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Creating a Conscious Closet - Sustainable Fashion

In last week's blog, I shared a lot of information about Fast Fashion; what it is, how to recognize it, and why it's so dangerous.  Today, I'm going to share about Sustainable Fashion.

Sustainable Fashion:  also known as ethical or eco-fashion, refers to clothing and accessories produced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, with a focus on minimizing the negative impacts on the planet and people throughout the supply chain.

One thing that is important to understand and value when you start thinking about shopping in a sustainable way is that you begin thinking about your fashion purchases and their cost-per-wear.  If you plan to shop in a sustainable way, this is a mindset shift that must occur.  So, what is cost-per-wear?  Quite simply, when you purchase a piece for your closet, the price of that item goes down if you are purchasing quality pieces that you know you will wear for a long period of time and consistently.  This can be achieved by thinking in terms of versatility. 

Another aspect to consider with sustainability is the materials that are used.  Organic cotton, hemp, linen, and tencel are fabrics that are made of renewable resources and that don't require harmful chemicals in their creation.

A way to have a sustainable closet is when you have decided there is a piece in your closet that no longer serves you, you can either upcycle it or donate it.  When you upcycle a piece, you are repurposing it into something new.  For example, if you have a pair of jeans that you don't love anymore, maybe you have a little DIY sesh and make them into cutoff shorts.  You can also dye old sweaters or t-shirts into a color you love.  You can make tote bags out of old t-shirts or sweaters, too.  Some companies are even embracing upcycling.  Both Madewell and Levi's allow customers to send back their old items so they can make them into something new.  Even Coach has a (Re)Loved initiative to trade in old bags or where consumers can shop pre-loved handbags.  Fabulous, right?!  cabi clothing, the fashion brand I am an ambassador for, has begun creating a small collection each year from remaining unused fabric from past seasons into popular well-loved silhouettes.

So, how can you make a difference?  Take a look at these ideas and see what one or two things you feel you can change now.  It's easier to take small steps towards sustainable fashion that trying to take an all-or-nothing approach, which can seem overwhelming.  Here are some suggestions:

  1. Choose Quality over Quantity:  Don't shop for clothes where you buy your groceries.  Begin to shop for quality clothing.  It's better to have a few high quality pieces than a bunch of low-quality pieces that don't wash and wear well.  This is always what I suggest to my styling clients.
  2. Shop for versatility: Have you heard of a capsule collection?  These are clothes that all mix and match.  While you don't have to build a capsule closet, do start to think about the colors in your closet and consider purchasing pieces that are cohesive and go with other items you already own.
  3. Educate yourself:  As you are looking at different brands, really try to discover their practices.  Stay up-to-date on the happenings with Fast Fashion and Sustainable Fashion and it's impact.
  4. Vintage Shopping:  Not only can you find some great pieces when vintage shopping, but it's a great way to contribute to helping with recycled clothing.  Designer vintage pieces are made of quality materials, so these pieces are great additions to your closet.  If you like to look at designer fashion online, check out theRealReal.com
  5. Donate:  If you aren't into upcycling or you have pieces that aren't made from organic materials, definitely look to donate them.  There are so many people who are less fortunate who would LOVE to add your gently used pieces to their closet.  You can donate to Dress for Success or women's shelters.  I highly recommend sending well cared for pieces to Thred Up.  You can make a little money, but they have a commitment to not send pieces they don't purchase to the landfills.
  6. Support Ethical Brands or Brands that are Sustainable:  Again, this is an area where you can do your research.  Visit thehonestconsumer.com for a list of sustainable brands.
  7. Choose Sustainable fabrics:  When you are shopping, choose clothing made from organic cotton, bamboo, tencel, linen, silk, recycled polyester, wool, or hemp.  
  8. Learning how to care for clothes:  Surprisingly, most people do not know how to take care of clothes if they get a stain on them.  Here is a good resource for clothing care tips and here is another.

A study by the Ellen MacArther Foundation found that extending the active life of clothing by just 9 months could reduce carbon, water, and waste footprints by 20-30% each.

Buy Less, Choose Well, Make It Last.

                                                Vivienne Westwood 

I hope that this short series has been educational for you and may inspire you to take small steps toward building a more sustainable wardrobe. 

Stylishly Yours,





What small change do you think you will start making today?  I would love to hear in the comments!

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