We must all take responsibility for our fashion choices. Sometimes that means holding your hands up and admitting to your ill advised donning of the ‘skouser’ in the early 00’s. That’s a skirt over wide leg trousers for the uninitiated. And, as an aside they’re back on catwalks in 2023/24 which just proves that no one learns. Another side of our fashion responsibilities is the eco impact of those choices. Consumer culture and fast fashion has had a huge impact over the years, so how can you become more eco conscious?
Have a declutter
Getting rid of clothes might feel like you’re just adding to the pile of waste, right? Well, not necessarily. If you’ve accumulated an overflowing wardrobe of which you wear about 5%, this isn’t doing you any good. The trouble with bulging wardrobe and overcrowded drawers is that it’s not actually any good for your clothes. You’ll end up with crumpled and musty fabrics that you become even less likely to wear!
Having a declutter doesn’t mean that you fill the gaps with more stuff. It means that the items that are left can be properly looked after and worn well. Take good quality items to the charity shop and anything that’s really worn can be put in fabric recycling so that nothing ends up in landfill.
Shop second hand
Charity shops aren’t just a great destination for your unworn clothes, they’re an excellent source of original, vintage, and designer clothes at a fraction of the price. What one person can’t see themselves ever wearing again is another person’s new favourite staple. Since there’s such an eclectic range of styles in charity shops, it’s a great way to be more adventurous with colour, style and cut. It’s amazing how long clothes can last once they’re out in the world, and so it makes eco sense to get the most wear out of garments that we possibly can.
Rediscover your forgotten clothes
A huge benefit to having a declutter is that there’s probably several garments that you’ve forgotten about lurking in there. It’s actually a wonderful feeling to rediscover your old clothes. As we all know, fashion is cyclical. So you’re likely to find tops, jeans and dresses that are actually really on trend. Yes, our shapes change over the years and these clothes may not fit in the same way.
That’s where an investment of foundation wear can actually help you to get new life out of your old clothes. A good bodysuit or high waisted shaping shorts will smooth and lift your curves so that a 15 year old classic LBD hangs beautifully.
Invest in quality
It’s not realistic to never buy new outfits ever again, we’d never suggest that! When you do buy new clothes, though, take a moment to consider the quality and durability of the product. For example a classic winter coat that is made well will give you solid wear for many years. And there are always ways to dress it to keep it feeling fresh. Populate your wardrobe with good quality classics and you’ll have an excellent base to work from. Get to know the lines that work for your figure, and invest in some really stunning garments that can be dressed up and down.
Becoming aware of eco conscious fashion is twofold and thoughtful. Taking the time to properly consider the impact of a new purchase decision is often all it takes to stop yourself from making a rash choice. Similarly, taking the time to look at what you already own can give you a new wardrobe without adding to the flow of clothing debris. So actually if you still have your old skousers, maybe they are the most eco choice after all, even if we reckon you’ll live to regret the photo evidence!
Becky is a content manager who writes informed industry based articles for businesses and consumers. She’s written for Elle Courbee on women’s issues and fashion for a number of years.
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