Finally winter feels like it’s lifted. At last you can put away those big jumpers and boots. But what to wear now that is sustainable, but also affordable?
One of the most common objections I hear from people about choosing to shop more sustainably is that it would cost more and there isn’t as much choice.
In the past this may of been the case but now there is a huge range of ethical and sustainable fashion for all budgets. From luxurious designer pieces right through to more affordable fashion. In many ways sustainability and frugality go hand in hand. Here are some tips for greening your style for spring on a budget.
Buy Less, Choose Well
OK, I stole (or borrowed) this one from Vivienne Westwood but it really does sum up the easiest way on how we can become more sustainable, and save money too.
Check out what you already have in you wardrobe, what you need or want. I always try and assess any clothes for value before buying by working out how much I am likely to wear them. I think about when I could wear them, what in my wardrobe they would go with and how long they are likely to last in terms of style and quality. I always try and wait a few days before buying to make sure that it is something I really want.
Cash In On Clothes That You Don’t Wear
Spring is the perfect time to have a good clear out of your wardrobe and any clothes that you no longer wear may be worth some money. You can try selling them through Ebay-style websites, like musicmagpie.co.uk or bigwardrobe.com. You could also take them to a clothes agency if you have one nearby.
A newly organised wardrobe will also make it easier for you to find something to wear in the mornings. And know what you already have to avoid buying more of the same.
Shop for of Sustainable Fashion with Discount Codes and in Sales
If you really can’t afford to buy from a sustainable or ethical fashion brand, you can look out for discount codes for sustainable fashion. The high quality and timeless styles of most of these brands will usually make them a really good investment. As most of the styles won’t go out of fashion, you should easily be able to find something amazing that is relevant for spring in the sales.
Here is a quick summary of the sales and discounts at style-is.co.uk at the moment.
15% off at People Tree until 21st April
15% off at Fashion Conscience until 30th April including Ruby Rocks, Komodo, SkunkFunk & Melie Bianco (vegan handbags)
15% off sustainable brands at Surfdome including Patagonia, Seasalt Cornwall, Monkee Genes, Rapanui and Seasalt Cornwall
Up to 20% off sustainable shoes at Spartoo including Timberland, Dream in Green and Swedish Hasbeens
£5 off sustainable fashion at Zalando when you spend over £50 including Komodo, People Tree, Kuyichi and Patagonia
8% vintage and ethical brands at Rock My Vintage - Including Nancy Dee, Lowie and Tatty Devine
People Tree Sale
Timberland Sale
Seasalt Cornwall Sale
Check out a Charity Shop
Charity shopping has to be one of the most fashionable ways to shop at the moment. It is fun, frugal and eco friendly. The best thing is you never know what treasure you are going to find to create your own unique outfit.
If you don’t have time to trawl the local charity shops, Oxfam Fashion online is a fantastic place to shop. You can search by size, style, colour and brand to find just what you need, and there is also a good selection of vintage clothes.
Arrange a Swap Party
If you are really broke, arranging a swap party is the perfect way to refresh your wardrobe for spring on a budget.
Grab a bottle of wine, some friends with a pile of clothes they no longer want and swap away to your hearts content. The feeling of getting something new from a swap is as good as buying something new. And you get a fun evening with your friends into the bargain.
If you don’t have enough friends or you’re all different sizes, you could try going to an organised swap party, there are lots listed on swishing.org.
Borrow it
If you need something to wear for a one off event, then the simplest option can sometimes be to borrow it.
An informal arrangement with friends is great but you can also use the pinkmothballs.com app to help keep track of exactly what you have borrowed and lent to people. For a special occasion, there is also the option to hire a designer dress from websites like Girl Meets Dress and Wish Want Wear.
This post was reproduced with the kind permission of Ceri Heathcote. You can see the original article, and loads more great ethical fashion tips, on the Style Eyes Ethical Fashion blog
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