It can feel like you can’t keep on top of the new trends every season, looking to the catwalk in envy of the latest crazes. However, with sustainability becoming a popular trend in itself in an attempt to save our planet from over consumerism, there are many ways to find the trends hanging in your closet, forgotten over the years of investing in key pieces.
Join as we talk you through five easy ways to live a more sustainable life when it comes to your fashion choices:
1. Declutter Your Wardrobe
Is your wardrobe starting to look a little out of control? It might be time to sort through your closet and let go of all those items you haven’t worn in years. The process also gives you the opportunity to rediscover pieces hiding in the back that you have forgotten about giving new life to your outfits feeling brand new. Many trends are a reinterpretation of years before and you might just find a polka dot number from a few seasons ago that will work. Look at the latest catwalk crazes for inspiration and see if you can create a similar ensemble from your newly refreshed wardrobe edit. Shopping from your own closet is the perfect way to save money and has a positive impact on the environment.
2. Hit the Second Hand/Vintage Stores
Rummage through the vintage stores and charity shops for items that you love. They usually have a fantastic range that is different from anything you’ve seen on the high street giving you a stylish edge above the rest. A lot of trends are influenced by past eras such as the sixties and seventies; therefore it is highly likely that you find a unique piece that resembles what’s on the runway. The magic of thrift shops is that each item is one-of-a-kind and it is unlikely that anyone else will own the same piece. Embrace this to create an original outfit that expresses your individual style. Also, in many charity shops, the price is really reasonable not making such a big dent in your bank balance.
3. Organize a Clothes Swap
Your unwanted items can be someone else’s treasure. Gather your friends together and ask them to bring a few pieces of clothing they no longer wear. Empty everyone’s items in a pile so that each person has the opportunity to rummage through the collection to see if there is anything that catches their eye. Friends may just have the piece of clothing that you have been looking for all this time. Once everything has been looked at, bag everything up and share amongst the charity shops. Take turns to host the clothes swap every couple of months or maybe find one in your local area.
4. Adapt Existing Items to Make New Pieces
Have fun with your clothes and adapt items to fit the latest trends. This could be chopping the hem to a shorter length, adding sleeves or embellishments to reinvent the piece, completely making it feel brand new. If you’re not handy with a needle and thread, you could take a course or take the item to a tailor to be altered. This is particularly useful if you need a repair or for the item to be taken in slightly rather than discarding. There are so many creative ways to adapt to clothing that can really change the item. If you fancy doing a sewing course, you may be inspired to start making your own creations that you’ve seen on the runway. You can change the design to suit your own personal style and again, create a one-of-a-kind piece.
5. Discover Brands Who Care About the Planet
There are many brands that are working in an ethical way to have less impact on our planet. High street giants are part of this movement to work towards a sustainable future changing the way they make garments to how they deliver them also. Therefore, once you have established what you already have in your closet, you can make informed choices that compliment your style effortlessly and will be worn time and time again. This then justifies your purchase and its existence rather than buying something that will be worn once and then discarded. Think carefully before you buy!
As you can see, there are many ways to shop sustainably that will show your appreciation for our planet, allowing you to be more creative and making full use of your wardrobe. When you do purchase something new, you will make considerable choices that will be part of your wardrobe for a lifetime rather than simply buying something on a whim. As consumers, it’s time for us to slow down and curate a style that that can be reinvented season after season.
