Are you interested in getting started with sustainable style but are feeling extremely overwhelmed with where to start? If so, this post will walk you through 10 actionable steps to help you begin your slow fashion journey!
10 Proactive Steps for Getting Started with Your Own Sustainable Style
These 10 steps will help you jumpstart your sustainable style journey and reduce some of the overwhelm that comes with thinking about your clothing in a new way!
1. Start with What You Have
I encourage you to start with what you have. Go through your closet and take note of the pieces that you love and reach for on a regular basis.
Make a list of gaps in your wardrobe–perhaps basic clothing pieces like plain tees or nice jeans that can go with the majority of the other items you own.
2. Shop for Sustainable Style Secondhand
Try shopping secondhand. Find local thrift stores, do a clothes swap with a friend, or purchase from familiar brands on sites like Poshmark or ThredUp.
Save 45% on your first ThredUp order by using this link!
3. Take Your Measurements
Learn how to take your own measurements and compare it to size charts to ensure clothes that fit your body.
4. Consider Usefulness and Versatility of Sustainable Style Pieces
When purchasing new, consider how many uses you can get out of a single item. Can it be worn in multiple seasons? Does it go with items you already own?
5. Opt for Natural Materials
Look for natural materials that will last like cotton, linen, silk, and wool. Learn to care for your clothes and value them as an investment.
6. Research Company Practices
Research the ethical practices of the companies you buy from. If you can afford it, try to support businesses that pay fair wages and use sustainable materials or shop secondhand when you can.
7. Learn to Mend for Sustainable Style
Learn to mend the clothes that you already have or upcycle clothing and make it your own.
8. Choose Timeless Pieces
Save up for investment pieces that are timeless over trendy. I love Audrey Coyne’s YouTube channel for ideas for how to find your personal style.
9. Opt for Your Best Colors with Sustainable Style
Learn about your best colors and your body type and invest in items you love. You could do a seasonal color analysis or take a quiz to determine it yourself!
10. Find Clothes that Make You Feel Your Best
Find clothes that you wear, not clothes that “wear you.” This one goes right along with wearing your best colors and shopping for timeless over trendy! It takes time to figure this out, but it is possible!
A Word of Encouragement About Sustainable Style
It doesn’t happen overnight. You don’t have to be perfect or sell everything you have to buy a whole new sustainable wardrobe.
Use what you have, value your clothing, and make slow, thoughtful decisions when adding to what you already own. It’s all part of the journey!
This post was all about getting started with sustainable style.
Practical and useful tips on sustainable style. I am personally favoring the versatile clothing choices idea … and also learning to repurpose or make amendments to reduce wastage.