Building a Sustainable Summer Wardrobe in 4 Steps

As the days get longer and warmer, we are all getting ready to enjoy the summer months. And, while you might still be enjoying your spring outfits, there is no better time of the year to declutter your closet and start building your summer wardrobe. 

Undoubtedly, it doesn’t take more than a short stroll down the high street to fall in love with the new spring and summer collections released by major brands. However, as the climate emergency becomes a more and more pressing matter, it is essential to review our shopping habits and focus on sustainable living. 

When it comes down to fashion, there are some choices that you can make to reduce your impact on the environment while enjoying a great wardrobe. Start with the four simple tips below!

Wear Simple Garments – But Enhance Them in the Right Way!

When it comes down to creating the perfect wardrobe for summer, you might have a range of requirements. For example, you might need several professional work suits, outfits to enjoy a BBQ party in the sun, or comfortable clothing items for your time at home. 

But this does not mean that you have to have hundreds of clothing items in your wardrobe! It is all about knowing how to enhance an outfit with the right accessories. 

For example, a plain suit can be made more professional with the right blazer, while exclusive neck or Nose Jewellery can turn the garments into the perfect outfit for a party. Shop wisely and focus on quality over quantity!

Shop Second-Hand Outfits or Repurpose What You Already Have

When it comes down to building your summer wardrobe, the most ethical and environmentally-friendly choice you could make is to stick to the items that you already have. 

Repurposing older items and garments does not use new resources and can limit the amount of fashion waste that ends up in landfills every year. If you don’t have many clothing items you can repurpose, consider shopping at second-hand websites and local stores.

Look Into How Each Item Is Produced – And Avoid Fast-Fashion

The place where you shop does make a difference in the impact that your purchase will have on the environment. While major and high street brands represent the easy choice when it comes down to shopping on a budget, it is important to keep in mind that fast-fashion accounts for 10% of all human-made carbon emissions. What’s more, this industry is the second-largest consumer of the world’s water. 

While making a different choice might not cause a change immediately, as a consumer, you have a power that should not be underestimated! Just make sure to check how and where each item is produced and opt for garments that are produced ethically and locally.

Try a Minimalist Wardrobe Challenge

If you have been struggling with the number of clothing items you own and you never seem to find enough space to keep your closet organised, consider taking on challenges such as the 333 Challenge. Projects like these ones encourage you to declutter and minimise your wardrobe and only use a set number of items each season.