It seems that there is a new aesthetic each week for people to ascribe themselves to. But it’s not just the people of TikTok who work fast, the fashion brands do too. Sponsoring influencers and YouTubers alike with hauls so they’re able to capitalise on the latest trend. All whilst the fashion of yesterday sits at the bottom of the wardrobe until its untimely found again once the appeal has worn off. If you ever find yourself rummaging through your clothes and find pieces of fashion moments you no longer want to hold onto, here are five tips to help you say no to throw-away culture.
Sell it
The most obvious of the bunch, sell it! If you no longer like an item or see yourself wearing it again then sell it on one of the various social-selling sites like Depop or Vinted. Not only do you get a profit but you might also help someone else build the wardrobe of their dreams! Not all items are restocked, and maybe someone missed out on a limited drop that you’re not interested in anymore. Of course, sites like this always have their fair share of scrutiny and questions of legitimacy. Is that pair of Balenciaga Triple S Clear Sole Sneakers that retail for £750 really going to be sold for under two-hundred? But so long as you communicate well with the sellers, ask as many questions as you need to and do a bit of digging you’re sure to find some gems.
Donate it
For those feeling a little more virtuous, the charity shop is a great place to give items and do some good at the same time. If you want to go one step further you could visit your local charity shop and ask if there is any inventory they’re missing as to not overwhelm them with your donations. It is worth mentioning that just because you are not selling these items, they should still be donated in a good condition. This is not the perfect time to get rid of that old, ripped jumper you’ve had lying about and consequently been using as a rag. Ask yourself if you would buy it off the rack before donating.
Think about it
This point serves as the instance before you’ve even gotten the clothes. It speaks to that little moment in the shopping basket. A bit of introspection goes a long way. Sometimes you should just ask if you see yourself wearing these items in the next month or so. Is it easy to style with other items you already own? Is it comfortable? Or, will you find yourself bored with it? Sometimes really thinking about what you’re about to buy might implore you to see reason and not purchase something you’re not quite sure about.
DIY it
Found an old pair of jeans that look a little bland? Still got that old patchwork jumper that’s no longer cool? Why not piece them together and create something new entirely! DIY fashion is unique, individual and completely one of a kind! Give old pieces a new lease of life by creating your own design without reinventing the wheel. It’s cheaper too, just some fabric scissors, a needle and thread and suddenly it’s like your Coco Chanel herself.
Wear it all
Who says you can only have one aesthetic? Fashion is ever-changing and evolving, it’s always looking back at itself. Your wardrobe may be a mismatch of styles and colours and that’s totally fine! You don’t have to commit to one style or aesthetic forever, throwing out clothes that do not match with that identity. We are complex and interesting, and our clothes deserve to express every avenue of that. Maybe even mix and match if two pieces seem to fit nicely together. Don’t box yourself in when you were born to stand out!
How to be fashion-conscious
In 2018 300,000 tones of textiles ended up in a landfill. It’s time to put throw-away culture in the bin and really focus on how these small actions can make a difference. How many of those pieces could’ve been sold or re-worked into something completely new? As more and more people become aware of the rising issue that this has become, being more sustainable with our fashion choices and realising how we impact the environment is a great first step. It is time to think more consciously about how we spend. But more importantly, what we throw away.