Consciously Creating A Wardrobe: Economically and Environmentally Sound

The clothing industry is one of the most taxing on natural resources because of the dyes, the large scraps of fabric leftover after cutting patterns, the pesticides used to grow cotton, the human slave labor used to create the clothes. But we all need a wardrobe! So how do we choose one that is the most environmentally sound? Here are a few tips:

1) First, know your color palette. This may sound like it has nothing to do with the environment, but starting here helps us consume less because we won't be as likely to buy clothes that we like but that do not necessarily look good with our skin and hair color. Find a handful of colors that you love, that look outstanding with your skin tone, and also look good together, and then shop for those colors.

For me, these colors are indigo, poppy, and blush.

2) Next, choose a few neutrals that you love and that are flattering for your skin tone. These become the go-tos in your closet. I like oatmeal, heather grey, and charcoal heather.

3) After you have your colors and neutrals chosen, start building your wardrobe by finding staple garments that you adore in high quality fabrics that will wear and
wash well. The strategy with this is to have fewer articles clothing but to make sure they are clothes that we can wear frequently, that will last a long time, and that we are excited to put on in the morning. This is a big one!! Cutting down on how many articles of clothing we buy but never wear (or only wear once) because they don’t feel right, aren't cut for our shape, or are so inexpensive they don’t hold
up after many washings eases a big burden on the environment.

4) Okay!! This is a really fun one! Get a few printed or embroidered pieces that you can wear when the mood hits to fancy up your wardrobe.

5) Then, focus on buying skirts, pants, sweaters, and jackets in neutral colors that you can interchange with the more colorful pieces of your wardrobe. For instance, I have a charcoal grey Merino wool skirt that I could wear almost every day of the week just by changing up my top and accessories. Remember that we usually want the color we wear on our upper bodies to bring attention and light to our
faces.

6) Have fun with scarves, jewelry, sunglasses and hats!! These pieces can really change the personality of your ensemble.

7) Donate any items of clothing that no longer excite you or make you feel amazing. It’s better to let go of them to make more room in your closet so that the pieces you love are front and center.

These are just a few tips on having a versatile fun, easy, and environmentally friendly wardrobe. The less we buy, the more we have to buy higher-quality clothing that can make us feel amazing and last for years!