This information was provided by fashion experts at Dalston Mill Fabrics.
As the weather starts to cool and people begin planning their Halloween costumes, impulsive purchases often skyrocket. Whether this is in the form of stocking up on new winter coats or purchasing wacky Halloween costumes, the concept of building a sustainable wardrobe may be far from your mind over the next few months.
As the seasons change, there is a recurring trend on social media in which people discuss trends for upcoming seasons. This is followed by an influx of people buying new clothes, jumpers, shoes, and accessories purely to own the latest trends and fashions while not thinking whether the items are truly needed.
In light of this, fashion experts at the London-based fabric shop Dalston Mill Fabrics have addressed the dangers of impulsive purchases at the start of a new season and offer advice on how to be more sustainable in fashion this autumn.
Plan your Halloween costume in advance.
As Halloween looms closer, it can be incredibly beneficial to start planning your costume months in advance. Often, people leave their costumes to the very last minute, resulting in countless impulsive and unnecessary purchases in a desperate bid to put together a themed outfit.
Instead of typical last-minute panic, why not plan your Halloween costume in advance? This gives you plenty of time to shop for second-hand pieces and repurpose existing pieces in your wardrobe, which is much more sustainable than frantically ordering last-minute pieces from a next-day delivery company.
Refresh your wardrobe
The start of a new season often coincides with a wardrobe refresh. Over the next few months, make active efforts to reorganize your wardrobe, putting away your summer pieces and focusing on your winter wear.
Rather than going on a shopping spree, you may rediscover some hidden gems while reorganizing, which will reduce the need to purchase brand-new pieces specifically for autumn. This is significantly more sustainable, helps you become a greener shopper, and saves you a fortune.
If you desperately need some new fashion inspiration after a wardrobe clear-out, focus on purchasing versatile items that can be worn multiple times and layered for different occasions. Your wardrobe should consist of the essentials, like T-shirts, jeans, and jackets, rather than unnecessary items for one-off events.
Resell items that you no longer wear
Wardrobe refreshes are also great for rediscovering that you no longer wear fashion pieces. Instead of throwing these items away, why not set up an account on an established reselling platform?
It’s hugely important to resell clothing in terms of sustainability, especially if it is in excellent condition and has never been worn before. Rather than ending up in landfills, reselling can give your clothes a new lease of life.
In addition to earning some extra money, reselling can make you more conscious of your spending habits. If you find yourself with stacks of unwanted clothes, this is a sign that you need to reconsider your spending patterns and shop more sustainably.
Limit your TikTok screentime
As a new season begins, TikTok becomes inundated with new fashion trends. You may find yourself watching autumnal haul videos from countless influencers, which advertise the latest ‘must-have’ clothing items for the new season.
TikTok often encourages unhealthy spending habits. Rather than rushing out to buy the latest trend, you should focus on limiting your screen time over the next few months.
If social trends easily influence you, creating a budget plan that encourages healthier spending patterns can be extremely beneficial. If you see an item of clothing that you really want on social media, consider it for a few weeks before making the purchase to determine whether you really need it.
Trends come and go, resulting in an alarming number of fast-fashion pieces ending up in landfills. To become a greener shopper, it’s essential to avoid the pressure to overspend and instead focus on building healthier financial habits.
Invest in higher-quality items.
If you decide that you still need some new pieces after a wardrobe clear-out, it’s highly beneficial to research some sustainable-led fashion brands.
While these pieces are occasionally more expensive, they tend to be longer-lasting, reducing the need to consistently bulk-buy fashion pieces. If you can do so, purchasing from independent and sustainable fashion brands is incredibly worthwhile.
“Sadly, social media has played a large part in the rise of fast fashion, and this issue needs to be addressed. This autumn, it’s essential to be conscious of throwaway trends and actively avoid them,” commented a spokesperson for Dalston Mill Fabrics.
“We all have our part to play when carving out a greener space in the fashion industry. By becoming a sustainable shopper, we can reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and encourage a future in which style and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.”
