Creating a sustainable wardrobe that works for you.

Getting to grips with ‘wardrobe economics’ is the key to sustainability. There are three variables to consider:

  • money
  • time
  • the planet

On average we wear 20% of our clothes 80% of the time. That equates to an awful lot of clothes languishing in your wardrobe not ‘earning their keep’! For every £100 spent, £80 is wasted, if not being worn.

We take about 17 minutes a day deliberating what to wear. With a wardrobe that is full of ‘lurkers’ and not ‘workers’ the job of choosing an outfit is often not a joyous one for many people.

Working with a Personal Stylist can be considered a luxury, or something reserved only for people who are really into fashion, but that is simply not the case. I am trained by House of Colour’s rigorous and ongoing programme to help people like you to sort through the noise and get a wardrobe that fills you with joy and works hard for you every day.

By knowing what colours and styles work for your body architecture and lifestyle you can create a wardrobe that has garments that will all be worn and no longer waste money buying items that will not see the light of day. By doing this, you will be reducing the mass consumption that the fashion industry encourages and become more sustainable.

To be a more discerning, sustainable, shopper who looks good, my top tips are:

  • Conduct a wardrobe review: identify the items you have bulk purchased and know where the gaps are. If you have 10 bikinis but haven’t been abroad in a few years, it is unlikely you will need to buy another! However, if you only have one winter jumper, this might be a gap worth filling. Spend your money wisely.
  • Know your best colours and style: wear colours that bring out your natural beauty closest to your face (this also means that you will need less makeup and what you have will last longer). Wear clothes that best fit your body proportions. Consider: what neckline is best for you? What cut of trouser is best for you? What length/cut of skirt is best for your proportions? Don’t forget accessories as these can easily elevate an outfit.
  • Buy less but buy better: investing in one quality top that you know can be worn with lots of your trousers/skirts will be much better for you than several less quality items that might not wash well or stand the test of time.
  • Only buy something if you know you will be able to wear it 30 times. That way, it will earn its place in your wardrobe. Consider: does it suit your architecture? Does it fit your lifestyle now (this is especially important to consider if you are at a transition point of your life)?
  • Set a realistic budget. This is so important as it eliminates the guilt.
  • If you don’t love it, don’t buy it! It is ok to walk away empty handed at the end of a shopping trip!

All these principles can be adhered to with pre-loved shopping – this is probably the most sustainable shopping habit we can adopt. Be it charity shops or online auctions, you can make sensible choices if you have given thought to all the points above.

If you have any questions, I would love to hear from you. I live in South Hill parish.

Tash Glasgow – 07835781060     natasha.glasgow@houseofcolour.co.uk            www.houseofcolour.co.uk/natashaglasgow

WITH THAT IN MIND …. Check your wardrobes and bring items that are lurking and not working for you to our CLOTHES SWAP June 3rd Golberdon.