AD // I think fashion is one area of our lives that we can all make some small changes in to help the environment. I’m not for one second saying that everyone should ditch fast fashion altogether, just like that. I think it’s important to remember that not everyone CAN do that. But this is where we need to be share alternative options, so there is something for everyone.
I’ve had a varied relationship with fashion. In my teens, I absolutely loved fashion. I was ALWAYS shopping in my local town with my friends, buying things from Topshop, Miss Selfridge and Primark. I had more clothes than I knew what to do with and I always wanted more – that need for new clothes never seemingly getting curbed.
Then my early twenties approached, a time where you’d think my love for fashion would continue. But for me, I was suffering with such a bad anxiety disorder that I was barely leaving the house, so I don’t think I even purchased a new item of clothing in around 5 years. I had nowhere to go, so I never needed anything new.
Now that I’m functioning without my anxiety disorder and actually have a life again, my love for fashion is slowly coming back but I’m also more aware than EVER of the impact fashion can have on our environment. So for that reason, it’s given me an exciting challenge to introduce fashion back into my life but in a more sustainable way.
When I talk about a “minimal approach”, I’m not saying that we should all just ditch all of our clothing and live off of 4 items of clothing for the rest of our lives. If that’s how you live, then that’s absolutely fine of course but for the majority of us, that’s not a reality.
So we need to establish more realistic routines in our relationship with fashion that benefits us all! So here some small ways we can adopt a more minimal approach to fashion:
Be more conscious of where you’re buying from
This is a big one because like I said earlier, not everyone CAN afford to buy from only sustainable brands all of the time. Fast fashion has it’s place but it must be used wisely. However if you CAN start shopping from more sustainable brands, even for just a few items in your wardrobe then that’s always a positive!
Messyweekend Sunglasses are a great brand and option for sunglasses. Sunglasses are not only a great fashion accessory which can complete any outfit but they’re also vital for keeping your eyes healthy. So they’re always a great piece to have in your accessories drawer! Messyweekend have a great range of beautiful styles, including the Messyweekend Square Sunglasses collection, which I love!
MessyWeekend products highlight Scandinavian minimalism, backed by their commitment to design and quality. But they also partner up with two NGOs to clean our oceans. So for every pair of MessyWeekend’s eyewear or goggles sold, they donate to clean the equivalent of 100 plastic straws out of our oceans.
It’s brands like this that you need to look out for and purchase from if you can!
Try not to buy things for the sake of it
Even if you DO purchase from fast fashion retailers, there’s a big difference between just purchasing what you need compared to purchasing things for the sake of it – or for a haul. A more minimal approach to fashion would very much encompass this idea that you’re only buying things you need, things that add value and things that will last.
Invest in higher quality items – if you can
Higher quality items tend to last longer than pieces from fast fashion retails just simply because they’re made with better fabrics and material and made in a more sustainable way. That means that you’re not going to be replacing them every couple of months, which is always a good thing for both you and the environment.
Have regular de-clutters
We can have a minimal approach to fashion but still end up with our wardrobes cluttered. I think that’s normal! So if you’re finding that that’s you, then a de-clutter might be in order. It’s also worth setting up a schedule and de-cluttering your clothing and accessories on a more regular basis. Remember, you should always sell or donate items as well, not just throw them away!
Purchase timeless pieces
You know what I’m talking about here, the pieces of fashion that never go out of style. This is a great way to adopt a more minimal approach to fashion because trends change RAPIDLY but there are certain fashion items and styles that are timeless – you’re always going to need them in your closet!
Well written post and useful at the same time.
I love this post! I went to school for fashion journalism. I love/hate fashion. I pretty much only shop second hand now, but there is still so much waste happening every year. It is SO important to adopt a minimalist approach to fashion. Great post!
Thank you, it’s definitely important to play our part!
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Absolutely to all of these points! I consider myself a minimalist-ish. I purchase things intentionally and wait to buy anything until I absolutely love it! Great post, Jenny xx
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
These are great tips. I don’t like spending money but investing in a good pair of jeans and quality pieces is so much better than replacing Primark jeans every year. I am also in the decluttering process and it’s so freeing! Thank you for sharing these tips! Em x
I agree! I’ve just decluttered a crap load of clothes as well!
Fashion is such a hard one simply because of what you said – sometimes it does come down to money. I’m being far more conscious of not buying things just because I’m on a shopping trip (which has been really easy in the last year, aha) and only what I need. There’s some great advice here, thanks.
Yes exactly, there’s always something you can do though for sure!
These are great ideas! I think so many people are re-thinking their own fashion needs after being home for so long last year.
I agree!
This is such a great post! I’m definitely in the camp of buying quality over quantity and the size of my closet actually helps me to keep things minimal. I think it’s important to give used clothes away to charity shops as well. Thanks for sharing.
I’m getting the same way now – I need a declutter badly but quality over quantity for me now!
Nice tips Jenny! I’ve been actively de-cluttering my closet for a few years now, but what I’ve found super hard is actually finding the will power in me to replace or add something back into my closet!
I’m literally still waiting to outgrow (i.e. gain too much weight from sedentary activities) my shorts before thinking of replacing them with another! I wonder if that happens with anyone else out there?
Haha probably! I don’t think that’s a bad thing though, as long as you still like the item!
I’ve decided to take a more minimal approach to fashion and I’m loving it, the options it has given me in terms of styling/restyling clothes has been so much fun! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Absolutely! So glad to hear that!
These are great tips! We try at least once a year to do a clean out that gets donated. Similarly, the older we’ve gotten, the less we buy unless we need something.
Yes I think it’s an age thing as well for sure!
Great tips. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you 🙂
I need to adopt this attitude! I have been staring at BOTH of my closets for months trying to scale down….I will get there some day! Cheers, Alison
Haha do it! You won’t regret it!