Shopping for clothes is one of the most popular ways to relieve boredom and stress. Planning and putting together a new outfit can be so exciting, especially when you have a special event at which to wear it. But with all the messaging out nowadays around ethical and sustainable purchasing practices, the question arises: is it possible to scratch that shopping itch while still doing right by the environment and our fellow humans?
Keep reading for a list of four ways you can jazz up your wardrobe that is eco-friendly, ethical, and guaranteed to keep your wardrobe fresh and glamorous.
1. Need New Shoes? Go Handmade
When buying ethically crafted shoes, there’s no need to sacrifice style for sustainability. For instance, you can find fashionable and affordable Italian shoes for women that are also made by hand with eco-friendly materials. That way, when you’re picking out kicks to complement your new favorite outfit, you can stride forth with confidence knowing your stunning look comes with benefits for the environment.
2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
It’s easy to understand the appeal of fast fashion. For one thing, there’s the price tag; it’s possible to buy the same shirt in six different colors without breaking the bank. Availability is another factor since many parts of the country only have access to clothing stores that sell fast fashion.
However, these garments are typically cheaply made from low-quality materials that may contain harmful chemicals. Fast fashion apparel doesn’t last long and needs to be replaced often, so you’ll actually end up spending more money in the long run when you try to save in the short term.
When you can, try to buy higher-quality items in smaller quantities rather than buying several lower-quality items. Seek out brands that use eco-friendly materials like wool, Tencel, and organic cotton, and research the company’s manufacturing policies to ensure they are committed to sustainable and ethical practices.
3. Cruise Your Nearest Upscale Consignment Boutique
If you aren’t a regular thrift shopper, you may hear “second-hand clothes” and immediately think of charity shops. With no disrespect to those institutions that do important work, there’s actually a whole world of consignment boutiques out there that source top-quality, barely-used clothing from the latest designers and brands.
You can even sell your gently used pieces to your local consignment boutique and then use the money to buy any like-new fashions that catch your eye.
4. Host a Clothing Swap for Friends
Similarly, another way to switch up and revitalize your wardrobe without negatively impacting the environment is to invite friends over for a clothing swap. You can turn this into a fun, entertaining night by mixing and matching each person’s unique sense of style to create a whole new outfit. Model your creations for each other as a makeshift living room fashion show, and make sure everyone goes home with at least one new item they’re excited about adding to their collection.
Choosing second-hand clothes is widely accepted as more sustainable than purchasing new ones, even if you’re buying from eco-friendly and sustainable brands. So go through your contacts and figure out which fashionistas in your inner circle would be excited to participate in a style exchange. Add a bottle of wine or two and make it a fun event you’ll want to repeat soon.
Go Green in Style
Trying to stay on top of the latest trends while prioritizing both environmentalism and fashion can be exhausting and challenging to balance. Why not combine the two by choosing sustainable styles as you revamp your wardrobe? Start with these four ways to serve looks while staying green.
