small checks have completely changed how I build my wardrobe.
A Simple Outfit, Done Intentionally
Today’s outfit is simple:
the Women’s Slim Fit Ribbed Tank Top – A New Day™ (Olive) from Target
the Slim Parfait Jeans (Denim Blue) from Sézane
The Demi (Dune and Black Nappa) ballet flats from Margaux
and a Double Flap Saddle Bag (Pebbled, Cappuccino / Gold) from Cuyana (no longer sold in stores)
But this is exactly where fabric matters most.
The structure of the denim, the weight of the tank, and the finish of the leather all work together to make something minimal feel elevated.
This is the shift—from adding more, to choosing better.
What I’m Wearing (and How to Recreate It)
The exact pieces I’m wearing are linked where available, and I’ve saved similar options inside my Intentional Style collection on ShopMy.
The Cuyana bag is an older piece I’ve had for a few years and is no longer available, but I’ve included a few similar options that capture the same structured, everyday feel.
This is also why I focus less on chasing exact pieces and more on finding items with the same structure, fabric, and feel.
If you’re building a wardrobe with intention, those details matter more than the label.
How to Start Building an Intentional Wardrobe
If you’re just starting to think about fabric, don’t overcomplicate it.
Start by noticing:
what you already love wearing
what still looks good after time
what feels comfortable but still structured
Those patterns will tell you more than any trend or brand ever could.
Final Thought
Style isn’t about having more.
It’s about understanding what actually makes something work.
And more often than not, it starts with the fabric.
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