Sustainable Style Evolution

Approaching fashion in a sustainable way starts with education. So, let this blog post be a jumping off point for your curiosity! With a simple internet search, discover dozens of articles, books and documentaries that can help guide your thinking around lessening the impact your wardrobe has on the environment. My interest in sustainable fashion began back in high school, largely because my limited budget dictated how I could create my looks. I shopped secondhand regularly, but when I began to feel the need to keep up a social media presence, I still ended up buying too much.

Once I moved beyond my high school minimum-wage income, my focus shifted to “quality over quantity,” which is one of the most effective ways to combat fast fashion. Knowing what goes into making an item of clothing or an accessory by researching materials and manufacturing practices allows you to see the value in higher-priced items that will last longer. The more you know about brands and craftsmanship, the more you’ll know what to look for when shopping at your local Style Encore. Shopping secondhand minimizes the demand for production, and will make more of a difference as more people participate.

After you’ve purchased your new-to-you item of clothing, taking care of it and knowing what to do with it at the end of its life makes just as much of a difference as the work you put in before the purchase. Laundering with care and mending when necessary not only extends the life of your clothing for you, but can prevent it from ending up in a landfill. Gently used pieces can be easily sold to Style Encore, while items that may be past the point of use could be repurposed as fabric scraps for a DIY project like a scarf, scrunchie, dog toy or even gift wrap.

It’s important to remember that no approach is going to be one-size-fits-all, and none of us are perfect. Striving for a sustainable wardrobe is a constantly evolving journey. There might be backward steps, but keeping up the mentality of moving forward (and sharing it with others!) is what will ultimately make the difference. A sustainable approach to fashion always has room to improve.

Blog by: Chelsea Lankford | @truelane