Most people would be surprised to learn that 84% of clothing ends up in landfills, according to RoadRunner. It is clear that fashion makes a big environmental impact in today’s world. Although having a huge wardrobe may be convenient, Debbie Roes of The Recovering Shopaholic suggests that people aim to wear each garment in their wardrobe at least 10 times per year. Now, reducing the number of purchases we make per year on new clothing not only keeps garments out of the landfills, it can save us large amounts of money each year as well. Being environmentally friendly does not necessarily mean buying $100 organic cotton sustainably made shirts. You can clean out your closet and update your wardrobe, all while being kind to the earth and saving money. Here’s how:
Marie Kondo Your Closet Each Season
Marie Kondo is a renowned tidying expert helping people around the world to transform their cluttered homes into spaces of serenity and inspiration. Inspired by her methods, I use the change of each season as an opportunity to pull out my wardrobe and inspect its contents. I take the time to try on my clothes, purging the items that no longer fit, that are damaged or I simply don’t like. Sometimes, it takes a little longer to be able to say goodbye to certain items, but that’s a part of the process.
Exchange Clothing with Friends and Family
Once I have completed my closet purge, it is time for the real fun! I will invite my mother to pick through my items. Allowing her to snag those pieces she has had her eyes on for a while. Then, it’s off to see my friends, it is only fair mom gets first dibs. I have read about clothing exchange parties in the past, which is a fun idea; however, things don’t have to be that elaborate. I have just as much fun sitting on my bed, watching my college friend fall in love with pieces that got saved from the landfill. If you are purging during a pandemic, such as COVID-19, a reasonable modification would include a contactless drop off.
Try Out the Thrift Store
Thrift stores like Plato’s Closet and Buffalo Exchange will go through clothing and purchase them for a fraction of the cost. Now honestly, a lot of these stores may not purchase a lot, if any, of your items; so when you go, go when you’re in the mood to thrift. These stores may also offer to donate the rest of your items for you. If you’re not in the mood to sell your seasonal items, Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or any other thrift store will accept all of your items, no questions asked. You can also consider donating clothes and hygienic or cosmetic items to shelters or organizations that are near and dear to your values.
I’m not gonna lie, thrifting can be mentally and physically strenuous. Do not go after arm day! If you’re like me, you’re gonna need your arms (one wouldn’t think that you needed a cart at Goodwill) to carry all your sweet finds. Thrifting can be rewarding and requires a lot of patience to go through tens of hundreds of clothes, either on hangers or in piles. Pro Tip: Put in your headphones, strap on your mask, and stretch your arms.
Thrift stores are also a wonderful opportunity to see what you like and don’t like. Feel free to play around in different sizes and even see what size fits and looks best on you. You can try on different styles and experiment at a lower investment rate. Going to stores in different areas may also affect your chances of finding high quality pieces, even designer!
Transform Your Clothes
Honestly, some clothes do not need to be donated. But some clothes may be too cute or valuable to get rid of. If you have a sentimental or cool patterned shirt, you can fold it and frame it forever. Clothes hanging by a thread can be cut up and be used as washcloths and rags. Lonely socks can be used as hand dusters. Baby clothes can be used as costumes for cute pets (if they’ll allow it). Sewers can use their talents to transform clothing into masks or an entirely new garment.
Think Before You Buy
Make observations on the type of clothing that you actually wear. For me, the clothes that I like to wear are breathable, comfortable, typically made of either cotton or nylon. What kind of colors do you tend to lean towards? I usually like pastels, white, black, jewel tones, and other colors. I like tank tops or long sleeves, cardigans, leggings, and other tight pants.
Maybe it’s just me getting older, but I refuse to buy clothes that I will be uncomfortable in. Looking uncomfortable will affect your energy and persona. Confidence is a lot harder to achieve when you’re too busy being self-conscious about a shirt or skirt being too uncomfortable. It doesn’t matter how cute that $12 is, if I recoil when I touch it, I’m not buying it. If it’s a synthetic fabric, AKA not cotton, I’m not buying it. Unless it’s nylon for activewear, because they don’t pill like cotton, wick sweat, and will last longer.
Find Your Inspiration and Your List
Look through some of the people who you would consider your fashion icon for inspiration. You may not be able to recreate their outfits to a tee, but it could inspire you to think outside of the box in terms of what you want to buy. After you clean out your closet, look at what would actually enhance your closet, and then go shopping.
When I’m on a lower budget, I have a hard time thinking about what exactly I want unless it’s a basic item. In that case, I’m more open-minded to what I’m looking for, whether it’s a top or a dress. Having a general idea, i.e. a fall sweater, will get the job done. I just want to be able to leave the store with what I was actually looking for.
I buy clothes under two rules. One: My immediate thought is that I look REALLY good. Two: I am very comfortable in this and I will wear it. If you buy clothes that you genuinely like, you will wear it instead of the garment just sitting in your closet.
Buy Only One…or Two
When I’m trying something new, I follow my mom’s advice and just buy one. If that new item doesn’t work out, it’s less of a loss. If it does work out, then you know that you can just swing by the store again.
When it comes to color, I usually pick colors that either stick out the most or that I like. If I have two pairs of blue jeans, why do I need to buy another one? What makes this one different? I can buy them in black or white. I can buy jeans in a different cut. Unless I am sincerely that unhappy with what I have, then I’ll consider buying another similar item.
