The fashion industry, unfortunately, is a huge polluting factor that most of us often forget. Owning a 100% ethical closet is not an easy thing to achieve, but it’s a goal we should all work towards. Sustainable and eco-friendly is the new movement in so many spheres in life, including women’s fashion. This guide will bring you closer to an environmentally sensible closet without sacrificing what brings you joy in your personal style.

Inform Yourself

Fashion is an ever-changing industry, so the best you can do is to always stay informed. This is how you’ll be aware of the latest news about certain brands, their working conditions, new fashion developments, types of materials and so much more. There are so many blogs and sites that offer information about sustainable, environmentally sensible fashion. Movies and documentaries will also help you stay on track with the latest news and learn even more about clothes production, fabrics, pollution and more.

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Follow The #30Wears Rule

This is one of the easiest and smartest ways to create a more sustainable mindset when it comes to your wardrobe. The #30Wears rule means that you first have to think before you buy. If you consider that you’ll wear the item that you like more than 30 times, it’s a great investment and you should buy it. The whole point is to avoid fast fashion and opt for classic clothing pieces that will stay on-trend for a very long time. These are items that you can easily mix and match, that work well for different occasions and ideally are made of eco-friendly materials. For example, a simple white button-up shirt is something you’ll flaunt for decades and will elevate your attire for job interviews, romantic dinners, or going out with friends.

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Pick The Right Brands And Fabrics

Many brands have pledged to take a more sustainable approach to clothing production and those are the ones we want to support. They are not only choosing eco-friendly materials but also creating a great working environment for their employees, particularly in factories. This includes improving working conditions, the way they treat employees and their pay, level of pollution, use and discarding of chemicals, packaging, and so much more.

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Sustainable Washing

Washing your clothes less, and sustainable y doing that, is the first eco-friendly step every one of us should take. First of all, you’re saving money while also saving energy at the same time. Buy a natural deodorising spray that will prolong the life of your garments, and if there is a stain try washing only that part of the item.

Ideally, wash your clothes at 30 degrees, and opt for short cycles whenever you can. Another great way to save energy is by not using a dryer, but let them dry naturally. This way, you’re doing what’s best for the environment and your closet as well.

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Work With What You Have

The items that you already own are probably more than enough and you don’t need to shop. All you need to do is change your mindset and experiment more with the garments that are in your closet. Make sure that you already own all the basics, which you can save your life in many situations. Reorganise your closet, you’ll not only find an array of pieces that you haven’t worn in ages but also fall in love with them all over again.

Jeans, for example, are so versatile and can-do wonders if you match them in different ways. So many ladies can flaunt them at work with a nice button-up shirt. Another way to go is with a chic crop top and sneakers. Let’s not forget that denim is suitable for a night out with your favourite heels. As you can see, basics such as jeans, little black dress, black simple skirt, white button-up shirt, stilettos, blazer, and a classic suit will never go out of style and can find their way into multiple different looks.

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If you are passionate about fashion, want to have a more sustainable closet and have the time to learn a new skill, tailoring and sewing are the right choices for you. They will allow you to alter your clothing, change the length of pants, dresses, skirts, sleeves, tops, add zippers, accessories, and fix them in size. A shirt that you once wore but now is too wide can be altered in the cutest crop top that you can pair with denim, high-waisted pants and even leggings. Online classes and courses are a great way to start.

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Another idea you want to have in mind is to get creative with accessories, jewellery, bags and footwear. Belts, earrings, necklaces, hair clips, headbands, sandals, sneakers, are just a part of the accessories that can elevate every single look, even the simplest ones.

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Conclusion

Leading a sustainable, eco-friendly life does demand certain changes, but it’s something that anyone can and should do. The road to a 100% sustainable closet is long, even the tiny steps count. By making small tweaks in your everyday life, you’ll be able to help the environment, be the best version of yourself, elevate your creativity and upgrade your style.

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About the Author

Meheret Hailemelekot is a Marketing Assistant at Myer and has worked with such iconic Australians brands as Jetstar, Snooze, and UniSuper.