Actually Sustainable Style Staples
We’re almost midway through the Decisive Decade, and I’d be lying if I said that I’m constantly in a state of panic about the state of the planet. More and more often – I suppose in part because of my previous job! – I’m asked for my tips on shopping slowly and reducing personal impact on the globe. So, I’m kick-starting this year’s slow living and mindful lifestyle content with a post all about style staples that are actually slow and sustainable.
Look for deadstock fabrics
Fashion factory waste is one of the biggest problems in the industry, but plenty of slow fashion brands are making good use of waste. Deadstock is the term used for factory offcuts, unusable rolls of fabric and, basically, fabric that would otherwise go to landfill. It’s so great to see more brands creating limited (obviously) runs of products with deadstock. Some of my favourites include Stella McCartney and Sisterhood the Label, the latter of which makes my beloved wide-legged suit trousers.
Choose secondhand and vintage
It isn’t anything groundbreaking to suggest secondhand and vintage but, of course, we can slow down the fashion cycle by buying pieces that are already out in circulation. Buying fast fashion secondhand prolongs its life. Vintage pieces are often crafted from far sturdier materials and techniques. Better yet, indulge in clothes swaps with friends!
Slow(er) fashion brands
I’ve made it no secret that investing in my wardrobe has been a huge priority of mine since 2016. And, over the last five or six years, I’ve also made a conscious decision to buy from more mindful brands. I personally define this as a brand that only sells a limited selection of pieces, uses more sustainable and/or natural fabrics, and that can ethically share a good supply chain. As a result, I have a small(ish) wardrobe of incredible quality pieces that I’ve collected over the years.
Some of my favourite discoveries include:
- Sisterhood the Label (wardrobe staples made from sustainable fabrics)
- OMNES (wardrobe staples and ‘trendy’ pieces in sustainable fabrics)
- Stella McCartney (luxury fashion; pioneering vegan material innovations)
- Renue (loungewear and underwear made from sustainable fabrics)
- Girlfriend Collective (my favourite activewear brand!)
- TALA (a close second favourite activewear brand)
- Organic Basics (loungewear and underwear made from sustainable fabrics)
Re-steer your mindset
By far, though, slow fashion is all about the mindset. It’s about slowing down the fashion product lifecycle (keeping an item in use for as long as possible), as well as consuming slowly too. Secondhand shopping is great, but we don’t need to buy new-to-us things weekly, or even monthly.
Instead, spend a weekend or two taking stock of your wardrobe. Are you missing a great striped top? Go-to jeans? Identify gaps in your wardrobe and make a note on your phone. Don’t veer from it. If you do need something ‘new’, choose one of the above brands and consider your purchase fully.
How do you consume fashion slower?
