Building A Capsule Wardrobe Without Sacrificing Personal Style

Building an eco-friendly wardrobe without sacrificing the clothes you love to wear.

You Can Have It All: Comfort, Sustainability, And Style

Welcome to the third and final blog in my 3-part blog series about having a sustainable wardrobe that doesn’t sacrifice personal style, comfort, or values.

In this blog, I’ll discuss some tips and tricks on how to build an eco-friendly and sustainable wardrobe without sacrificing personal style.

• 7 Day Sweater Challenge
• Minimize To Maximize
• Building An Eco-Friendly Wardrobe

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Like many of us, I’m guilty of scrolling through social media wondering what the trends are for the latest season. I’ve fallen prey to the newest pants or a stylish top.

Now, I’ve opted out of fast fashion to keep my closet exciting and have learned how to build a sustainable wardrobe that is aligned with my style.

Now, my closet prioritizes sustainability, is mindful in its additions, and will be timeless (and comfortable) regardless of what’s popular at any given moment.

The Importance Of Investing Time And Money Into Sustainable Materials

Don’t get me wrong, investing sustainably is a commitment and investment, but it’s equally important as a part of our social and environmental responsibility.

It's a way to advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, reduced waste, and decreased emissions.

Supporting sustainable brands helps combat unethical practices in the fashion industry and significantly reduces our environmental footprint.

These investments create a demand for mindfully crafted products, pushing more brands toward sustainable practices.

They also shield us from the pitfalls of fast-paced fashion trends, which often threaten our style and comfort because everyone ends up wearing the same thing.

Considering this when building our wardrobes is a powerful way to express our values and make a positive impact.

It benefits not just us as individuals but also workers, the environment, and society as a whole.

Evaluating And Enhancing Your Existing Wardrobe

Before considering adding new pieces, evaluating your existing wardrobe is the most sustainable and economically efficient practice. This involves discerning which items to keep and which ones to let go.

When reviewing your wardrobe, consider the following:

• How often do you wear it?
  If an item hasn't been worn for a year, it might be time to let it go.
• Does it fit?
  It’s time to get rid of the clothes that just don’t fit how you’d like or the ones you’re holding onto for “one day.” Also, consider if certain items can be tailored to fit more how you’d like.
• Is it in good condition?
  Consider if your clothes can be repaired. Visible mending can be really cool but know that there are other ways to repair clothing as well.
• Does it match your style?
  Holding on to items that don't reflect your personal style can clutter your wardrobe and make it difficult to put together outfits. Ditch what you don’t gravitate toward.

Once you've sorted through your existing items, you can identify what's missing and consider adding new pieces. Quality should be prioritized over quantity here. Invest in versatile, durable items that align with your style and comfort needs. Think about what makes your style special to you.

For me, choosing an Oliver Charles sweater was a no-brainer because they're crafted from high-quality, natural materials, ensuring comfort and longevity.

My yak wool sweater is versatile and fit perfectly into my minimal wardrobe. Because their materials are breathable and soft, they would fit into my closet seamlessly while making a positive environmental impact.

A Sustainable Closet Doesn’t Mean Boring

There are some common myths about sustainable fashion: it's too costly, unfashionable, or a fleeting trend.

While the upfront cost might be higher, the longevity of these pieces offers longer-term savings.

Additionally, many sustainable brands offer stylish, contemporary designs that often prioritize timeless styles over fleeting trends.

Sustainable fashion is not the newest trend that we let pass us by, but a necessary response to the urgent need for more environmentally friendly and ethical practices within the fashion industry.

It encourages personal style expression through mindful purchasing and the use of high-quality and natural fabrics.

Incorporating personal style into a sustainable closet involves thoughtful buying decisions, ensuring each addition aligns with your unique style and complements other items in your wardrobe.

I’ve done this myself by focusing on a neutral color palette, playing with texture instead of pattern, and letting layers and accessories be the place I play the most. Sustainable closets focus on classic styles that reduce the need for frequent purchases.

By debunking these myths and embracing personal style, we contribute to a more ethical and environmentally friendly fashion industry while also building wardrobes that reflect our individuality.

My Final Thoughts

Transitioning to a sustainable wardrobe doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style or keep up with trends. Establishing a timeless, comfortable style reflects who you are and will help your closet last. It’s not about perfection but making conscious consumption choices whenever possible!

If you believe that every good wardrobe starts with owning less and owning better, consider buying yourself an OLIVER CHARLES sweater.