If you love fashion, you probably know about the darker sides of the fashion industry. Unfortunately, looking good doesn’t always come without a cost. Unsustainable fashion is harmful to the planet and to other humans, especially if it’s manufactured using methods that don’t consider the people who work to make clothing.
However, just because some fashion is unsustainable doesn’t mean that you don’t have options. It is possible to enjoy luxury clothes that aren’t just sustainable and long-lasting, but that are also affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank to feel good about how you look.
Creating a Personal Style
Following trends and buying loads and loads of clothes every season isn’t sustainable or cheap. You’re spending more money on low-quality clothes that don’t last. Even worse, these trends don’t actually suit everyone.
You might be on-trend, but this doesn’t mean that you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. You might not suit or personally even like the current trend. Besides, that trend is likely to do what most trends do, which is to fade away after a short period of time, leaving you with clothes that you don’t like or need.
This pattern can be prevented by focusing on your personal style rather than what’s trendy at the moment.
Sometimes the best way to always be on trend is to never actually be on trend. Timeless, eternally fashionable styles will always look good. Even better, you can focus on investing in quality pieces rather than buying loads of cheap, unsustainably made clothes from the high street.
Create a curated wardrobe that features basic pieces that can be paired with multiple clothing to make different outfits. Think about the kind of clothes that make you happy. If possible, get clothes that fit really well, as these will look the most flattering on your body.
There’s no right or wrong way to style yourself, as long as you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing. If you’re comfortable and confident, you’re going to look good.
Second Hand Options
If you want a sustainable and affordable option, consider shopping in second hand stores and online marketplaces.
The downside to this is that there can be a lot of clothing that isn’t that great on these websites and in charity shops. It’s increasingly common for people to go through their wardrobes and put everything they don’t wear online, which is great for making a bit of extra cash and reducing waste, but it’s not so great if you want to find something truly luxurious.
However, this isn’t to say that luxurious, statement pieces aren’t still available in second hand stores. All it means is that you need to be more discerning about what you buy.
While online second-hand marketplaces like Vinted and eBay can be convenient, they do have the downside of not allowing you to try on objects and really look at them. The seller should add accurate photos and descriptions that mention any faults, and you should always be wary of grainy or poor quality photos, but there’s nothing like actually holding a luxury designer dress in your hands and inspecting it.
Do some research and figure out what items are worth looking out for, as well as what shops tend to stock more high-quality clothing. You’ll soon learn which charity shops and second hand stores tend to attract the best clothes.
Hiring and Renting Clothing
What if you want to look great for an event, but you don’t see yourself re-wearing an outfit?
Buying something for just one wear isn’t affordable or sustainable, especially if you wanted something really luxurious. You might have to make sacrifices somewhere, so you can’t be completely happy with how you look and feel on the night or at the event.
Another option is to hire clothing. This is already a common option for suits and tuxedos, especially if the men wearing them are unlikely to need a suit again anytime soon. It saves you from a pricey purchase and it means that an item of clothing isn’t been produced just to be worn once and wasted.
There are a few clothing hire or rent options available. One scheme that’s becoming more popular is clothing libraries, which is exactly what it sounds like. Much like a book library, which allows you to borrow a book for a while and then return it, you can rent a piece of clothing for as long as you need it.
These clothes have to be of good quality, and they are typically cleaned between each wear, so you’re still getting a clean, great quality outfit for your event. You just don’t have to sink anywhere near as much money into buying it.
This is cheaper and more sustainable, and you can enjoy a luxury product.
Accessories and Finishing Touches
An outfit isn’t complete when you just happen to be dressed. As well as the essentials, you need some accessories to finish off your outfit so it looks like more than just clothes. This is a great way to elevate any outfit and make it look fresh.
The trick is to find suppliers of quality, affordable accessories. Jewellery is a perfect way to add some class to your wardrobe, especially if you’re looking for something special. Stores like FJewellery produce and sell pieces that are beautiful, unique, and carefully crafted.
As well as jewellery, think about accessories that have other purposes. It’s winter, so it’s time to bring out hats, scarves, and gloves. While practicality is on the forefront of our minds, we want to be warm and comfortable, it’s also important to use these accessories to add finishing touches to the rest of our clothes.
You might want to play around with accent colours and different patterns. You could make a neutral look more interesting, or calm down clashing colours. There’s so much you can do with accessories, but it does mean putting in a little bit of thought and always checking yourself out before you leave your house.