Keeping on top of fashion trends can be a time-consuming task. However, from time to time we do need to update our wardrobes. Whether out of necessity or simply a desire for a new look.
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Whilst fast fashion can be easy on our bank balance, investing in trends that will hold their look for longer than a season is becoming something more and more fashion lovers are moving towards.
Choosing timeless pieces to add to your wardrobe that can be accessorised to match new and emerging trends will help you to make more sustainable choices when it comes to fashion and reducing clothing waste.
So how can you look to not only stay on-trend when it comes to your fashion choices but also be as sustainable as possible? First let’s look at how you can make more ethically conscious choices when it comes to buying fashion items.
Check What You Are Buying.
If you are serious about more sustainably, then look at the manufacturers and brands process to see if they really are as ethical as they make out to be. This will help you find companies who are more passionate about developing truly sustainable clothing items.
Once you are happy with how they produce and process their clothes, you can make a more informed decision on whether or not you want to go ahead and buy from them.
Things you be looking at include;
- Water Usage
- Chemicals
- The lifespan of the clothing
- Agriculture
- Fabrics used – bamboo is increasingly popular with sustainable manufacturers. But keep an eye out for 100% recycled clothing too.
How Often Will You Wear It?
This is a great question to ask yourself before you buy something. Livia Firth began a #30Wears challenge, have you heard of it? Every time you want to buy something new, ask yourself realistically how many times you will wear it. If you can honestly say you will wear it frequently, then go ahead and buy it. If not, then ask yourself if you truly need it!
Did you know it can take up to 200 years for certain clothing materials to decompose? Those cheap polyester tops that prove to be popular will be around a lot longer than the average person. So if you’re throwing these away regularly, ask yourself if you would be better off paying more for the same item made more sustainable that will not only wear and wash well but last you longer than cheaper materials and be kinder to the environment.
Staying on Trend Whilst Being as Sustainable as Possible.
Chances are, as key trends come and go, you may find yourself relegating certain items to the back of the wardrobe. Of course, this isn’t ideal when it comes to sustainable fashion however it doesn’t mean you should look at adding new pieces to your wardrobe when you come across a trend you love.
Keeping key pieces in your wardrobe that you can wear time and time again is a good way to make sure you are utilising your wardrobe. Items such as cocktail dresses, a tailored suit and a good pair of jeans can hold their own as wardrobe staples as you mix and match them with new on-trend items.
Try to offset new purchases with good choices when it comes to your existing wardrobe. Can you upcycle unwanted clothing into new pieces or donate them to someone who does this? Donating items to other people for them to enjoy will ensure clothes stay out of a landfill and get the wear they deserve. Offer to friends, donate to charity or simply store away until fashion trends come full circle.
Think carefully about what new pieces you add to your wardrobe. Can you shop the same look from a preloved or vintage store? Will you pass the #30Wears test. If not, why invest in fewer items that will work well with what you have and also cross seasons.
For example, 2020 is going to see a rose print trend come over from the catwalk. Investing in separates in this pattern, ie a black and rose print mid-length skirt, can be worn on a warm summer’s day for a cool and flowy look. During the colder months team the skirt with a pair of ankle boots, tights and a plain jumper to accentuate the print. Making a good colour choice will extend the longevity of your purchase from one season to the next.
Change Your Mindset
This is possibly the hardest part about moving towards being more sustainable with your fashion. Let’s be honest, it can be expensive to buy more ethical clothing pieces. This is why fast fashion is so alluring. The lower prices can be very enticing.
So why not look at how you allocate your spending when it comes to fashion. Invest in pieces you will wear on a regular basis. Buying better quality clothing will mean you get more wear out it thus negating the need to repurchase throughout the year.
The same applies to footwear. Spending a little bit more on high quality pair of winter boots that you can wear year in year out will offset the cost and reduce the need to buy new pairs due to wear and tear.
Over time you will find you have built up a wardrobe of outfits that work well together to keep your look fresh as well as being good for the environment too. Luckily these days, designers are getting on board with making more sustainable efforts in their collections meaning you don’t have to compromise on style or forgo investing in the latest trends in the name of being eco conscious.
In Conclusion
Thinking carefully about your fashion choices can help you make more sustainable choices when it comes out what you wear. Thinking outside of the box when it comes to keeping up to date with new fashion trends will mean you can still update your wardrobe whilst making an effort to move away from fast fashion and reduce your carbon footprint.
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