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How to Curate a Sustainable Wardrobe Without Breaking the Bank

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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FIT chapter.

While addressing climate change has been a topic for decades, it has posed a more urgent threat than ever. Sustainability has become an industry buzzword as more companies join the efforts to avoid depleting Earth’s resources. Oftentimes when we think of shopping sustainability, we connect it with a hefty price tag as sustainable fashion companies typically run higher than fast fashion goods due to the heightened cost of production, yet there are so many other facets that can go into curating a sustainable wardrobe.

Conscious Consumption

Above all else, the best thing you can do to shop more responsibly is to shop consciously. When you pick up a piece,  do a little mental check to make sure it is a piece you can see yourself having for a long time rather than an impulse buy. 

Shop Secondhand

Before buying something new, see if you can find it at the thrift store! This is a great way to test out micro trends without grasping for a fast fashion item. There are also countless resale sites so you can refine your search rather than sifting through the thrift store rack. ThredUP, Poshmark, Depop, Etsy, and The RealReal are a few of my favorites!

Caring for your items

Caring for the prices you already own can improve their longevity. Make sure to pay attention to care tags and properly launder each item. Also mending rips, broken straps, and any other minor wear and tear is important to avoiding excess textiles in a landfill. 

Rental

If you love to circulate styles and pieces often, rental is the perfect option for you! Nuuly, Rent the Runway, and Armoire are amongst many of the fashion rental services currently on the market. While some services are subscription-based, a one-time rental for an event can save you money and closet space all while helping save the planet. 

My name is Giselle! I am currently a sophomore studying Fashion Business Management. In my free time, you can find me with an iced latte in hand, journaling, sifting through thrift store racks, or taking a leisurely stroll by the beach.