How to Create a Sustainable Style: The Core Values
- Maison Fierro
- Dec 3, 2024
- 4 min read
A wise way to start embracing sustainability is by developing a sustainable personal style. But how can you create a sustainable style that aligns with ecological and ethical practices?
One way to actively engage in sustainability as a consumer is by developing your own unique style. A personal style will guide you to make more conscious purchasing decisions and help you build a wardrobe that reflects your values.
Before diving into creating a specific personal style, it's essential to understand the core principles and practices that lay the foundation for a sustainable wardrobe. These principles are:
Style over fashion
Quality over quantity
Set a budget
Close the loop and embrace circularity
So, how to create a sustainable style? Let’s explore each of them in more detail:
1. Style Over Fashion
Style transcends fleeting fashion trends. As Yves Saint Laurent famously said:
“Fashion fades, style is eternal.”
Fashion is ephemeral—it's about the rapid adoption of trends that often come and go in a season. In contrast, style is timeless. While fashion often follows the rhythm of the seasons—spring/summer and autumn/winter—style endures, lasting through decades and even eras. For example, we can talk about specific styles from periods like the Victorian era or iconic decades like the 1970s. Personal style, too, evolves over time, often becoming more stable and enduring as we age.
When curating your wardrobe, invest in pieces that will stand the test of time—items that will remain relevant and stylish for years to come, rather than chasing transient trends. Think of pieces that reflect your personality and will continue to “speak” to you in the future.
Consider pieces that are timeless, versatile, and can be easily mixed and matched. Ask yourself: "Can this item be worn in different ways or paired with what I already own?" Keep these questions in mind as you build your wardrobe, because sustainable style is about more than just individual items—it's about creating a cohesive and lasting personal style.
2. Quality Over Quantity
In today's fashion world, micro-trends and constant consumption dominate. No wonder overconsumption is a major issue contributing to fashion's environmental impact.
It's not about the abundance of options but about choosing the right ones.
This doesn’t mean you need to buy only expensive items, but it does mean that you should prioritise quality over quantity. Choose pieces that are made to last longer—those that are crafted with durable materials and thoughtful finishes. When building a sustainable wardrobe, start with high-quality basics that form the foundation of your style. These pieces will serve as the backbone of your wardrobe, enabling you to mix and match easily and avoid impulse buys.
Essential basics vary depending on personal culture and lifestyle, but generally, these might include a great pair of jeans, a well-tailored blazer, a white shirt, a white T-shirt, a little black dress, and a versatile suit in neutral tones like dark grey or blue. Having these key items ensures you're prepared for a wide range of occasions and won’t feel the need to purchase items you'll only wear once or twice.
Beyond buying, sustainability also involves maintaining your clothes. Repairing, mending, sharing, renting, and other practices that extend the life of your garments are all part of the process. Remember, a low-quality item often cannot be repaired—it’s designed for short-term use and quick disposal. So, always opt for quality over quantity.
A few years ago, the Project 333 challenge gained popularity as a way to promote minimalist living. The concept was to create a wardrobe of just 33 items (including clothing and accessories) for three months. While you don’t have to live by such strict limits, the idea remains important: we don’t need as much as we think.
3. Make a Budget: Personal Finances are Part of Sustainability
Do you remember the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic? (which by the way it is based on a novel by Sophie Kinsella) Now, let's take the opposite approach.
Setting a shopping budget sounds obvious, but it’s often easier said than done. A budget means having a clear plan for your clothing and accessory purchases—not just when you're out shopping. Shopping can be a way to indulge, but it’s also something we all need to do for practical reasons. So, set a budget, and stick to it.
Sustainability also means maintaining healthy finances. Accumulating debt from shopping is not a sustainable practice. Healthy finances contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. Avoid the temptation of “sales” and “discounts” that lead to impulse buying. When shopping, ask yourself:
Do I really need this item?
Will I actually wear it?
Does it fit with the pieces I already own?
Can I afford it without compromising my savings or essential expenses?
These questions will guide you toward more intentional and sustainable purchasing decisions.
4. Close the Loop: Embrace Circularity
As consumers, we play a crucial role in the circular economy. While designers and manufacturers initiate the life cycle of a product, it’s ultimately up to us to determine how that product ends its life.
Simply throwing away clothes or letting them collect dust in a closet contributes to waste. On the other hand, giving garments a second life through repair, reuse, resale, or donation helps close the loop and reduce the demand for new resources.
A sustainable style isn't just about aesthetic choices—it’s about adopting a mindset that values longevity and minimises waste. Engaging in circular practices is key. This includes:
Repairing clothes and accessories
Properly caring for items to extend their lifespan
Sharing or giving away unwanted pieces
Buying and selling second-hand
Upcycling and reusing items in creative ways
By embracing these practices, we can help close the cycle and reduce the environmental impact of our wardrobes. So, let's close the loop!
In Conclusion: The Power of Sustainable Style
Creating a sustainable style is about more than just making eco-friendly choices—it’s about developing a way of life that aligns with our values. When we prioritise style over general fashion, quality over quantity, and conscious spending, we make a meaningful impact. By embracing circular practices and prolonging the life of our clothes, we contribute to a more sustainable world.
So, start small, think long-term, and close the loop. Together, we can create a more sustainable future, one wardrobe at a time.
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