While sustainability is a complex topic with few straightforward answers, it’s once again at the center of the fashion conversation. Following a tense U.S. election and the Netflix release of the Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy documentary, many of us are thinking and talking about how hard it is to make an impact with sustainable choices in a world where production and consumption are out of control.
The hard truth is that the environmental impact of all the products being shipped across the world far outweighs any efforts that brands are making to lower their carbon footprints—but that doesn’t mean that nothing you do will make a difference. Buying only what you need while making the most of what you have can help you break from the cycle, and there are ways to do that while keeping your style fresh. Read on for seven ways to switch up your style tricks without adding many new items to the cart, saving money and some carbon emissions in the process.
Style Tricks 1# Experiment with Styling Trends
Sometimes, the quickest way to give your outfits new life is to switch up your styling. The sky’s the limit when it comes to ways to do this, so take a look at your closet and feel free to get creative. That being said, below are a few viral styling methods to try:
Wearing vs. styling: One of the most open-ended options for adding personality to your look, this method comprises several ideas for being more intentional when getting dressed. Take your look into styled territory by layering, accessorizing, and using your favorite pieces in unexpected ways.
The “wrong shoe” theory: You might remember the “wrong shoe” theory making the rounds on TikTok: It’s a catchy name for the straightforward concept of opting for footwear with a different aesthetic or vibe than your overall outfit. Whether this means kitten heels with athleisure, sneakers with a formal look, or an unexpected color combo, you’ll find your potential ensembles to multiply once you try this method.
Outfit sandwiching: Popular as a way to style capsule wardrobes or make getting dressed in the morning that much easier, outfit “sandwiching” involves choosing two colors, textures, or proportions, then styling one on the top and bottom and the other in the middle for an instantly put-together look. For example, you might opt for a black top and shoes paired with white bottoms.
Style Tricks 2# Switch Up Your Accessories
Accessories can make or break an outfit, giving your go-to ensembles a different energy depending on what you choose. You might consider layering a few of your favorite necklaces as an on-trend way to create an eclectic look, adding a pop of color via your shoes or handbag, or taking your outfit to the next level via a statement-making scarf or hat.
Style Tricks 3# Build a Capsule Wardrobe
Capsule wardrobes are a helpful way to maximize your outfit options while keeping your wardrobe pared down to the essentials. Whether you’re looking to clean out your closet or simply looking for style upgrades, take inventory of what pieces you already have, and next time you’re shopping, focus on investing in versatile basics that you can wear in countless ways for seasons to come. It’s possible to build a capsule wardrobe for every season and even for travel, and combining a few of these will greatly increase your sartorial mileage without having to buy an excessive amount of items.
Style Tricks 4# Exchange with Friends
Trying not to buy new items doesn’t mean you can’t acquire anything new to you. Chances are that you and many of your friends all experience the same dilemma of having an overstuffed closet but nothing to wear, so use this as an opportunity to share the wealth and finally try your favorite pieces from each other’s wardrobe. There are a few ways you can do this:
Borrow more: Next time you have an event coming up where you need something specific you wouldn’t wear regularly (like a formal dress or a specific micro-trend), consider putting it in the group chat to see if anyone has something you like that might fit. If you want to take this a step further, you could even pool together pieces you’d like to lend each other via the notes app or a shared photo album, then reference it as needed.
Organize a clothing swap: According to the Buy Now documentary, many of the clothes we donate don’t end up available for resale, with companies often shipping them overseas for disposal. Because of this, exchanging directly with friends can be one of the best ways to ensure your pieces get a second life. Throw a small get-together where you and your group all bring a bag of gently loved items to trade. After a couple of fun-filled hours checking out everyone’s collection, you’ll all leave with a refreshed approach to your style.
# Give Your Old Favorites a Second Life
Once a piece is in your closet, that means it’s yours to cherish and love—so don’t be afraid to make alterations that adapt to changing fits and tastes as well as restore the condition of your favorite clothes. For example, you can take your jeans to a tailor if your size has changed slightly, repair holes in your favorite sweaters, or customize pieces by adding patches, embroidery, or other appliqués. All of the above will help you revamp previously tired pieces without the need to buy something new altogether.
# Look Through Your Wardrobe Regularly
This is one of the simplest tips on this list, but it just may be one of the most impactful. For many of us, it’s all too easy to forget about some of the pieces we’ve accumulated over the years, so taking a thorough look through your dresser and closet can provide you with an impressive amount of inspiration. Sometimes, an old dress, coat, or pair of jeans that you haven’t worn in a while can feel fresh again a few seasons later—and some of your old clothes may even be back in style.
# Thrift or Shop Vintage
When you do need new clothes, shopping secondhand whenever possible is one of the best ways to lower your carbon footprint. The thrift and vintage markets are rapidly expanding with more size-inclusive options available as well as online options like Depop and Poshmark, so we’re living in unprecedented times when it comes to finding pre-loved pieces. Secondhand shopping can take a bit more research since you’ll find mostly one-off items, but it’s all the more rewarding to curate outfits (and your overall wardrobe) this way.
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