3 TIPS FOR BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE WARDROBE
What does that even mean in an age of fast fashion and consumerism?
Okay, since you asked, I have a few thoughts and three tips to overcome this dilemma.
First, the truth is, FAST FASHION and CONSUMERISM are not the true culprits for why we can’t seem to “find anything to wear“. We are somebody’s target markets and thus drivers of the capitalist engine. Marketers target us INTENTIONALLY… you know people who wear clothes and LIKE THEM a LOT. But where does it stop? When do you get a chance to actually LOVE YOUR STUFF??!! Don’t worry. I got you. Here are three solid tips for creating a sustainable wardrobe, SO THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY LOVE YOUR STUFF…or rather, buy stuff that you love enough to wear, and wear enough to reduce your cost-per-wear (the cost you pay divided by the number of times you actually wear it).
TIP #1 – only purchase when you need something
Okay, if you hadn’t clicked off by now, stick with me and I promise I won’t snatch away your shopping autonomy. If you purchase only when you need something, for example, back-to-school items like a white button-up or a new white t-shirt for the summer because your whites are just not “whiting” anymore, then you purchase a new white shirt. Think about it. If you only purchase when you NEED something, not WANT something, you will do two things: 1. Clarify what you have in your wardrobe and 2. Clarify your reason for shopping.
If you know what’s in your wardrobe, then, you can feel good about your purchase and avoid impulse purchases altogether. Listen, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A SALE. Say it with me: THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A SALE. I mean, seriously. they happen all the time and at pretty much the same times each year 😆. And, whatever you think you just can’t live without today, there will DEFINITELY be something else, during the same season next year.
If you know why you’re shopping, then you’ll make INTENTIONAL purchases, not choices that just fill your wardrobe with a bunch of clothes or gratify some repressed, unresolved issue that we think we are dealing with through “retail therapy”, which usually creates regret. To avoid it all, just by WHEN you need.
TIP #2- know what you’re buying
Now listen, this may seem obvious on the surface, but stay with me. Sure, you see shirts on sale. But what is that shirt made of? Is that shirt going to serve you or STRESS YOU OUT? Is it made of linen, which will definitely wrinkle before you get it on your body? Is it made of silk, that will likely sweat out your sleeves if you’re going to an outdoor party in the height of the summer? It’s not just about the fabric, but will that fabric add to your wardrobe in a way that you can build upon? That’s the key. Buy things that you can build upon. Which leads to tip 3.
TIP #3 – check the label
Check the care instructions on the label, BEFORE YOU BUY IT. If you don’t, your item may not get as much wear because you have to hand wash it and you don’t have time in ANY day, EVER, to hand wash anything. Checking this label is so essential, I should have stated this first. You have to know what is the garment made of and how will you care for it so that you can get the most out of it as a part of your sustainable wardrobe.
For other tips, join us for a free workshop BEFORE YOU GO BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING!!
BACK-TO-SCHOOL WARDROBING CLASS Monday, August 7, 2023 at 12 pm CST.
We’ll share other wardrobing tips and guides for tackling retail sales AND share a few empowerment tips for showing up as your amazing self!! Make sure to sign up on the website. Go to the home page menu and click “Scheduled Events”.
We look forward to seeing you!!
