Welcome back! I hope you are enjoying these conversations on the psychology of dressing and shopping more consciously. Our next topic is to consider how we can create a more “conscious” or “sustainable” wardrobe while still having fun and enjoying clothes.
Kate in Upcycling by @designblender.co and @matthui_yl
I have thought a lot about what is a good way to approach dressing and building a wardrobe as a Fashion lover who wants to be more conscious and sustainable. We know there are more than enough clothes on the planet. We don’t need to buy anything else. We also know there are many ways (temptations) out there to make us want to shop or update our look—something of a constant tussle between guilt and desire. We know we want to do the right thing, and yet, we so want that cute dress or awesome pair of sneakers
The question is, how to do the right thing while having fun with fashion or dressing up? From my own experience, I have been an avid consumer of fashion all my adult life; admittedly, not fast fashion, but as we know by now, over-consumption is not just present in the fast fashion industry. I have worked in Fashion my entire career and had the luxury of receiving reduced-priced clothing, the latest Season’s clothes, samples and access to people making things for me. A whole range of options surrounded me for beautiful and on-trend clothing. I would update my wardrobe every Season while creating new looks and constant excitement at chic/cool options. I always had something fabulous to wear and would have another excuse for a new outfit — a wedding, a party, a vacation, a new job — until I became aware of the impact.
When I first encountered Sustainability and the impact of Clothing Production on the environment, I gave myself a shopping challenge. I could not buy anything new for six months. It was an interesting and confronting experience. I began to understand how much of my life was spent looking at clothes, window shopping (brick & mortar or online), reading about fashion, and buying new and giving away old clothes. Most of all, how much I was not making conscious decisions about how I was consuming, but more in a constant cycle. Since then, I have reduced my shopping. A career change and the Pandemic changed me forever. I had two years when I bought very little, almost zero
Nowadays, I look for alternative ways to satiate my love for Fashion and looking good while doing the right thing, and I have found a few ways forward:
1. WEAR YOUR OLD CLOTHES: I had many amazing discoveries in my wardrobe during the pandemic. Encouraged by my dear friend @the_elephant_in_my_wardrobe, I created some posts about my old clothes. I discovered some 20-year-old Gucci and Prada gems, among other stunning items. I did have to lose some weight to get into some of them, but that was another bonus.
2. UPCYCLING: I met the amazing @Designblender and @fashionaclinic. They are both incredibly talented Designers for up-cycling clothes. This is not a scalable process, but it is a beautiful way of giving special garments a new life—especially occasion clothes like wedding dresses, etc.
3. VESTIARE & other luxury second-hand portals: This trend has exploded in the past few years. It is a way to purchase luxury while being conscious.
4. ORGANIC/SUSTAINABLE FASHION BRANDS: Many incredible “conscious” Brands exist. From Toteme, Stella McCartney, and Gabriella Hearst to Designers and Teams who are passionate and committed to making the Fashion Industry an inspiring and impactful place.
5. RENTAL: I have yet to gain experience in this, except when I was Maid of Honour for a friend. It is a fantastic way of wearing exceptional Designer items for occasions without owning them and worrying about the cost per wear.
6. SWAPPING: Swap your old clothes with friends and family.
7. THRIFTING: A passion for so many people by creating new outfits and giving new life to other people’s cast-offs.
There are so many interesting and exciting ways to be a conscious consumer of fashion or an eco-fashionista. It gives you power for your creativity and a sense of joy. To truly develop your own style and do the right thing is a beautiful gift to yourself and the future of fashion.
Thanks and kind regards
Kate