By Safa Thaher, Sustainable Fashion Enthusiast
Expert Contributor in Family Flavours Magazine
Making sustainable fashion choices can feel challenging. A sustainable wardrobe, however, is simply a carefully curated collection of clothing that is environmentally responsible and designed to last.
It’s about buying less fast fashion and investing instead in quality pieces that can be worn and loved for years to come.
Dressing Consciously
The good news? Building a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t have to be expensive. With a few mindful shifts and practical strategies, anyone can dress more consciously.
Here are some simple, budget-friendly tips to help you create a more sustainable wardrobeTop of Form:
Wardrobe Reflection & Refresh Guide
- Setting aside time to focus on your wardrobe without distractions. This could be on a weekend or an evening during the week
- Gathering unused items by going through your wardrobe and collecting items that you haven’t worn in over a year. This may include clothing, accessories and shoes. Place these items in a designated area
- Assessing your collection by asking yourself: Do I love this piece? Does it hold sentimental value?If the answer is yes, set these items aside for potential styling
Transforming or Recreating
- Think about how you can incorporate favourite pieces into your current wardrobe:
Can they be styled differently? Can you alter or upcycle them into something new?
- Deciding on non-favourites regarding items you no longer love or won’t wear again.
“Thank them” then place them in a giving box or bag, ready to be donated
Appreciating & Enjoying
- Take a moment to appreciate the curated wardrobe you have created. Enjoy mixing and matching your remaining items and feel lighter knowing you’ve made space for what truly matters to you.
This process allows you to declutter and connect with your style and the memories attached to your clothing
- Creating a capsule wardrobe to reduce the amount of clothing you need; a capsule wardrobe is a small collection of versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of looks and is great for reducing the number of clothes you need, which saves resources and cuts down on pollution
- Sticking to neutral colours that are easy to mix and match, allowing you to create multiple outfits from fewer pieces.
Neutral colours are shades that are not typically found on the colour wheel. They tend to blend with a wide range of other colours. They are
White: A pure, clean colour that reflects light and creates a sense of space
Black: A classic color that adds depth and sophistication
Gray: Available in various shades from light to dark
Beige: A warm, light tan that brings a soft, earthy feel
Taupe: A blend of gray and brown
Cream: A soft off-white that adds warmth without being too stark
Brown : Ranges from light tan to dark chocolate and brown adds a cozy, natural element
Stone: A soft gray-brown typically resembling natural stone
Ivory: A warm, creamy white that offers a more subtle alternative to pure white
Sand: A light, warm beige that resembles the colour of the beach
- Investing in versatile pieces that can be worn in different ways and that which will compliment other items in your wardrobe. A black dress can be dressed up or down and will look good both ways
This stylish three-piece outfit includes a top, skirt and kimono, designed to be worn together or separately. Sets like these are versatile and can be worn in various ways to create different looks.
Styling Tips
1. You can pair the top in this image with jeans for a casual look
2. Match the skirt with a simple t-shirt for casual wear or a fitted blouse and heels for an evening look
3. Layer the kimono over the top and skirt
Having a set like this allows for endless creativity in your wardrobe. Enjoy mixing and matching
Considering your Lifestyle
If you have an active lifestyle, you’ll need different clothes compared to someone who works in an office all day. Think about the activities you do daily and look for sustainable clothing that will fit your needs.
You can find sustainable options for every lifestyle as your styling personality is a reflection of who you are and how you want to present yourself to the world. It can evolve, influenced by trends, life changes and personal growth.
Embracing and owning your unique style can lead to greater self-acceptance and confidence. Sustainable fashion is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money. By following these tips, you can create a sustainable wardrobe that will last you for years.
You can contact Safa Thaher at [email protected]
