Let me start by coming clean – I used to be one of those shoppers who didn’t think much about where my clothes came from. As long as I was rocking the latest fast fashion trends, I happily grabbed whatever cute tops and dresses were on sale. Yes, I cringe thinking back on it now too. But hey, admitting you have a problem is the first step, right?
My “aha” moment came when I saw a documentary about the appalling impacts of garment factories. I felt so clueless! That set me on a mission to overhaul my entire approach to fashion and build a more ethical wardrobe.
Transitioning to sustainable style didn’t happen overnight. At first, I felt totally overwhelmed trying to figure out how to shop green. The brands I found seemed drab or crazy expensive. But with some patience (and OK, some mistakes along the way), I’ve picked up strategies that work for my budget and taste:
- Clearing out my closet periodically keeps “unused baggage” from accumulating. Donating unused pieces also makes me feel warm and fuzzy!
- I never knew how heavenly natural fabrics like organic cotton and hemp could feel! The planet thanks me too.
- Through some deep Instagram stalking, I discovered awesome small sustainable start-ups with clothes I’d actually want to be seen in.
- Second-hand and vintage shops are my new happy hunting grounds for unique looks. Some of my favorite pieces have already had past lives.
- Learning garment care tricks helped me squeeze more mileage out of items. Who knew hand-washing could extend a sweater’s lifespan? Not me until recently!
- Renting dazzling dresses or borrowing my sister’s leather jacket saves me cash and storage space. Sharing is caring, fashionistas!
While building my ethical wardrobe is still a work-in-progress, I’m proud of the steps I’ve taken so far. Every little bit counts when it comes to reducing fashion’s environmental impact. I hope my journey can show that sustainable style can be fun and attainable for us non-eco-experts too!
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Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at Blufashion. She has been steering the website’s content and editorial direction since 2018. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra’s expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
