Eco-Closet Dressing Sustainably Without Looking Boring
Most fashion design courses in Bangalore focus on offering only design education. We at Vogue offer well-rounded fashion education that focuses on several aspects including fashion design, fashion management, styling, marketing and technology. In recent years, one fashion segment that has quickly gained traction is fashion styling. From celebrities to influencers, everybody wants to be styled. When it comes to styling, the options are literally limitless. However, it’s important to get it right.
With sustainability becoming a major buzzword, it’s important to focus on creating an eco-closet for your clients. There is a common misconception that sustainability solely means wearing clothes in earthy tones and neutral shades. However, that’s not true. Sustainability is all about making clothes that do not hurt the environment.
If you’re looking to dress yourself or your clients in a sustainable manner without sacrificing style, we have a complete guide for you.
Tips to Create a Sustainable Wardrobe
When we think of switching to an eco-conscious lifestyle, we often associate it with dullness and limitations. However, dressing sustainably is no longer boring with the large number of options available. It can be vibrant, exciting and full of possibilities. Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to curating an ethical wardrobe:
Wear What you Already Own
The first step towards creating an eco-closet is not buying more. Instead, it is wearing what you already own. A mistake people make is to swap all their fast-fashion clothes for slow-fashion or “organic” garments. Sustainability is not just limited to what you wear, it’s about using what you already have. Take stock of the pieces you love. Honestly, your closet may become the best place for you to shop. Maybe it’s time to create new outfits from clothes you already have. Mix-and-match and who knows you can create wonders. It’s also a good way to determine what you need. This may be a small thing like an inner to go with something or a matching bottom. The best way to embark on your journey of sustainability is by trying a no-buy month. Give up shopping for a while and you’ll see how creative you can get with your closet.
Invest in Timeless, High-quality Pieces
When you get back to shopping, don’t buy anything and everything you see. Think of your wardrobe as a capsule and focus on making the collection accordingly. Get one of everything you need. For example, a good pair of jeans that fits well, a well-fitted blazer, a little black dress, a crisp white shirt, a few t-shirts, etc. Once you have these staples, they can be styled in countless ways. This also reduces the need for constant new purchases. Buy from brands that offer high-quality clothing. A few materials you can consider are Tencel, organic cotton and recycled materials. Clothes made from these fabrics tend to last longer as well.
Go Thrifting
Thrifting or shopping pre-loved fashion is not just sustainable but a literal treasure hunt. Instead of shopping from fast-fashion brands such as Zara and H&M, go to thrift and vintage stores in your city. There are several online resale platforms as well. The best part is that you will find one-of-a-kind vintage pieces that are not available elsewhere. By thrifting, you will be saving these clothes from being dumped into landfills thereby giving them a second life.
Shop from Sustainable Brands
If there is absolute need to buy new, buy from sustainable brands instead. A piece made from recycled or sustainably-sourced fabric will last longer. Such brands are even upfront about their production process. Thus, you can be assured of safe and eco-friendly practices. As an eco-conscious consumer, it’s important to do your research beforehand.
Practice Mindful Washing
Sustainability isn’t just about what we wear. Instead, it is also about the way we wash and clean our clothes. This aspect is often overlooked. However, it is an important aspect of creating an eco-closet. For instance, dry cleaning is a practice which should be avoided as much as possible. In dry cleaning, toxic chemicals are emitted into the environment and more energy is used in this process than even traditional wash cycles. Thus, switch to gentle detergents and reduce dryer use. Let your clothes air dry as far as possible. Being eco-conscious in terms of laundry also increases the lifespan of your clothes.
Why Choose Sustainable Fashion?
It’s no surprise that fast-fashion comes with a hefty price tag. Whether it’s massive water usage, toxic dyes, or textile waste, it all comes from the fashion industry. Though a lot of brands are taking steps to mitigate the same, consumers can play a vital role as well. Sustainable fashion is not just about ethical production but it is also about eco-friendly fabrics and timeless designs that outlast trends. While it’s good for the earth, it’s good for you too.
All our fashion designs courses are centred around sustainability. Students will learn key concepts, tips to create sustainable clothing and how they can curate an eco-closet for their clients without looking boring.
