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How to Dress Well While Being Eco-Friendly on a Budget

Dress to Impress

By Tanvi PuniaPublished about a year ago 5 min read
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The mid-year deals are currently in full swing, making it the ideal time to stock up on high-quality apparel and accessories. And by "stocking up," I mean purchasing durable goods and only the parts you need.

Many people try to justify their purchases at discount department stores by saying that "that's all I can afford," but the reality is that a single article of clothing from, say, Kmart or Big W will require repeated purchases. Thus, buying a few cheap things instead of one quality item that will last you a long time will cost you a lot more money in the long run.

I don't see how individuals can defend buying garments every week from a sustainable and ecologically beneficial perspective. You can't possibly wear that many outfits at once! And to act in such a way only to brag on Instagram blows my head. To each their own, but the first thing you should do if you want to truly change the environment is to stop purchasing fast fashion that ends up in landfills. Because they become unusable after a month or even a season, most cheaply constructed items can't be given or resold. The financial cost comes next. How much money do they waste each year attempting to stay current with fashion?

When making a purchase, consider the cost per wear. There are several inexpensive methods to get high-quality items that will endure for many years. You can add long-lasting pieces to your wardrobe that won't wind up in landfills by shopping at sales or buying used products.

Below, I'll reveal my tricks for keeping a chic, budget-friendly wardrobe while being ecologically conscious and sustainable:

Shop Wiser. Not Harder.

Purchase During the Off-Season

Seriously, I doubt anyone will ask if the blouse you're wearing is from the summer collection. Many retailers still carry summer and spring merchandise in their online sale sections. In addition to preparing your wardrobe for the forthcoming Spring and Summer seasons, purchasing these items now at absurdly cheap costs will allow you to layer them beneath winter knits and coats. For names like Peter Alexander, Oroton, Levi's, Diana Ferarri, R.M. Williams, and Polo Ralph Lauren, you may also check out outlet malls like DFO.

Wait

I don't believe I've ever purchased apparel or accessories at full price. Just wait a little time if you see something you have to have. I can assure you that the thing you are coveting will be discounted in a few months. Consider a Sportscraft knit I found at David Jones in the fall of last year that I adored. I was able to wear it a few times last year, and I've already done it a lot this year with ankle boots, jeans, and a pleated skirt. The knit will likely last me for many years as well, especially if I take care of it by washing it according to the manufacturer's directions.

Secondhand

There is nothing improper about purchasing used goods. I've been known to purchase a few things from thrift stores and alternatives to eBay. You may save an item from the garbage by finding a new home for something that one individual no longer desires. Many goods are still in their original packaging, so if you're concerned about wearing something that someone else has already worn, you may get new items for a fraction of the price of retail. It has just been unused in someone's wardrobe for some time. You will find some high-quality goods you will enjoy if you just make sure to stay with the companies you would typically purchase from while looking for components.

Keep Buying Reputable Products that you are Familiar with.

Personally, Sussan, Trenery, Commonry, Sportcraft, and Forever New items make up the majority of my wardrobe. Trenery jeans will last me for at least three to five years, even after being washed and dried many times. My Sussan denim jacket, which I've owned for 20 years, is still going strong, while a wool coat I got 10 years ago still looks just as nice as it did then. A beige Sportscraft trench coat that I also own dates back well over ten years. T-shirts, dresses, and skirts of high quality should last you several years. longer still for fine knits.

Purchase Only what You actually Need.

Okay, now for the big one! Twenty pairs of pants, fifteen skirts, and thirty outfits are not necessities for anyone. If you're creative, you can create ensembles for a whole month out of a small number of high-quality items. You'll not only have a well-organized closet and be aware of quick-to-assemble outfits, but you'll also save hundreds on clothes you almost ever wear. How much of your current wardrobe do you actually wear on a daily basis? Most of us consistently don the same clothing.

I should also emphasize that nobody cares whether you've worn anything previously. Even folks they don't see regularly tend to forget what they were wearing two weeks ago. Princess Kate is widely known for wearing the same clothes over and over again. Celebrities are starting to make a point of doing this. Why can't you reuse the clothes in your closet if individuals who can afford to buy brand-new outfits each season can? For instance, by just adding a cardigan, or blazer, or changing shoes and accessories, you may completely alter the appearance of a dress.

A classic look is always in style!

When purchasing new items, consider their durability. Will they still appear fresh in a year? Can you combine the item with other parts you already own? For this reason, you ought to stay with timeless designs. Jeans with straight legs, jackets, blouses, basic t-shirts, and a nice pair of pants (I adore a pair of straight, wide-leg pants). A few pairs of shorts and skirts, a few dresses, and timeless knits make a terrific foundation for a traditional wardrobe (plus they always look smart).

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About the Creator

Tanvi Punia

I help Individuals, Coaches, Businesses, Founders, Entrepreneurs, & Marketers to grow in their businesses through Social Media by creating & designing visual content that aligns perfectly with their brand, values, and voice.🤝🏻

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