Creating a sustainable wardrobe is an essential part of living a more sustainable lifestyle. It helps you reduce your ecological footprint and ensures that you are making ethical fashion choices. But it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to planning your wardrobe. That’s why we’ve put together this ultimate guide to help you plan your wardrobe and create a sustainable fashion system. We will cover topics such as how to shop sustainably, how to choose the right fabrics, and how to care for your clothes properly in order to extend their lifespan. With this guide, you’ll be able to create a wardrobe that is both fashionable and responsible.
Plan your outfits - only buy what you need
Are you tired of overcrowding your wardrobe with clothes and accessories that you don’t really need? If so, planning your outfits in advance is the perfect way to ensure that you only buy what you actually require. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can save time and money by avoiding impulse purchases and making smarter shopping decisions.
I often take snaps of various outfit combos so that I have on hand a prompt for those days I’m a bit stuck on what to wear. I’ll experiment with accessories, shoes, clothes - it’s amazing just how many combinations you can come up with. And I love fashion, so I really enjoy doing this. Just do what works for you!
There are apps out there that do this for you or just create a folder on your phone of outfit options.
Choose what you’ll splurge on ahead of time - maybe it’ll be shoes. Maybe it’ll be accessories!
Making smart choices about where to spend your hard-earned money can be difficult, but with a little bit of planning, you can make sure you get the most out of your budget. One way to do this is by deciding ahead of time what you want to splurge on. Whether it’s shoes, accessories, or something else entirely, taking the time to choose what you really want will help ensure that you don’t overspend and regret it later.
I’d rather splurge on accessories, bags and shoes, so I tend to buy basic staples for clothing and allow a necklace or handbag do the singing.
I also look at what I like from my fave retailers and favourite them on the web and then when they come on sale, I pounce!
Get the right fit the first time
Shopping for the right fit doesn't have to be a stressful process. With the help of new technology, you can now accurately measure and find the perfect fit for any clothing item without ever leaving your home. Not only does this save time and energy, it also eliminates the need to return items that don't fit properly.
There can be significant variations in sizing between retailers. So, if you can, try on a number of items and check against the size on the label to see if that sounds right to you. In some shops, I’m a 10 and in others I’m a 12 - even in similar clothing items. From then on, you can shop more confidently trusting the sizing will be consistent.
Check the sizing chart on a retail outlet’s website if you can’t physically get into the shop to try things on. Compare this against a brand you use most often to ensure sizing is consistent and will work for you.
Choose items that can be worn in many different combinations
Having versatile items in your wardrobe is essential to creating a plethora of unique outfits. With the right selection of clothing, accessories, and shoes, you can create endless combinations of looks without ever purchasing anything new. By choosing pieces that can be worn in multiple different ways, you not only save money but also space in your closet.
Buy better quality garments that will last longer
Investing in better quality garments is a smart choice for those who want to look their best and save money in the long run. Quality materials are more durable and last longer, so you don’t have to worry about replacing items as often. Plus, higher-quality fabrics look nicer and feel better against your skin. With these advantages, it’s easy to see why buying better quality garments is worth the extra cost.
Don’t throw your clothes out to landfill - donate them (or sell them!)
It’s a fact of life that we all accumulate clothing that no longer fits or is out of fashion. But, instead of throwing these clothes out to landfill, there are much better alternatives – donating them or selling them! Donating clothes helps those in need while selling them can help you earn some extra money and keep your wardrobe fresh. So next time you’re tempted to throw out your old clothes, consider these alternatives instead!
Upcycle them - look at how Julia Fox makes clothes out of all sorts of things!
Upcycling is no longer just a cute, eco-friendly hobby - it's become a full-blown fashion trend! Julia Fox is at the forefront of this movement, creating creative and unique pieces out of everything from plastic bags to autumn leaves. Her designs not only look interesting but they also help reduce waste and repurpose materials in an innovative way. She’s made upcycling cool at least!
We’d love to hear how you have made consuming smarter! Are you more targeted, buy less or repurpose?
Share your tips by using #declutteryourwardrobe!
