As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of fast fashion (as well as what it takes to produce clothing for such low price points) we’re hearing more and more about sustainable style, the importance of buying less, buying preloved or even not buying at all.
It’s definitely a ‘hot topic’ right now and I for one am delighted; I adopted a ‘buy less, choose well’ mentality from the outset as a personal stylist and stand by this mantra today. My view is that to look and feel our best we do not need lots of clothes, we need the right clothes.
Now before I get further into this blog post, I want to be REALLY clear; I love clothes, I love shopping and I am in no way claiming to have all of this figured out BUT by sharing some of the ways I try to be more conscious in my spending habits I hope I can help you do the same, if you want to.
If you would like to adopt a more sustainable and conscientious approach to your style then I hope these tips and the advice below will help…
1. Be Aware Of What You Already Own
This means having an organised wardrobe where you can see everything easily and editing it each season. Ensure you are wearing all your clothes and anything you’re not wearing either sell or giveaway either to someone you know, or to charity.
2. Take Care Of Your Clothes
Store them carefully, get wardrobe moth repellent, put occasion wear in breathable dress bags and protect shoes you don’t wear often in clear boxes. Explore having clothing mended rather than simply throwing it out when it develops a fault.
Oh… and follow the instructions on the labels of your clothes! Sounds obvious but honestly I see so many people who don’t and end up with misshapen, bobbled or ruined clothes. Take care of your clothes and they will last so much longer.
When they get to the point that they really have seen better days take them to textile recycling or donate to charities as rags – even though they may not be in good enough condition to sell on they can be repurposed to make something else.
3. Shop Smart
Make a list and stick to it.
Identify key items you need each season (not hard with an edited and organised wardrobe) and shop solely for them. Then have fun creating new outfit combinations from your wardrobe – it really forces you to get creative and mix things up which personally I find so much fun. If you head over to my instagram channel I recently did a video with my top tips on shopping smart for the season ahead.
4. Purchase Pre Loved
For big ticket items that may be beyond your budget if bought new check out Vestiaire Collective, eBay or local pre-loved stores and charity shops. In Yorkshire with have some fabulous retailers with some truly incredible pre-loved collections including The Pod, The Approved and Violet. You can also search your Facebook community pages for style swap parties or even set one up yourself.
5. Shop Local
If you’re buying new try your local boutiques first for a more personal experience that will help support an independent retailer – I love my local indie boutiques because they have smaller collections that have been hand-picked by the people who work there with their customers in mind.
You’re more likely to discover new brands and get something that very few other people own – so no danger of bumping into someone at that dinner party in the same top as you 😉
If you follow me on social media you’ll know that Katie & May are one of my faves but you can support indie retailers from all over the country now through their websites and shopping by the social media feeds too.
6. Don’t Settle
My final piece of advice, no matter the price tag is not to settle for something you don’t truly love and feel amazing in. Whether that’s something that costs a few pounds or a few hundred pounds, if you don’t LOVE it when you buy it then chances are it either won’t be worn or you’ll end up giving it away.
These are just a few things I do to try and shop in a more mindful, sustainable way – I’d love to know of any tips you may have too?
Until next time,
Anna xoxo