Hello my beautiful and responsible fashionistas! Today I am providing a guideline that uses “10 steps towards a more sustainable wardrobe” – and no this does not mean everything you buy has to be 100% organic cotton etc, although that could be one part of it, and we can try to incorporate that as much as possible, but the truth is, that organic items can be on the pricier side, and may not always be affordable. So keep reading to find out how we can be more responsible with our fashion choices! We may never reach the zero in zero waste but that’s no reason we shouldn’t try our best to reduce our imprint as much as we can. Every little step counts!
Step 1
As I mentioned above, start incorporating more items that are made with eco friendly materials, such organic cotton, hemp, linen, soy fabric or bamboo! Another consideration could be investing in items that are made from recycled materials as well! #choosetoreuse. What’s good for the environment is good for you!
Step 2
Try to always aim for “Quality over Quantity” if the items aren’t necessarily certified organic, be sure to invest in items that are meant to last! One of my favorite fashion quotes: Buy Less. Choose Well. Make it Last – Vivienne Westwood
Step 3
Purchase items that you can mix and match to create different looks with less items. Be sure to check out this 5 piece = 30 outfit line up by VETTA for some inspiration!
Step 4
Coordinate interchangeable outfits throughout the seasons – another great reference by Style Bee who provides a “12 easy outfits for spring/fall” guide line! You’d be surprised at how many outfit ideas you can create by simply switching out a few accessories!
Simply just buy choosing timeless pieces, that will stay in trend this = longer lasting & less shopping overall!
Step 5
Support companies that include sustainable production such as, cruelty free, fair trade, equality and safe working conditions for workers, and even mindful about their water usage! Like Levi’s has done recently! So far, they have saved more than 3 billion liters and recycled more than 1.5 billion liters of water through their new innovation! It may not be perfect, but it’s a start!
Step 6
Repair items vs throwing away. If you’re the type of gal who can repair things herself, I say go for it, or simply just take to your local tailor or repair shop! For example, an old purse of mine’s strap broke, so I had a local repair shop fix it up for only $10! Thus saving it from going to the landfill and money on buying a new one!
Step 7
Take care of the items you already own so that they last longer. Be sure to listen to their instructions like gentle wash, hand wash, air dry and remove stains or dirt as soon as you see them. I also personally make sure to use non toxic, all natural *and cruelty free* laundry soap as well so that any of my high quality items are not wrecked by chemicals! *I’m not sure if that is necessarily beneficial for the clothing, but it’s better for the environment, our skin and our precious animals! ❤
Step 8
Donate items you no longer wear to people in need or find another purpose for them, like cutting up old t shirts for cleaning rags.
Step 9
Shop second hand! One of my favorite sustainable shopping methods! Salvage old items that could otherwise be landfill bound and save a buck! Plus I love the hunt and the fact that you never know what you’re going to find! Thrifting tip: I’ve often found items that I like that are too big but I have them taken in at the local tailor! Beats paying full price!
Step 10
#30weartest – last but certainly not least – ask yourself – will I wear this at lease 30 times? if the answer is yes, go for it!!! If it’s just a one hit wonder? maybe think a little harder!.. *side note: this does not apply to wedding dresses: but feel free to hold on to that bad boy to pass down to your future daughter or sell it second hand, if you’re ready to part with it*
The bottom line?
Just be sure to invest in items that you will get lots of use out of and will make you happy! Fashion is meant to be an expression of our creativity and our personality! There’s nothing I love more than putting together the perfect outfit, for each season and occasion! If we all work together to do our part with a mix of all of these steps, we will be doing a lot better by the environment! A lot more than just buying things because they’re on sale, never wearing them and then tossing them away a year later! There’s also a lot to be said for a minimal wardrobe.. something I plan to get better as well! Staple items are everything! Either way, shop smart, try to buy less and enjoy the process!
Want more fashion inspo?
Be sure to follow me on Pinterest and check out my fashion inspo boards @naturallycadie
xx
Cadie Piecuch
CADIE PIECUCH 