One of the things I have really struggled with in my blogging and “influencing” space is how to both promote and share fashion finds, while balancing sustainability. It’s very easy to get wrapped in consumerism and the feeling like you just *need* to buy something else. We’re inundated with sales and one-click shopping–buying far more than we need is simple. I’m sharing 5 ways that I have started moving toward a more sustainable wardrobe and closet.
- Unsubscribe From Retailers’ Promo Emails
- Organize By Hanger Orientation
- Purge In Short Time Blocks
- Join Your Local Buy-Nothing Group
- Use Good On You
- Have Patience
1. Unsubscribe From Retailers
It sounds so simple, but it’s much easier to resist unnecessary purchases and overconsumption when you are not getting inundated with emails about sales. I try to unsubscribe from at least one retailer each month so I don’t even have the temptation to shop sales! If there is something I already need, I am going to proactively look for it. Having a mindful approach is integral to creating a more sustainable wardrobe because it decreases the spontaneous purchases of things you don’t need. And I don’t blame you–it’s hard to resist a flashy email about a 60% off sale!
2. Organize By Hanger
Organize by hanger orientation. What does that even mean? Hang all of your clothes with the hanger facing one way. Once you wear it, turn the hanger the other way. This helps you visually assess what things you grab from your closet, and what things end up getting skipped over time and time again. When I first began trying to create a more sustainable wardrobe, I discovered patterns among my outfit choices. There were several articles of clothing that I liked, but when given the chance I almost always opted for something out. By having a tangible way to see what I did and did not wear, I was able to more easily identify areas of improvement. And this does not mean you need to get rid of anything that hanger’s is left unturned! It’s merely a tool to help you discern your wardrobe’s sustainability.
3. Purge in Small Bursts
Listen, I’m an ADHDer. I completely understand the desire to completely revolutionize your wardrobe in one weekend. However, I have found the most success when I purge in short chunks of time. Each Saturday, I try to go through my closet and find at least one thing to post on my Poshmark, Facebook Marketplace, or my local Buy Nothing Group. Ideally, I will get to the point where there is not a need to purge anymore. But throughout my journey to a more sustainable wardrobe, there is still plenty to be thinned out of my closet so I continue to purge in little chunks of time. I prevent overwhelm and unfinished projects, and instead feel successful which makes it easier to repeat the process.
Want to join Poshmark? Use my code DARBYNISBETT and you’ll save $10 off your first purchase!
4. BuyNothing/Free Groups
Joining your local BuyNothing Group is a fantastic way to build a more sustainable wardrobe! BuyNothing is a “network of giving communities” based on your locale or neighborhood. People post things they no longer need, and other people comment to be considered to be the new recipient. It’s so simple, but so impactful! Not only have I been able to get things we needed at no cost, but I have also been able to post so many things that I no longer wanted. Decluttering is one step in the journey to a more sustainable wardrobe and household, but it doesn’t always have to be wasteful and contributing to a landfill!
5. Use Good On You
Good On You is a platform dedicated to evaluating different brands’ and their sustainability. We all know that SHEIN isn’t going to help us create a sustainable wardrobe, but not all brands are as extreme as SHEIN. Not only can you look up a brand, but you can also browse brands that are doing the right things! I find that to be the most helpful feature of Good On You. Moving toward sustainability can be overwhelming, so utilize resources that have already done some of the research for you.
6. Have Patience
Have patience. It’s cliche, but it’s a marathon, not a spring. Unlearning overconsumption and unsustainability takes time–just like it took time to accumulate too much! Have patience when you’re looking for something specific second hand. I understand, I had been searching for several months for a mirror to hang over my dresser. I would scour Facebook Marketplace daily, and finally, I found the perfect mirror! Every time I walk into our bedroom and see it, it reminds me that the patience was worth it.
The journey to a sustainable wardrobe takes intentionality and dedication. There’s a reason that overconsumption and wasteful habits have taken hold–they’re easier. But the move towards sustainability is worth the extra time and effort.
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