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How to Buy a Sustainable Wardrobe This Christmas
Words Stacey Soluade
Credit: sama_ja / Shutterstock.comThe last year has seen a significant shift in the fashion industry’s role in supporting ethical and sustainable practices which for me as a Fashion Editor and Stylist is a welcome change and highlights the need for us all to buy less and reuse more. From the announcement of an upcycled collection by Miu Miu (an impressive capsule of 80 dresses refashioned from pieces sourced from vintage stores and markets), online platform ASOS providing charity boutiques a space to sell (where you’ll find the perfect vintage tee), to leading retailer Selfridges supporting the fashion rental movement (luxury designer pieces to loan that are otherwise too pricey for a one time purchase), there’s so much more choice for us to be conscious consumers. With the festive season here it means it’s the time of year where we all enjoy dressing our best and you can make this year's Christmas wardrobe more sustainable with my top 4 ways to shop for maximum style and minimum cost…to you and the environment.
Fashion loan
You can now switch up your outfits and seasonal wardrobe with ease by renting! My current favourite places are; Hurr, a rental platform offering a great range of designers, you can choose from a glamorous Rixo London dress to a statement pair of Balenciaga heels and with prices starting from as little as £14 it’s the perfect way to update up your look. If you’re more comfortable shopping on your mobile then download the go to fashion app By Rotation (Apple App Store) where you can lend from a whole host of leading style icons, including Lady Amelia Windsor and London-based Parisienne Camille Charrière.
Credit: Creative Lab / Shutterstock.comBuy Pre-loved
Off Loan, an extension of the On Loan rental brand, are on a mission to help great clothes find their forever-home and host a flash sale every Thursday with preloved designer beauties that are in top notch condition. It’s only live from 7pm to midnight, you need to be on the guest list in advance so sign up to their monthly membership in advance and make that dream purchase count.
Credit: andersphoto / Shutterstock.comIndependent brands
Supporting small ethical and sustainable labels has never been so important and with brands like JPL Atelier going to great lengths to ensure the entire production and working conditions are safe too, there’s even more reason to make them part of your Christmas wish list. Their charity T-shirts, £85, are made from 100% organic cotton and make a luxury, honest piece to add to your wardrobe.
Credit: eversummerphoto / Shutterstock.com
Shop charity online
The charity sector has really suffered this year with the effects of store closures from two national lockdowns which is why it’s amazing that ASOS introduced five new charity boutiques to their online marketplace, Cancer Research UK, Royal Trinity Hospice, and welcoming back Oxfam Festival Shop, Save the Children, and British Red Cross. So you can still search for that unique one-off item while supporting a good cause.