Becoming a More Sustainable* Fashion Icon (& Brands That Teach Us How)
Photo provided by Nello Vintage
As a fashion-enthusiast, I completely unterstand the challenge that comes with mass consumption and instant gratification - ultimately a symptom of capitalism. For a long time I felt guilt and to be honest sometimes I still do. Knowing you have decent wardrobe but wanting a few more stylish pieces or accessories shouldn’t come with shame. Although corporations are producing the largest harm , we can actively minimize the harm we place on people and our environments. Instead, we can all use our interest in fashion and wardrobe collecting to become more sustainable. It is our duty as creators of the planet to preserve it as much as a can, while enjoying and activating our talents and creativity. All about Balance. Which is why I have provided alternate and more ethical ways of being an active (less passive) consumer.
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Become an Informed Shopper
Review brands’ sustainability rating on the Good for You app to evaluate the impact on the planet, people and animals
Follow Fashion Takes Action
Familarize and shop slow-fashion brands. Here’s a list of Black-owned slow fashion brands and generalized brands varying in cost
Support local, sustainable designers Dan McClean, Janelle R. Abbott, and apansasa
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Maximize your Closet
Upcycle the clothing and accessories you currently have, reworked fashion gives iconic
Only buy what you plan to wear, several times a year
Sell or purchase clothing secondhand through selling agents like depop, poshmark, or your local or bougie thrift stores
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Sharing is Caring (and sustainable!)
If you’re the type of fashion lover that gets a high from new pieces, try renting! You only pay a fraction of the price and you get to save space in your closet for things you love.
Check out Formation, Remoura & Bipty (peer to peer), Nuuly, FashionPass and Rent the Runway.
Find a clothing swap near you!
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Become the Designer
I always thought being about to bring your own designs to life was the coolest thing. Take a sewing class at your local community center. S/o to @summit-selvage_shop in Cap Hill, Seattle for created the perfect design space!
Prices are going up! Even for thrifted finds, smh. A game changer - SCRAP & REUSED FABRIC. Seattle ReCreative is a wonderful resource for Seattle creatives.
Don’t want to commit to a sewing machine? There are many ways to maximize your wardrobe by various style hacks. Wearing a dress as a shirt, styling a basic button up multiple ways, turning a skirt into a bralette. @Shesamadthrifter and @ieshathegr8 on Tiktok are experts that can train you how to maximize the amazing pieces you already own.
In this day in age, with social media and influencing, the pressure to always serve a new look is very real. We see celebrities and fashion influencer always taking part in hauls, the fast fashion brands creating 50+ seasons within a year. Klarna and Afterpay make lower classes feel like they can take part in luxury just like those with wealth, when in actuality it can trap us into more debt. This industry wide movement towards fast-fashion has served capitalism, yet resulted in “harmful impacts on the environment, garment workers, animals, and, ultimately, consumers’ wallets” (Stanton).
I understand how difficult it can be to withstand the pressure of fast fashion and consumption, and honestly I’m still working on it. Adopting more sustainable practices doesn’t have to feel so daunting. Replace your low quality and chemically produced Shein or FashionNova haul with a staple item from a ethical, eco-friendly slow-fashion brand that you plan to wear for years to come.
Cites
Stanton, Audrey. “What Is Fast Fashion, Anyway.” The Good Trade, 2018, https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/what-is-fast-fashion.
