So you’ve begun learning how to build an ethical closet. You read some articles, watched a documentary, and found out how those ‘fast fashion’ brands are making things so, well, fast. Your wardrobe suddenly looks like a war zone. There’s a touch of regret mixed with sprinklings of guilt. You never would’ve bought that shirt if you knew how it was made. You didn’t even need that dress—you only wore it once.
(Photo by Charity Hestead Kubena)
Well, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re pretty much on par with every person who has recently learned the story behind their clothing. So let’s pull out that strange old adage and say, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” It’s not time for a drastic purge or exotic cleansing ritual.
If you want to move toward an ‘ethical closet’ and buy exclusively from ethical, sustainable sources, start from exactly where you are. Instead of a costly wardrobe overhaul, work within the reality of your budget—recognize that you likely already own much of what you need. Let’s look at it this way:
You’re educated for the future without being judged for the past.
In practical terms, there are a few key steps you can take in moving from closet shame to fashion contentment.
step one: RELAX
Take a breather. Appreciate your possessions. Even if your dream closet suddenly doesn’t look so dreamy anymore, it’s all a gradual process. You have the pleasure and privilege of seeing things through a new lens. The fact that you’re even thinking of making a change for the future is a big deal.
step two: TAKE AN INVENTORY
Pull a Marie Kondo and get everything out in the open. Put all (yes, all) of your clothes on the bed. This helps you to get a real grasp on everything you own, instead of taking it one drawer at a time. Finally, sort everything into three piles: keep, donate/sell, and discard.
step three: MAKE A GAME PLAN
Now that you’ve narrowed down your belongings it’s time to strategize for future purchases. Think of what’s in your drawers and what’s missing. Do you need more work clothes, t-shirts, or jeans? Are you short on accessories or shoes?
Make up your list of wish and need items. And here comes the fun part: shopping as research. Browse your favorite ethical stores and note which pieces fit your list. Sort them however you want—by necessity level or price.
And at the end of this, make a deal with yourself. Figure out how and when you’ll invest in new pieces. Will you start a little piggy bank on the side? Will you only buy if you’ve sold something from your closet first? These small steps will make you appreciate and treasure each item that enters your wardrobe.
Are you working toward a conscious closet? How do you plan to start?
