What is in fashion, is constantly changing. It may feel impossible to keep up with what is in. When looking for easy, affordable, and fashionable clothing, you may be tempted to check out one of the many fast fashion retailers online, and in brick and mortar stores.
Fast fashion brands are constantly pumping out the latest styles, colours, prints and fabrics, making it easy and affordable to keep up with the trends. The problem with fast fashion, is that it is not made to last. Clothing is the third largest manufacturing industry in the world. Textile production creates more pollution and effects climate change more than commercial plane rides and international shipping combined. A 2020 study by Fashion checker found out that 93% of fast fashion companies do not pay their garment workers a living wage.
Fashion and style are two different things. Style relates to the individual’s own unique look, whereas fashion is the current style. Style is an ever evolving personal brand, fashion is constantly changing, temporary, and new.
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Here are 5 ways to make your personal style stand out, and help the environment while you’re at it.
Visible Mending
Visible mending is a simple, and inexpensive way to give your old, torn clothing a new life. Visible mending, or decorative mending, is a way to creatively fix a hole or tear in an item of clothing. Visible mending helps extend the lives of pieces and also makes them unique. From patches to embroidery, visible mending can be done in different ways depending on style, and skill level. The stitches and patches are meant to be visible, so they do not need to be perfect, or matching.
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Layers
Turn that cute summer dress into a cute fall dress with tights and a cardigan, or turn your favourite jumper dress into a summer dress by wearing it with a t-shirt and shorts that just peak out of the bottom. Layering can keep you warm or cool depending on how you do it. Layering can also give a statement piece, such as a dress, or a skirt more versatility by wearing it with different basics depending on the time of year.
Check Out Local Designers and Shops
A great way to get unique pieces, support local artists, and reduce your fashion footprint is to buy local. Look for local designers in your area on Instagram, Facebook, and at local craft fairs and markets. Not only will you find one of a kind pieces, but you are also supporting an artist and promoting them by wearing their work.
Quality over Quantity
Fast fashion is so attractive because it allows us to constantly get new things, quickly. But the impact on our environment that fast fashion companies have is huge. Not to mention the unsafe working conditions and low wages that the workers are forced into.
Instead of buying 5 new summer dresses, buy one from an ethical clothing company who pays their workers a living wage. Clothing that is made ethically, by people who are paid a living wage and have good working conditions costs more than fast fashion.
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Wash your Clothes Less Often
Hear me out. Unless your clothing is actually dirty, you can wear it again. Washing and drying clothing often can fade and wear down fabric more quickly. Jeans can be worn multiple times before they actually need to be washed. Tops will need to be washed more often, but if they don’t smell like BO, or have any spills or dirt on them, they can also be worn two, three, or maybe even four times before they need to be washed.
Not washing your clothing as often will also save on water and electricity. In the warmer months, if you can, hanging your clothing to dry outside also saves energy, and leaves your clothing smelling fresh.
