Attainable ways to be a sustainable fashion pro
Having a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t mean you need to donate everything and start from scratch, or commit to a boring capsule wardrobe. Here are some tips:
MAXIMIZE
Document: What are the items in your closet that you wear the most? What are you keeping just in case you get invited to a cowboy-themed formal ball? Do the hanger trick to discover what pieces get the most wear: Place all your hangers facing the same direction in your closet, as you wear and re-hang, place that item in the opposite direction. At the end of the month, those items that remain in the original hanger position are good candidates for the next steps.
You can also do what I did, take an OOTD (Outfit of the Day) photo everyday to keep track of what you’re wearing, how much you’re wearing it (cost per wear, perhaps, if you’re into girl math), how you’re styling it and how it can be remixed.Categorize: Create formulas of outfits that work and organize your closet accordingly. Here are some of the categories I use and my favorite formulas:
My favorite formula: [Statement Bottom + Basic Top] OR [Statement Top + Basic Bottom] + Clashing Print or Textured Layer + Color Pop Shoes/Accessories
TIP: To successfully clash prints, choose a consistent pattern (ex: checkered) vs an inconsistent pattern (ex: randomly applied graphics)
Categories:
TOPS:
Statement button-ups (Prints, oversized, bold color)
Tops that add texture (Crinkled, big sleeves, ruffles, bows, knitted, satin, sequins, vests)
Short-sleeved layering camp shirts
Graphic Tees & Crop Tops
Bodysuits/Tanks
Sweaters/Cardigans/Light Jackets (Prints & Solid Colors)
BOTTOMS:
Statement Pants (Prints, unique details, interesting silhouettes)
Basic Pants (I only recently started wearing plain blue jeans for the first time!)
Skirts (Short, midi, long)
Shorts
JUMPSUITS & DRESSES
Layering jumpsuits (Light fabrics, prints, and solid colors)
Ready-to-wear jumpsuits (Heavier fabrics)
Statement Mini dresses (prints)
Caftans/Shirt Dresses/Maxi Dresses
ACCESORIES:
Statement shoes (Bold colors, unusual shape/texture)
Basic shoes (Mostly neutrals and discreet)
Statement Sunglasses (Non-negotiable in my closet)
Statement Earrings (Worms? Lobsters? Giant Mobiles?)
Basic Earrings (Pearls, dainty studs, or hoops)
Silk scarves and bandanas
MINIMIZE: Find out why you are not wearing the items that didn’t change hanger positions:
MEND: Do they need mending? They don’t fit anymore? Can they be transformed into a different piece (Dress to skirt? Pants to shorts? Top to Crop top?)
Tailor: My favorites? Larimer Square Cleaners and Alchemy Stitches
DIY Sewing or sewing classes:
MIX: They don't match your style? They don’t spark joy anymore?
Clothing Swaps!
Round up your friends, get some beverages and snacks, and swap away!
For more variety in styles and sizing:
Search for “Clothing Swaps” on Eventbrite and Facebook Events.
I host an annual Big Deal Clothing Swap for sizes L(10) and above!
MARKET:
Sell/Trade (And who am I kidding, BUY, it’s hard to resist the temptation) at local consignment/resell/thrift stores:
High-End Designer: Rags Consignment, Common Threads
Funky: Strawberry Mountain, 2nd Street
Trendy: Plato’s Closet, Crossroads Trading
Outdoorsy: Feral, Wilderness Exchange, Second Wind
Vintage: Goldmine Vintage, Boss Vintage, The Ten Penny
Online: Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark (Warning, highly addictive), Mercari, ThredUp, Depop, The Real Real
MOVE ON: They’re not rags, but not something I’d want my friends to wear, or something consignment will take? Donate!
In good condition: Mutual Aid Monday, The Clothing Cycle, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, The Action Center
If, after all of this, you still find yourself craving some new pieces, remember to prioritize second-hand shopping in person or online (no tariffs on used goods!) and consider renting from services like Nuuly or Rent The Runway for special occasion outfits. If you do decide to buy new, why not support smaller businesses? Finally kick fast fashion to the curb! A great place to find new, smaller brands is OFFE Market! I’m also obsessed with Noble and Big Bud Press
Hope this helps! I hope to see you and your revamped, sustainable wardrobe out and about!