Across designers, across countries, across continents, there was one universal theme that reigned supreme during the decade’s first Fashion Week. An effort to create, distribute, and wear sustainably is a focus this year more than a specific “it” print, color, or detailing. Sustainability, in fashion terms, involves developing a sense of integrity and responsibility to help our environment flourish. Sounds like boring environmental science class? Not here to read about habitats and recycling - just kinda want to figure out what’s stylish? Well, this is still a very fashion-heavy piece. I invite you aboard the Magic School Bus of what you, the consumer, can do in terms of shopping and making outfits in a more sustainable way. Bus, do your stuff!
Most think of making a sustainable purchase involves buying from a locally sourced company with ethical production and recycled materials. And it is, but if we are being realistic, and Whitney Wisdom is always realistic, most of us still shop fast fashion. That’s certainly okay, just shop smarter. (On Martha Hunt's YouTube channel, celebrity stylist Emma Jade Morrison gives her take on how to mindfully shop at Zara's.)
Be the Man: After chatting with former colleague and this week’s model, Haley Reid, we determined the best way for the everyday character to increase Earth’s longevity is by well, shopping more like a man. You read that right. Stereotypically, men buy a few items a season (if that) and wear those pieces until they literally fall apart and then donate the scraps. Women shop as much as they breathe, wear an outfit once and then dismiss it: “I can’t wear that! I already took a picture in it!” This is a flawed mindset. Re-wearing garments is socially acceptable - you just need some wisdom so you don’t feel like you are styling the same blah way.
Core Workout: When shopping, focus on making “core” purchases - those you deem 100% essential to your wardrobe because (key part coming up), they can be worn so many ways. Eco Age told Harper’s Bazaar the number of wears for a garment to be considered sustainable is 30. Buy layering pieces like camisoles, tanks, turtlenecks, cardigans, and jackets in the color family that compliments you the most plus black and white or grey. You know yourself and by having a more streamlined color selection you will have an easier time getting dressed on the daily, not to mention packing for trips. Everything you own plays nice together because you just created a palette. Ooh la la. With my dark features and olive skin, pink and tan always tell me I look good. Your core colors don’t necessarily have to be boring “basics.” I add a dash of gold for good measure - at all times.
Twinning is Bad: Apply the same principle of core selection to shoes and accessories. Be realistic with your goals. I would never tell someone they should only have one pair of black boots, but do you really need two pairs of black booties, to be specific? To just out myself here: I have exactly two pairs of black booties. One is a comfortable and stylish pair I wear to work and the other more forward but a little tight so they are most seen for nightlife. This is crazy! The planet is begging us to stop buying stuff that doesn’t fit (and gets tossed after one tragic blister episode.) Remember: shop like a man! When you have two very similar items you have a natural preference for one over the other. Moral of the story: each piece in your wardrobe should serve a different purpose. And there should be more than one purpose, capiche?
Review Time: Review your closet before you go shopping. Like every time. Your closet is more dynamic than meets the eye. You might find something in the back that is just like what you are going shopping for. By taking a quick peek at what you already own you cost the world one less garment to produce and save your wallet. Double win for the color green.
Be Kind to your Clothes: Store and care for the clothes you do have by actually following the care instructions on the tag. Luckily a lot of modern wash machines have a cycle for “hand wash only” however, if the tag reads “dry clean only” that’s whatcha gotta do.
Blockbuster on Occasion: Of course you are allowed a few pieces a season that maybe more “out there” than your core. You are a fashionista after all and how are you supposed to follow all the trends on Whitney Wisdom and be a sustainable shopper? This is where all those clothing rental services that spam your Facebook come in. For special occasions (weddings, graduations, formal dances, etc.) when you know there simply aren’t going to be 30 of these in your life to get enough wears in, renting is a great green option. You may only wear that asymmetrical Ralph Lauren golden gown once (for half a day) , but the garment may have been worn up to 1000s of times!
Rent the Runway is most well-known at this point but, confession: I go on nuuly’s site like every week just for fun to peruse the $200 dresses that could be mine for one night and one night only. Unlike your favorite video store, most clothing rental co’s don’t charge late fees. They know that’s scarring.
Dressing more sustainably is a small sacrifice with a outcome so positive, it will affect the quality of life for generations to come. Plus, you know, all your fave designers want you to do it.
*For inquiries on becoming a guest model on Whitney Wisdom Blog, please email whitneywisdom0@gmail.com. I can't stress this enough, all are welcomed, all are encouraged!*
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