Sustainable fashion is becoming a necessity. Not only for the environment but also for those who are looking for a more mindful approach to their wardrobe. Embracing sustainability in fashion will keep you trying to balance maintaining a stylish and modern look while being eco-conscious.
The good news, with sustainable fashion you are not compromising on your style. Sometimes it can even enhance it. When you focus on versatile items and having thoughtful choices. And especially, with the power of individual expression, you can cultivate a sustainable and stylish wardrobe.
Invest in quality over quantity
An effective way to make a wardrobe more sustainable is by choosing your pieces better, but also getting less of them. Fast fashion has been promoting buying a lot of cheap clothes that end up in landfills but it’s important to make a change and make better choices.
You should invest in high-quality items that are meant to last and keep their shape, color, and style over time. This reduces waste but also ensures that your wardrobe staples are always chic season after season.
While quality items might have a higher cost, the cost per wear will save you money over time. Make sure you get items that are classic, like a well-fitted blazer or little back dress, even a sturdy pair of jeans… as they will stand the test of time.
Higher quality items don’t have to mean that impact on the planet. You can also choose materials like linen, ethically sourced wool, or organic cotton, that don’t generate that impact.
Choose timeless styles
Trends are always changing and keeping up with them can be wasteful and costly. Timeless pieces are what you should get, especially that you’ll be loving and wearing for the upcoming years. Staple items will offer a foundation for your wardrobe that you can mix and match for every occasion.
If you focus on timeless pieces, you won’t have to worry about your closet going out of style. You’ll also be reducing the impulse to buy the latest trends every new season. If you want to experiment with some trends, try to do so with accessories. They are pieces that are less resource-intensive to produce and can be swapped more affordably than entire outfits.
Capsule wardrobes
This is a powerful tool sustainably. It’s based on the idea of creating a wardrobe of around 40 high-quality and carefully chosen pieces. You’ll be able to mix and match them to create many different outfits. If you limit it to versatile items, you’ll also spend less time wondering what to wear.
They also encourage mindfulness in shopping. Be more intentional with what you are getting. The trick to a successful one is versatility. Each piece should transition through multiple seasons and occasions. It should have a neutral color palette, and some statement pieces in patterns or bold colors.
Choose ethical brands and eco-friendly fabrics
Many fabrics have a significant environmental impact, as they are non-biodegradable and create water pollution. When you choose more sustainable fabrics you are making the difference. The materials you need to look at are hemp, Tencel, organic cotton, and linen. These are produced with lower environmental impact.
In addition to choosing pieces made with sustainable fabrics, you also should choose brands that prioritize ethical production practices. They should use fair labor practices and environmental initiatives like the reduction of energy and water consumption. Many brands now share their production processes, which helps make informed choices of where your clothes come from.
Thrifted or secondhand buying
One of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact on your wardrobe is by buying second-hand clothes. You can get them at online marketplaces, consignment shops, or thrift shops, and at a very affordable price too. It not only reduces the demand for new production but it also keeps clothing out of the landfills.
Also, thrift or vintage shopping is a great way to find one-of-a-kind pieces too. These can give your wardrobe a personalized and unique flair. Secondhand stores offer endless possibilities that will add to your style without adding to the environmental waste.
