Are you ready to clean up your style? Is sustainability something you explore online but aren’t sure if you’d execute in real life? Well, good news. You are on the right track. Awareness is the first step in curating a conscious closet.
Despite what some social media influencers and fast fashion retailers show and tell, dressing sustainably does not happen overnight. It is an ever-evolving journey. There is no quick fix, only slow solutions. Give yourself room to grow — inside and outside of your closet — and have fun by applying 5 simple ways to kickstart your sustainable style.
Note: this guide includes affiliate links. All brands were selected independently by our guest writer.
1. Shop Your Closet
Orsola de Castro of Fashion Revolution said it best, “the most sustainable garment is the one already in your wardrobe.”
Fashion trends can easily pressure you into buying something new every season and discarding your previous purchases.
In fact, seventeen million tons of textile waste went to landfills in 2018 according to data distributed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Yikes!
Finding new ways to wear what you currently own not only helps increase the longevity of your clothes, but also creates a signature style. Keep at least one of the following in constant rotation.
Tops
If you need to invest in new, check out these sustainable brands:
Layering Piece
If you need to invest in new, check out these sustainable brands:
Shoes
If you need to invest in new, check out these sustainable brands:
Veja (Shop @ Farfetch)
Tip: Have clothes with a rip or tear? Don’t throw them away! Loved clothes last. Grab a needle and thread or stop by your local alterations shop for repairs.
2. Clothing Swap
What better way to score cool, new threads than to shop within your community? Guaranteed there is someone in your circle with admirable style. Tell them! Then, send out an invite to exchange your favorite looks.
Family
If there are people in your family that share your taste in fashion, start here. Spend a day trying on and letting go of clothes.
Friends
The great thing about friends is that they’re similar yet different enough to have clothes you like, but don’t own. If you see something you want, point it out! Ask them if they would be willing to swap clothes every now and then to keep your wardrobes fresh.
Local Community
Get to know your neighbors – and their closets! Host a community clothing swap. You could organize one each season when people are normally cleaning up. Use a web-based platform such as Eventbrite to plan and promote.
Global Community
Join a group like COMN or Rehash. These are applications that encourage people to borrow and not buy. Best of all? They’re free! Download today and snag something new to you.
Tip: Get creative! Bring food and drinks. Share photos on social media. Encourage people to do the same to spread the message and grow the group.
3. Thrift Shop
Who doesn’t love a good thrift haul? Some of the coolest clothes can be found secondhand. The search can be time-consuming, however, so make sure you have a few hours to spare before you begin.
Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is a fashion resale retailer that buys, sells and trades clothes, shoes and accessories on-the-spot for cash. You can access a location physically or virtually. Each will have its own unique flair, so you should visit a few for a range of options.
Goodwill
Goodwill is a non-profit organization that provides career services, job placement and skills training to people in need. The retail stores and donation centers fund the mission. You can shop in-person and online. If you sign up for their mailing list, you’ll be the first to know about their special events and sales.
Thrilling
Thrilling is an online marketplace that focuses on vintage and secondhand clothes, shoes and accessories. It aims to support diverse, independent boutiques and currently hosts over 400 stores – mostly owned by women and people of color. New items are added daily, so bookmark and check back regularly.
thredUP
thredUP is an online consignment and thrift store. It offers an immersive shopping experience. You can buy pre-loved and upcycled clothes, calculate your fashion footprint and even shop celebrity closets!
Tip: If you can, browse early in the morning – especially at physical stores. You’ll get first dibs on newly displayed merchandise.
4. Rental Service
Headed somewhere special? A rental service may come in handy. You can rent anything from a gown to a handbag or a suit for a fraction of its retail price.
Armoire
Armoire is an unlimited rental service that offers plans starting at $69 per month. You’ll be able to select from hundreds of high-end brands and receive on-demand styling. And, you can cancel or pause at any time.
Style Lend
Style Lend is as easy as one, two, three. Step 1: Browse the categories. Step 2: Select your style(s). Step 3: Pay for your rental. You’ll have seven days to enjoy and can return postage free if your selection doesn’t fit.
Wardrobe
Dubbed by Fashion Week Daily as a “fashion app that just might save the planet,” Wardrobe is a one-stop shop for luxury and archive vintage clothing rental. Just place an order, pick-up locally at a Wardrobe Hub in New York City, or have it delivered anywhere within the U.S. then return. Rentals can be made for 4 days, 10 days, or 20 days. Score!
Tip: Be mindful of the carbon footprint of shipments! Rent on an as-needed basis.
5. Subscription Service
Do you need a helping hand with styling your sustainable wardrobe? You’re in luck! These companies are dedicated to the cause.
Fashom
Fashom is on a mission to spread body confidence and positivity. Styling services are offered to everyone by real people. Your first session is free. Simply complete a style quiz to get started.
Frank & Oak
Frank & Oak provided a monthly subscription service but recently changed to a membership-based loyalty program called Style Plan. It offers the same access to stylists, but with more exclusive releases and less of a carbon footprint.
Le Tote
Wear. Return. Repeat. Le Tote is a rental and subscription service in one! For a monthly fee, you can select your own gently used clothing and accessories to rent. There is no time commitment, so you can cancel or pause as you please.
wearwell
wearwell is a monthly subscription service offering custom style selections with new (and used) ethical and sustainably made clothing. There is an $8.50 fee, which is applied toward any purchases each month. Returns are free. Start your style quiz to join.
Tip: Take advantage of flexible membership or try-before-you-buy policies. Being able to cancel or pause anytime can be helpful on the wallet and allow you to discover which option is best.
These are just a few ways to keep you moving on your sustainable fashion journey. Hopefully, you feel empowered and inspired to try or learn something new! Remember to take it one step at a time. Change is an ongoing process. Before you know it, you’ll have created a style that is good for you, your community, and the planet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
JeLisa Marshall is a fashion industry professional based in Seattle. Her passion for sustainability and style led her to start The Stylist Way (@thestylistway), a style consultancy that empowers people to wear their values.
She also volunteers as a Remake ambassador and loves all things art, nature, and space-related.
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