As I brush my hand against the hangers in my closet attempting to decide my outfit, a collection once overflowing with fleeting trends and cheap fabrics now holds carefully picked garments. For years, piles of clothes flooded my bedroom floor as I cleared out pieces I wore only once, their appeal fading as the next micro-trend emerged. Most were bought hastily from fast-fashion brands, designed with poor materials and no intention of lasting. Each time, I thought it was just how fashion worked. But deep down, I knew it was not the kind of person I wanted to be.
Clothes have always been my way of self-expression, but I started questioning: what was the point of chasing trends if the pieces I bought did not feel like me? That realization pushed me to change my habits for my personal style and the environment.
My first step was creating a capsule wardrobe: a curated set of versatile pieces to mix and match for any occasion. I set strict rules—no duplicates, no impulse buys. Three pairs of jeans: black, white and blue. Two skirts: black and white. Four simple tops. In theory, it sounded ideal, but I felt uninspired. I stopped overbuying, but I still did not love my clothes.
That changed when I decided to invest in quality instead of trends. After researching eco-friendly brands, I discovered Reformation, a company committed to minimizing waste, maintaining ethical working conditions and prioritizing transparency. Four years ago, I bought my first piece from them—a classic black slip dress made from ethically derived viscose that I still wear today. Though I had jeans from brands like Urban Outfitters and Zara, I began replacing my closet staples with well-made, durable pieces.
However, I know sustainability is not always accessible. Quality clothing often comes with a steep price tag, and for many, fast fashion feels unavoidable. Eco-friendly brands tend to price their items higher, reflecting the cost of ethical labor and sustainable materials. It is an imperfect system, but that does not mean change is impossible. When shopping fast-fashion, I now focus on buying fewer items—pieces I genuinely love that flatter me and compliment my style. I avoid mindlessly grabbing whatever is trending—one well-chosen item is far better than five poorly made ones.
Whenever possible, I explore secondhand options as a method to not spend too much but still find high-quality pieces. Platforms like Grailed and ThredUp allow me to support circular fashion without breaking the bank. It is satisfying to breathe new life into clothing that might otherwise go to waste.
While the system could be better, small, intentional changes can make a difference in our planet’s health. It is about being mindful of our purchases and making choices that align with both our personal style and the world we want to live in.
How to build a sustainable wardrobe:
Step 1:Purchase simple, staple pieces in solid, neutral or cohesive colors made from natural or recycled materials.
Step 2: Ask yourself, “Do I like the quality, fit and style of the garment?”
Step 3: Minimize purchases from fast fashion brands.
