Where Fashion Meets Sustainability: Becoming a Mindful Fashion Lover

Tips for becoming a mindful fashionista

—

There are many reasons why an increasing number of people are turning to mastering the art of mindful living. Some may think this lifestyle includes only things such as meditation and yoga, a healthy and mindful diet, and essentially smelling the roses while trying to live a present and stress-free life. Far from a fad, mindfulness can be an invaluable life philosophy which can envelop every aspect of life— including shopping and style.

To some, this may sound trivial, but mindfulness in fashion is as important as mindfulness in every other moment of your life. So, here is a guide to help you master the art of mindful fashion love.

Mindful vs. mindless

We have all been guilty of committing one particular crime: being caught in the frenzy of marked down items and annual sales. We purchase things we don’t need, items that are neither our style nor flattering. Why? Because they are on sale. But we need to stop, as this goes against everything mindful living represents. First of all, you may be still breaking the bank, although under the illusion that you’re saving money. Secondly, you most often end up with items that aren’t actually special to you and will end up in landfills.

Fashion needs to stop being disposable. 

That is why there are so many movements and strides in the fashion industry to encourage sustainable fashion and a circular economy that considers not only the sourcing of raw materials and manufacturing, but recycling textiles after use. However, as consumers, we need to take our share of responsibility and be savvier when entering a store and choosing garments.

Listen to those in the know

You love clothes and you consider yourself a kind of a fashionista, right? Well, sometimes in our attempts to look trendy and sparkling new, we tend to over-purchase and end up with a closet that just can’t handle it anymore. The worst part is, trends are fleeting, so as soon as we’ve snapped several photos for our Instagram feed, we become sort of over them. Does this ring close to home?

In order to prevent that from happening, let’s take the words of the master of decluttering — Marie Kondo.

Lesson number seven says: Fall in love with your closet.

What does this mean exactly? When curating your wardrobe, keep the things that not only fit you well and aren’t there only for nostalgic reasons, but also the ones that truly bring you joy. If it doesn’t bring you joy, then go it must. We’re not saying you have to pull an Emily Gilmore and get rid of all your possessions. Instead, just take the time to feel and touch your clothes, try them on, see how you feel in them, and if you feel beautiful and joyful – keep them. Joy is a sign of love, so the pieces that remain are the pieces that you genuinely love. (Of course, the pieces you dispense with should not go into the trash – if they are still wearable, take them to a re-sale store, thrift shop, Salvation Army or other outlet where they will serve others.)

Smart shopping

A purge can leave you with a closet full of joy, but that same closet might end up lacking some of the basics you desperately need. This is the time to go shopping. The first items that should be on your list are basics and undergarments. These include quality women’s underwear and supportive and flattering bras. In order for everything else to feel and look amazing on you, these pieces are crucial, so choose wisely. And, in the spirit of conscientious and mindful shopping, turn to such natural fabrics as organic cotton, linen, and bamboo. After all, these are the items that come in the closest contact with your skin, so they should be safe, good for your health, and last but not least, environmentally-friendly.

Adopt a minimalist mindset

Buying environmentally-friendly clothes doesn’t mean you have to be a minimalist in terms of color palette in order to follow some of the incredibly wise rules they adhere to. Yes, these organic items usually stick to neutral and non-colors, but when you own a finite number of items that mesh well together, you can create countless amazing outfits without a) breaking the bank and b) trying too hard to come up with an outfit. Therefore, even if you’re not a fan of these less-colorful hues, make sure you own at least a few basic items if you want to make dressing in the morning much easier as you can always rely on a basic item to go well with a statement one.

A smart and mindful shopper will carve out an afternoon just for shopping and will not settle for anything less than exactly what they are looking for.

Mindfulness is about enjoying the shopping process…

…feeling the fabric, checking the label, making sure the quality is worth the price, and taking time in the dressing rooms to look at yourself from all angles.

This is the point to ask yourself the following questions: Does this look flattering? Does it have a timeless quality to it? Is the fabric great? How does it make me feel?If the answers to these questions are positive, off to the cashier desk you go. If not, move on in search for your Holy Grail item that ticks all the boxes needed to enter your life. It’s not just a sewn piece of fabric; it’s a garment that will represent you to the outer world, so it needs to fit the bill. If you follow the rules of quality, fit, sustainability, timelessness and keep the rest of your wardrobe in mind, you will have mastered the art of mindful shopping.

Show local love

In the spirit of sustainability, conscientious shopping, eco-friendliness, and support for the local economy, don’t get tied up purchasing only in fast-fashion chains or even high-end stores. There are tons of young and talented artists in your city/country, so scout them out and show some love for local art and craftsmanship. After all, small companies produce less waste than large corporations, so you’ll be helping the planet as well. In addition to that, it’s also good to know where your clothes come from. Finally, when purchasing local, you’re supporting the art of young designers trying to make a name for themselves and helping them make a living. When purchasing from a large corporation, you have little connection to where your money goes.

Being a mindful fashion lover doesn’t require sacrifice, but it does demand a bit more savviness, a touch more empathy and wit, and just a tad more pickiness. For the sake of your wardrobe, our planet, and your style, please adopt these rules. Your style and your life will be better for it!

---

You may also enjoy reading Interview: Regena Thomashauer | The Power of Pleasure & Reclaiming Radiance with Kristen Noel