Sustainable Fashion: Steps Toward a Greener Wardrobe
This phrase has been tossed around and written about for years now.
What does it really mean?
What can you do towards helping it along?
These are daunting questions. The fashion industry as it exists today is a very large polluter. From water-intensive cotton farming to chemical-laden dyeing processes and the staggering waste of discarded clothing, the environmental toll is too big. Just as in all the other polluters of the planet, we have to start somewhere. As your stylist, this is something I have been talking about for years.
Transitioning to sustainable fashion doesn’t require a complete wardrobe overhaul. Consider these practical approaches:
Quality over Quantity
Invest in well-made pieces that will last for years instead of fast fashion. This does not have to cost a fortune. Having a strategy is key.
Research Brands
This is something I can do for you. Some brands are insisting on better labor practices. Others are sourcing materials in a more sustainable way. Others have mission statements that include giving back and some are allowing you to trade in old clothes for new.
Care for Your Clothes
Proper garment care significantly extends clothing life. Wash less frequently, use cold water, and use environmentally conscious detergents. I am a bit of a laundry nerd and can help you with this. Repair clothing when you can.
Embrace Vintage and ReSale
When editing clients’ closets, nothing gets thrown away. We sell what we can so that clothing has a second life. What we do not sell, we donate to charities that need it. If you love vintage, we can use this. It is a big, big secondhand world out there. I will help you navigate it.
You can Make an Impact
The journey toward a fully sustainable wardrobe is a marathon, not a sprint. Small, consistent choices add up to meaningful change over time. Start where you can, and remember that imperfect action is better than perfect inaction when it comes to creating a more sustainable future for fashion. I am happy to help.
Contact me today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a stylish, sustainable future.