Style Yourself Conscious: 5 Tips From A Sustainable Stylist
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve grown tired of the unethical and unsustainable ways of fast fashion. Or maybe you just want to educate yourself on how to style yourself a bit more consciously. I’m a sustainable stylist and part of my job is to help people style themselves without it affecting human rights or the planet! I’ve got a couple of tips to share with you today, no matter what stage you’re at in your journey to a friendlier wardrobe. You might’ve already taken steps to reduce your consumption, or you’ve just discovered some ugly truths about the industry and want to take action. Either way, I’m happy you’re here, so let’s get into it!
DO take steps to discover your personal style. Knowing and nurturing your personal style is a game changer! Dive into your existing wardrobe and identify the patterns you’ve subconsciously weaved throughout the years. Naturally, you’ll lean towards your favourite fool proof looks, make notes of the keywords you would use to describe these ‘fits, search those keywords in Pinterest, create moodboards for your looks and piece together your style personality from there. Also make a note of things you or dislike wearing so you know never to purchase similar in future. When you know exactly what your personal style is, no longer will you feel the pull to purchase a random item just because its on sale or because it was the same colour dress you wore when you passed your driving test 10 years ago (I’ve since learned neon green really isn’t my colour).
DON’T buy anything on a whim. Shakaila Forbes-Bell created the 4321 system to help curb panic spending! Can you see yourself wearing it in 4 years? Can you wear it 3 different ways or on 3 different occasions? Take 2 deep breaths – you might be a little caught up in the thrill of the purchase, and have 1 sleep on it, do you still feel like it’s a good decision the next day? If so, you’ve just made a conscious purchase! If you’re desperate for a new outfit for an event, have a look in your existing wardrobe to see if you can create a ‘new to you’ outfit by switching accessories, shoes etc, ask a friend to borrow an outfit or rent an outfit!
DO your research. It’s scarily easy for brands to greenwash and lead you to believe they are an ethical and sustainable brand. Search the brand on GoodOnYou to see if they’re truly ethical and sustainable! If they’re not in the directory, you can spot an imposter a mile off! Flash sales, new items added to their website every week, polyester clothing being sold for less than a cross country megabus ticket, and if they’re posting about how ‘green’ ‘natural’ or ‘eco-friendly’ they are, they’re more than likely over compensating for some sketchy biz happening behind the scenes. Bonus points if they use those lil’ leaf emojis on their social media posts!
DONT buy into trends. Just because half of your insta feed is wearing ~the~ item of the month, doesn’t mean you should have it too. Trends come and go faster than we can even keep up with these days, and while that blazer, dress or lounge set is going viral online, there’s a factory somewhere churning out next week’s unmissable piece at a horrifying rate. Stick to what you know will work in your wardrobe, what truly reflects your personal style. Shop smarter and go against the masses. Actually, while we’re on the topic, unfollow those influencers that are constantly ramming new styles down your throat each week to curb the temptation to add to cart! I promise you will thank me for it later!
DON’T buy anything on a whim. Shakaila Forbes-Bell created the 4321 system to help curb panic spending! Can you see yourself wearing it in 4 years? Can you wear it 3 different ways or on 3 different occasions? Take 2 deep breaths – you might be a little caught up in the thrill of the purchase, and have 1 sleep on it, do you still feel like it’s a good decision the next day? If so, you’ve just made a conscious purchase! If you’re desperate for a new outfit for an event, have a look in your existing wardrobe to see if you can create a ‘new to you’ outfit by switching accessories, shoes etc, ask a friend to borrow an outfit or rent an outfit!
DO your research. It’s scarily easy for brands to greenwash and lead you to believe they are an ethical and sustainable brand. Search the brand on GoodOnYou to see if they’re truly ethical and sustainable! If they’re not in the directory, you can spot an imposter a mile off! Flash sales, new items added to their website every week, polyester clothing being sold for less than a cross country megabus ticket, and if they’re posting about how ‘green’ ‘natural’ or ‘eco-friendly’ they are, they’re more than likely over compensating for some sketchy biz happening behind the scenes. Bonus points if they use those lil’ leaf emojis on their social media posts!
DON’T buy into trends. Just because half of your insta feed is wearing ~the~ item of the month, doesn’t mean you should have it too. Trends come and go faster than we can even keep up with these days, and while that blazer, dress or lounge set is going viral online, there’s a factory somewhere churning out next week’s unmissable piece at a horrifying rate. Stick to what you know will work in your wardrobe, what truly reflects your personal style. Shop smarter and go against the masses. Actually, while we’re on the topic, unfollow those influencers that are constantly ramming new styles down your throat each week to curb the temptation to add to cart! I promise you will thank me for it later!
DO invest in your pieces. Your full wardrobe is an investment, it’s meant to last you for years to come, be versatile and adaptable. By supporting sustainable and ethical businesses and choosing clothes made from sustainable materials and produced in an ethical way, you can help reduce pollution, conserve resources, and support fair labour practices! Investing in high-quality, timeless pieces that are built to last can save you money in the long run and reduce the amount of clothing waste that ends up in landfills. Ultimately, making conscious choices about the clothes you buy can have a positive impact on both the planet and the people involved in the production process. What’s not to love?!
We need to make conscious changes collectively in order to see an impact on this industry, and if you take your money away from unethical brands, they’ll have no choice but to restructure their practices for the better. Are you with me?