Mindful Fashion Choices to Make Today

Fashion is about trying new things, expressing our personality, being bold, having fun with the things we wear, and just playing around with styles. Yet its very experimental nature is why fashion is one of the most damaging industries - if you’re interested in learning more and have the time, watch ‘The True Cost’ documentary - so how can we enjoy creating beauty without causing destruction elsewhere? 

There aren’t easy solutions, but there are decisions we can make everyday to make an impact.

Being more mindful about how we care for, buy, and maintain our clothing are things we can do everyday to make a difference. Here’s how you can make more conscious fashion choices today and live in better  harmony with nature: 

For the Clothes You Already Have…Style and Restyle

Before buying something new, challenge yourself to make the most of what’s already in your closet. Experiment with layering, mix unexpected pieces, take a look at my different blogs and Instagram posts for inspiration. Lastly, but also, mainly -  accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. 

And if you’re looking for more help or want to see your wardrobe from new eyes, well that’s why I’m here! 

Care for Your Clothes

Longevity starts with care. Proper storage, gentle washing, and occasional repairs keep your clothes in great shape for years. 

Make sure to follow the proper care instructions on your clothing labels.  Here is an easy recap of all the clothing labels meaning.

Invest in a fabric shaver for knitwear. Store delicate items properly.

Take some time to learn some basic repair techniques like how to sew a button or fix a hole - I’m sure your grandma would love to help you out! 

For Laundry swap out single-use dryer sheets for wool dryer balls. They reduce drying time, soften clothes naturally, and help minimize static without the synthetic chemicals found in traditional fabric softeners.

Wash Clothes with Cold Water: Most garments don’t need hot water to get clean. Washing in cold water not only protects fabrics and colors but also saves energy. It’s an easy switch that reduces your carbon footprint and helps clothes last longer.

Use a Laundry Bag. If you own synthetic fabrics, microplastics from your laundry can end up in waterways. Using a laundry bag like the Guppyfriend helps catch microfibers, preventing them from polluting the ocean. It’s a small change with a big impact.

All of that to say that caring for your clothes will extend the life of your items and get the best bang for your buck.

Investing in Quality Over Quantity

A well-made, timeless piece will serve you far longer than several trendy, low-quality items. Focus on craftsmanship, durable fabrics, and classic silhouettes instead of fleeting trends. If you care for these pieces, they become investments that stand the test of time—unlike fast fashion, which often relies on poor-quality materials. In fact, the environmental impact of overconsumption is undeniable, with mountains of discarded clothing polluting landscapes from the Atacama Desert in Chile to Ghana in Africa. As a stylist, I encourage you to buy less but buy better. Curate a wardrobe rooted in your personal style, with pieces you genuinely love and will wear for years. This doesn’t mean avoiding trends entirely—adding a few key, high-quality pieces each year can modernize your wardrobe and help you incorporate trends in a thoughtful, sustainable way.

Buy Sustainable Brands

Finding brands that prioritize ethical production, sustainable materials, and fair wages can feel almost impossible - especially ones that match out style. Good on You has a great list of fair trade clothing brands that makes finding brands that align with your values much more convenient. 

To learn more, take also a look at my other blog post on sustainable fashion. 

Buy Second-Hand

Thrifting, vintage shopping, and resale platforms like Vinted, The RealReal, and Depop are great ways to find unique, high-quality pieces while reducing waste. Second-hand shopping is not just more sustainable—it can also be an exciting treasure hunt for one-of-a-kind items.

I highly suggest buying the insurance so that the company can certify the quality of the piece you buy. I would also add don’t underestimate the value of eBay and your local garage sales/community shops.

When buying second hand, curated shops will often have brands that have better quality but they can be very expensive. At local shops, with unbranded clothes, you can have fun digging for quality vintage pieces you won’t even find at luxury stores like leather jackets and vintage Made in USA denim. 

Rent

For special occasions or trend-driven pieces you’re not sure about, renting is a great alternative. Platforms like HURR, Rent the Runway, and By Rotation allow you to enjoy stylish outfits without the commitment or waste.

As we enter into wedding season, this is a great alternative to spending a lot of money on a dress you may only wear once. This is also a great solution if you are looking for new trendy accessories like bags and shoes

Mindful fashion doesn’t mean giving up on style—on the other hand it pushes you to actually work on your style. It means being intentional with your choices. By making the most of what you own, shopping consciously, and taking care of your clothes properly, you can enjoy fashion while minimizing waste. The best part? These small habits add up to a more sustainable wardrobe that helps the planet and in the long run your wallet!

Voila!

Lili