10 Easy Steps to a Conscious Closet
Your sustainable fashion journey starts here
The world of sustainable fashion can seem overwhelming and confusing. It might also look like it’s only for a selected few that can afford to buy expensive sustainable pieces from brands like Stella McCartney and alike.
But that’s where we’ve got it all wrong! In fact, being a conscious fashionista is fun, simple, and can come at a very low cost (read free) - you just need to know where to start!
10 easy steps to sustainable fashion
1 - Buy less
It might sound simple but it’s because it is simple - we just have to stop buying so many damn clothes! If you invest in stylish, quality pieces that will last for years to come, you will make a huge impact on the climate and to your wallet.
Crazy fact: The average consumer bought 60% more clothes in 2014 than in 2000, but kept each garment for half as long. (Source: Boyish) Also, wearing clothes 50 times instead of 5 (the fast fashion average) reduces carbon emissions by 400% per item, per year!
2 - Buy empowered
You are a powerful force for change and where you put your money matters! Make sure you spend your hard-earned money on companies that support women, fair wages, and clean environmental practices.
Vote with your dollar!
Check out places like Remake and Good On You to learn more about what companies to support.
3 - Swap
We all know by now that we should have our closets Marie Kondo’d and I’m all for that minimalistic lifestyle (especially with closets in New York!) But sometimes you’re itching for something new, something fresh to change things up a bit, so what better way than to swap with a friend? Donate what you no longer love, for something someone else no-longer needs - everybody wins!
For tips on how to make it even more fun - host a clothing swap party!
4 - Buy used/vintage
Fast fashion overproduces at an inhumane cost to keep up with demand. By buying used clothes and items, you don’t introduce anything new to the supply chain, you eliminate waste, and you lower the demand for fast fashion. Besides, thrifting is the trend today - so go out there and find some hidden gems!
5 - Mend your clothes
Show your clothes some love by cold-washing and repairing them. If we can learn to take care of our clothes and fix them when they happen to occasionally break, we can keep them for much longer!
6 - Buy purposefully
Try asking yourself: is it really my style and not just the trend of the moment? Will it go with other pieces in my closet? And what does it say about me and the values I stand for? If we can slow down and not just grab whatever is there right now we can make sure to fill our wardrobe with purposefully acquired clothes.
7 - Buy responsibly
Educate yourself on where a garment was made, by whom, and with what processes. When you know the facts it’s easier to stick to your values!
8 - Rent
A new trend is here and it’s here to stay - you can now rent your clothes and wear them for that special occasion, without the cost to the environment or to your wallet! Some sites even offers monthly unlimited subscriptions where you can rent clothes for your daily wears, so smart! Check out Rent The Runway and a few other options here.
9 - Buy for YOU
Think timeless, not trendy, when deciding on fashions that truly speak to your personality, style and persona that you’re representing to the world. The fashions that are most beautiful are those we wear with confidence because that’s when we look and feel our best.
10 - show it OFF!
Having something new each week and for each part is so 2018! Wearing something you love, over and over again, is the new trend so make sure you’re following along. In other words - don’t hide that repeat outfit! Show off how much you love it by rocking it again, and again… and again!
For more inspo, check out this video that we made in collaboration Role Models Mgmt x Remake
