Sustainable fashion has been a new topic here this year! I am exploring it and sharing the journey with you. Whether you want to fully convert to a sustainable wardrobe, or just incorporate a few items, transitioning to a sustainable wardrobe is intimidating. A challenge even the most experienced fashionista will struggle with. How can you incorporate sustainability into your current wardrobe?
Below are a few simple tips to get started.
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Tips to Transition your Wardrobe
Identify Priorities
Sustainability can mean something different to each person. What I value in sustainable fashion (the community impact) may not be as valuable to you – and that’s ok!
A lot of people are passionate about organic materials. If this aspect of sustainable fashion is important to you, then let that be your focus when incorporating sustainability into your closet.
Pick one aspect of sustainable fashion and let that be your focal point of change. As time goes on, this focal point can evolve into other aspects of sustainable fashion.
Change of Mindset
Most of us are conditioned for instant gratification. This is ingrained into our everyday lives, whether fashion or food. However, one of the key characteristics of sustainable fashion is slowing down our purchases.
Fast fashion survives off of consumers buying into the latest trends several times in one season. While the sustainable fashion mindset focuses on the longevity of each item and maximizing the wear of every item you already own.
Therefore, sustainable fashion is more than just the brand of clothing you wear. Having a sustainable closet means:
– Taking care of what you own to get the most use
– Slowing down purchases: buying 1 new, versatile & quality piece rather than 4 new trendy pieces
Know the story of each piece
After reading into sustainable fashion and studying affordable brands, I have a new appreciation for clothing. Getting to know the story behind the brands builds a level of trust and empathy.
Some things to consider when shopping a particular brand:
What is the brand’s mission? Is the piece something you sought out? Does the piece speak to you? Do you know how the brand started? Where is the clothing made? Workers paid a living wage?
The t-shirt below was featured in this post about the pricing of sustainable fashion.
What Does this Look Like in My Closet?
I’m being more thoughtful and intentional about what comes into my closet. And I’m considering the versatility of pieces I buy. Also shopping secondhand when I can.
Will I shop at fast-fashion stores? And can you? In short, yes. But being more mindful AND making fewer purchases (and really loving each piece) will move you into a sustainable fashion mindset.
Taking these small steps to adjust my closet.
Small Steps to Change
Brand Focus
There are so many sustainable brands. I found one that I really connect with. That is ABLE. I read into the brand story and love what they stand for. When I need to purchase something, I will shop here first before considering other options.
Recycling
Recycling unwanted clothing is another task I undertook at the beginning of the month. It was so rewarding to give back.
Capsules
To ensure I get the most wear of every item I own, I’ve been utilizing a capsule wardrobe. Below are important resources to start your own capsule and create a versatile closet. Be sure to subscribe to our emails and be notified first when we drop the Spring Capsule!