The key here is to buy clothes that you will wear long term. I like to think of it as a way back to basics! If you have clothes that you think will go out of style next season – put it down! The key to a more sustainable wardrobe is to not cycle through and purchase a whole new wardrobe every few months – you know what that means… maybe it’s time to cut down on fast fashion splurge purchases. Fast fashion items are clothes that are generally low quality and cheap to produce – meaning companies can mass produce trendy items more quickly. So to avoid that cute trendy outfit you just purchased from ending up in a landfill, try cycling in long-lasting pieces from ethically sourced clothing companies!
BUY INTENTIONALLY
Remember, basics! Buy things that are your staple pieces that you know you’ll be able to cycle back to and style in a multitude of ways so that you can always go back to that item. Intentional buying rather than mindless purchasing (which I have been so guilty of) will help you build a wardrobe that is reflective of you, AND good for the environment. Here are a few things I’m adding to my checklist that might help you:
Is it my style?
Can I wear it with other things that I already have?
Does it compliment the vibe/aesthetic that I’m trying to create?
Will I wear it often? Is it versatile?
Is the clothing made out of sustainable materials?
KEEP YOUR EYE ON ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE CLOTHING BRANDS!
This one is easy! Keep sustainable brands with a TRUE commitment to sustainability on your radar, and do a little research! A lot of clothing companies nowadays are profiting from the “eco-wave” and see marketing themselves as green as a business move. So, don’t get duped! Put in a little extra time and check out some brands that are truly invested in sustainability in their business practices and sourcing. Two clothing brands I’ve had my eye on for a while now are Everlane and Amour Vert! They both have great style and design PLUS they are versatile so you can easily build basics that will last a VERY long time.
GET IT TAILORED!
I recently started doing this! Older pieces can easily be refined and turned into something new! I recently took an old romper to the tailor and had them cut it into a top and now I wear it 10 times more than I did before! I’ve also seen this done with jeans! You can easily cut pants into shorts and hem them, or dye/bleach blue jeans for a new twist, it’s all about getting a little creative with what you already have!
BE THRIFTY, THRIFTY
Thrift Shop + Consignment stores. Seriously! Thrifting and fair trade goods are irreplaceable! Not only can you find some seriously cool stuff, it’s great to repurpose clothes that would otherwise end up in the back of someone’s closet for years and years. Depending on where you go, you can get some great finds! Some thrift stores and online companies that I would recommend are Buffalo Exchange, The RealReal (for high end & luxury pieces), ThreadUp, and Goodwill.
REMEMBER: SLOW PROGRESS IS STILL PROGRESS
I think a lot of people don’t invest in sustainable options as much because they think that everything they purchase has to come from a sustainably sourced brand thereafter. Well… I’d say personally incremental change is still change! You don’t have to quit cold turkey but being environmentally conscious about what you are purchasing and how you will be utilizing your items once you buy is a great place to start!
GET CREATIVE!
The great part about styling outfits in your closet is that you have more freedom and more control over how you style certain things! So have fun with it and get creative!
Love Always,
Ciara
*Featured dress is the Marianna Chiffon Dress from Amour Vert: Check them out: HERE