How to Refresh Your Wardrobe Sustainably
breath of fresh air
Refreshing.
This word brings to mind the changing of seasons and a change within ourselves. When the weather shifts, I find that many of us become reflective about our lives. Modern marketing uses trend cycles at these opportune times to promote their new collections, brands, products and offerings.
However, the pace at which the fast fashion industry is moving is deeply harmful to our planet. As a consumer it can be difficult to know what choices to make and what our responsibility is, in this whale of a problem.
The good thing is that being a conscious shopper will help us all spark joy! Refreshing your wardrobe should be a fun and creative way for you to express who you are.
Here are four steps to refreshing your wardrobe sustainably:
1. Declutter
Yes. You heard me correctly.
When we clear out the clutter in our closets, we feel refreshed. It is like a big breath of fresh air when we physically make room for our favorite items.
Marie Kondo suggests that we do not show our items proper care when we bury them under stuff that doesn’t spark joy.
Once we assess what we do have, we can be grateful for it.
From there it is much easier to see the full picture of your wardrobe, which will lead you to being a more conscious consumer.
2. Look for sustainable basics
Often when we are shopping, we think to spend our big bucks on flashy items. While those specialty items in our wardrobe can make us feel great about ourselves, ask yourself:
“how many times a year you will wear this item?”
When you invest in well made basics, you will find that a closet refresh won’t need to take place as often. If we truly take care of our basics our wardrobe will function properly for us most of the time. Instead of bulking up on three packs of white tees, try buying two excellently made t-shirts that will last for years.
3. Shop second hand
Shopping second and vintage has bever been easier than in 2022.
There are so many pop-up stores and online retailers who are offering secondhand items.
Many vintage items can find a new life in your closet and this way you are not contributing to fast fashion.
4. Take it to a tailor
Taking care of our clothes is a beautiful way to refresh the wardrobe.
Do you have a favorite jacket that has a rip in it? Take it to the tailor.
Do you have a dress that fits just a little off, so you don’t reach for it? Get it resized.
Do you have old boots that could use a sprucing? Get them professionally cleaned.
Integrating items, we already have back into our life is a great way to recycle old parts of ourselves. It will be a refreshing experience for you, your closet and the planet.
