6 Simple Ways to Create An Environmentally Friendly Wardrobe
The earth is our friend and, like any good friendship, it’s important to care for it as best we can. That means taking initiative to preserve the environment through recycling what’s possible, investing in reusable goods, and being mindful about the clothes we wear.
We all get caught up with the shiny new objects in the department store windows or shopping the awesome sales to get a quick fashion fix, but balancing the impulse buys with little steps to save our planet is an easy way to make a positive difference in our world and community.
GET THINGS TAILORED
In love with a piece you bought that doesn’t fit quite right? Before you throw it in the go pile, consider tailoring. If the silhouette is suited to your body type, but fit is slightly off, there’s often a solution in adjusting the top, bottom, sides, or back of the piece.
Pants fitting through the thigh and butt, but not through the waist? Have them pinched at the waist.
Torso too long on a top or dress? Have the shoulders taken up.
Pants too long at the bottom? Have them taken up.
Worn out bottoms on your shoes? Have them reheeled.
If you’re new to tailoring and unsure of what adjusts might be right for your garment, simply take it to your trusted tailor and hear from them about what can be done. If you’ve got a good tailor, they should be able to advise you about what can or cannot be done to an item. If nothing can be done to fit the item to you, try this next step.
SELL WHAT CAN BE RESOLD
Most consignment shops in Austin want next-to-new items you’ve purchased within the last few years. If you’ve got anything you no longer want or that no longer works in the next-to-new category, it’s time to hop to the consignment shop!
Consigning your unwanted items not only means they’ll be put to good use in someone else’s closet, but they’ll also help you make some extra cash along the way.
Not sure where to consign in Austin? Check out this list.
SHOP CONSIGNMENT
Make the most of your trip to consign your unwanted items by shopping the store while you’re there! Shopping second-hand items often means you’re getting a higher ROI (return on investment) than a new piece, in addition to giving an old item a second chance at life and not creating more waste through new production.
CLOTHING SWAP
Now, I’m not always the biggest fan of clothing swaps.
I think they can be awkward if the quality of items is uneven among the group, but if you have a trusted group of girlfriends whose price point for shopping and taste aligns with yours, go for it! Just like consignment, you’ll give an old piece new life without contributing to new production.
SHOP VINTAGE
Almost everything in fashion comes back around at least once or twice, so take the opportunity to get on trend by shopping vintage pieces. The ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and yes, already the 2000s, are speckled throughout the fashion world right now, so it’s the perfect time to find what you love from a wide variety of options.
Need to know where to shop vintage? Get my list of the 40 best boutiques in Austin (including vintage!) here.
HIRE A STYLIST
My motto is less clothes, more outfits. When I enter your wardrobe, I get rid of what’s not working for you and style the rest, so you use 100% of what you’ve got, which makes you less likely to shop impulsively later.
You leave the session knowing what pieces from your current closet work for you, why they work for you, and how they work with other items in your wardrobe.
So often women use new purchases as a bandaid to fix their wardrobe when a wardrobe doesn’t need fixing — it needs styling.
While new pieces are sometimes necessary, it’s using what you’ve got more creatively and confidently that often makes you feel more put together, intentional, and knowledgable with your style.
Interested in using what you’ve got in your closet to get dressed every morning in outfits you know look good? Book a call with me this week. We’ll chat all about your individual wardrobe needs and closet goals. From there, I’ll recommend a plan of action unique to your life and style.
Cheers and joy!
Raquel
