In an industry traditionally filled with harmful practices ranging from production to manufacturing, the global fashion industry is finally embracing the value of sustainability. Sustainable Chic is a growing lifestyle trend that is disrupting the status quo with its commitment to eco-friendly fashion. By embracing this new trend, fashion-savvy consumers can help build a more sustainable world, while still keeping up with the latest fashion trends. Keep reading to learn more about how sustainable fashion is becoming the new mainstream – from sustainable materials to pollution-reducing manufacturing practices.
1. Looking Good While Being Eco-Conscious
It’s possible to keep a stylish wardrobe while prioritizing environmental concerns. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Invest in quality, long-lasting items: High-quality garments can last longer and reduce the frequency of replacements. It is also important to choose durable, natural fibers and fabrics like wool, denim and cotton.
- Shop second hand: Goodwill, thrift stores, and vintage shops are great starting points. Not only are vintage items often cheaper than retail, but they also have a unique character.
- Choose eco-friendly materials: Natural fabrics like bamboo, hemp, and organic cotton can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Clothing swaps and sewing can also be great ways to save on apparel costs while expressing individual style. Taking part in clothing swaps can help you update your wardrobe while decreasing the waste associated with excess clothing. And if you already have the basics, consider changing up the look of an old outfit with DIY projects like sewing and patching.
Adopting more conscious shopping habits can help us look our best while supporting a sustainable environment. Wearing clothes mindfully can help reduce the strain we put on the planet without having to sacrifice personal style.
2. Sustainable Styles for Every Occasion
Dress to impress and make sure it is sustainable? There are more eco-friendly fashion options than ever before, that can be easily dressed up or down for any occasion. Shopping eco-friendly may sound intimidating, but it has never been easier.
Natural Fabrics
When it comes to eco friendly fashion, look for clothes made from natural fibers such as; linen, hemp, cotton, and silk. These fabrics are soft to the touch, gentle on the skin, breathable, and long-lasting. Additionally, they are biodegradable once you don’t need them anymore. Some of the best sustainable fashion pieces you can get in natural fabrics include; light flowy dresses, A-line skirts, and frayed denim jeans.
Loose Fit
Go for a relaxed fit for a casual and sustainable look. Not only are relaxed fit styles easy to pull off, but they are also better for the environment than anything overly tight or constricting. Women can pair boyfriend jeans with a tucked-in tank top and sandals, or shorts with a light linen blouse and sneakers. Men can rock high-waisted loose-fit jeans, tees, and a jacket.
Accessorize as Needed
Elevate your look by adding a few pieces of timeless accessories to match your outfit. Pick scarves, jewelry, and even bags made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo, wood, or cork. These small items can be easily reused and recycled; and they add a finishing touch to any outfit.
Recycled Materials
Opt for items made up of recycled material, like upcycled vintage pieces or recycled polyester. Not only have these materials a lower environmental impact, but there’s also a lot of unique designs you can find at second-hand stores or online. And the best part: you’ll look unique and fabulous!
No matter what time of year it is, you can always look fashionable and sustainable. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind:
- White cotton for summer attire.
- High-waisted wide leg pants for a classic look.
- Loose draping dresses for an eye-catching statement.
- Lots of accessories to give an edge to your outfit.
- Vintage pieces and recycled materials for a unique appeal.
3. Innovative Ideas for Eco-Friendly Fashion
As fashion and sustainability should go hand in hand to protect the environment, it’s important to consider the impact our clothing choices have on the environment. There are an increasing range of eco-friendly fashion options designed to help reduce carbon emissions and negative environmental impact. Here are some innovative ideas for you to pursue.
Use Secondhand and Vintage Clothing
upcycling clothes is an excellent way to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Purchasing vintage or secondhand clothing items that are still in good condition also gives your wardrobe a unique and original look. Plus, you can repurpose these clothes to give them a new look, feel and level of personality.
Support Sustainable Fashion Brands
Sustainable fashion is fashion that is made out of more environmentally-friendly materials, takes into account the full life cycle of the product, and works to reduce pollution and waste during the production and manufacturing process. It’s important to support these clothing producers and designers by making your purchases with them.
Choose Biodegradable Fabrics
Opt for fabrics that are biodegradable and recyclable as much as possible. Materials like hemp, bamboo, organic cotton, and lyocell are all excellent options as they are made from natural and renewable sources.
Become a Responsible Consumer
When shopping, be sure to read the product label to make better informed clothing choices. You can also shop at more sustainable stores and markets to help reduce your carbon footprint. Here are some key things to consider:
- Fairtrade, organic, and recycled pieces
- Low impact dyes
- Ethically-sourced materials
- Natural fabrics
- Cruelty-free products
By using some of the above tips and tricks to reduce your eco-footprint, you can make a big difference in reducing your impact on the environment. Think about which aspects of fashion are truly necessary and strive to incorporate eco-friendly options whenever possible.
4. Raising the Bar: Achieving Sustainable Chic
We are inundated with advertisements and massive corporation claiming that they are solely responsible for saving the planet and our environment. But just how sustainable are the choices that they offer? Highly unsustainable fashion choices of fast fashion were much easier to identify, complete with a large toxic footprint. The same cannot be said for sustainable or “green” fashion. With so few sustainable options and ambitious restrictions, how do we create fashion that is both chic and effective in fighting the negative impact caused by the industry?
The answer is, by modifying our outlook towards sustainable fashion and breaking away from the preconceived notions of what fashionable clothing looks like. Clothing crafted with sustainable materials such as bamboo, hemp, and organic cotton are not just eco-friendly, but also outstandingly fashionable and feel great against your skin. Moreover, when sourcing these materials, be sure that the labor regulations and social conditions are in compliance with an ethical global standard.
We can, and should, also move away from single-use fashion trends; the idea is to go for timeless pieces that make their way back into your wardrobe over time. Invest in quality items as an alternative, and pay attention to the designs of items that you buy. An iconic style will not only serve you for years but will also remain relevant for seasons to come.
Even with cultures of ostentatiously coordinated styles, sustainability can go hand-in-hand with fashion. By making individual statements with clothing made of sustainable materials, we can easily create stylish, chic looks that are experience a second life making a lasting impression. We can also minimize the fashion waste, by trusting locally sourced materials, encouraging transparent supply chain practices, or participating in donation programs.
Sustainable fashion can and should be fashionable and chic. Making the effort to browse through the sustainable fashion choices available to you is not only beneficial to our planet, but it is also beneficial to you. It’s time to raise the bar and transcend society’s expectations for beauty, while setting a new trend of sustainable chic.
The eco-friendly fashion movement has gained a flurry of new and eco-savvy followers alongside renewed energy and enthusiasm. Sustainable chic is set to take the fashion industry by storm, and is making fashion more guilt-free and guilt-freely fashionable. It’s about time the fashion industry took a cue from the earth and embraced sustainable style – and with these trendy styles on the rise, it’s sure to stay chic.
