Sustainable fashion is a complex issue that goes far beyond eco-friendly labels. We asked our senior stylist and sustainability expert, Clare, to share her wisdom on how to adopt more sustainable shopping habits, teaching us how to adopt a more sustainable approach to our wardrobes, focusing on making thoughtful and long-lasting choices. Clare has over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. As a stylist, she emphasises the importance of choosing quality over quantity and is passionate about circular fashion, helping you to curate a wardrobe that does all the talking for you.
THE CHALLENGES WITHIN OUR WARDROBES
Forget Victoria Beckham's luxurious walk-in wardrobe. The reality for most of us is often a wardrobe bursting at the seams, poorly organised and badly planned. We're confronted with a mismatch of uncoordinated, ill-fitting, and unworn pieces. Not to mention all those clothes 'we'll fit back into once we've lost a few pounds' or the rail of clothes we just can't part with for sentimental reasons. Clare explains that mentally, this situation puts us in a bad place: one of confusion, low self-esteem, and guilt for buying those clothes in the first place. Because we fail to take action, we are then confronted with these feelings every day!
MAKING CONSIDERED CHOICES
To have a truly sustainable approach to fashion, we must look beyond eco-friendly brands and pre-loved or vintage finds. Sustainability encompasses the principle of making more informed decisions about our fashion consumption. It's about gaining a deeper understanding of your personal style, preferences, and daily lifestyle needs. Choose clothes that resonate with you, ensuring each piece has the potential for repeated wear. The concept of having a personal 'uniform'—a set of much-loved and versatile items—can be freeing and efficient as well as kind to the plane
THE MERITS OF A CAPSULE WARDROBE
Curating a capsule wardrobe is a great start on the road towards sustainable fashion. This method is not about how much you spend, although we always advise that you buy foundation pieces of the best quality you can afford, but about making considered choices—investing in classic items that are adaptable, that fit you well, and are long-lasting will stand you in good stead. Building a wardrobe that genuinely reflects your personality and lifestyle is paramount.
RETHINKING SHOPPING HABITS
Clare challenges us to think a little differently before making a purchase by asking, 'Is it worthy? Will it make my life easier, or will it add to the clutter?' Reflecting on the broader implications of sustainability in fashion, Clare adds, "There is always a lot to consider when mentioning this phrase in fashion as how sustainable can a new purchase ever be? Do we need more things when there is too much already in existence? There are certainly manufacturers and brands who do things better, but simply put, the most sustainable piece is the one already in your wardrobe." A mindful approach to shopping sets you on the path to making more sustainable choices. This approach helps you create a wardrobe that not only makes you look and feel good but also aligns more closely with the principles of sustainability.
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