Being A Mindful Consumer In A Fast Fashion World
Fast Fashion is the new trend cycle to boost consumerism. While these so-called "trends" are rarely coming from fashion week, they are getting a lot of interest. Simply put, if you love fashion, then don't buy into fast fashion. It is not good for the industry, the workers, the planet, your closet, or your budget. Fast Fashion is only good for big business.
How do we live mindfully in a fast fashion world? Simple, by making considerate choices. Do not run your life on impulses. Especially impulses evoked by someone who has marketed to you personally. You don't have to commit to clothes you can't afford. You don't have to settle for ugly things that are not flattering on you. You simply choose carefully. This mindfulness results in better choices that are more beneficial to you in every way. You look better, feel better, spend less, and have a more curated wardrobe.
Tips to get away from fast fashion:
Don't get stuck on trends. Fashion is about dressing well.
Do look at thrifted or second-hand options first.
Buy clothing sourced from countries that have and enforce fair worker laws. (look at the tag)
Start a capsule wardrobe, or do project 333, Learn what your style is so your more educated when you make purchases, to ensure each purchase is going to be valuable to you.
Here is an example of a mindful, but not a sustainable choice: I am pregnant with my third child. This pregnancy is different, I am older, I work full time, and my other children have lives and schedules of their own that I need to keep up with. I needed something comfortable, easy to style, that would help me look put together every day with minimal effort. So I shopped around and chose a dress on Amazon. It's CHEAP! It is not sustainably sourced. However, I cannot afford to invest a lot of money into an item that will only be used for about 6 months and It's hard to find something that you can wear through all pregnancy stages. I considerately purchased 4 of these low-quality dresses in different colors, and I wear them almost every day. I chose colors that would do well for the seasons I'm in. I do not feel guilty for this purchase. It made sense. I will probably keep these dresses in heavy rotation during labor recovery as well, and until I am back into my previous clothing size. Then I will neatly pack them away in a maternity box for next time because they work for me.
Here is an example of a bad sustainable choice: Now when it comes to non-maternity garb, I purchased an expensive pair of sustainably sourced jeans that are a good fit from Everlane. To be honest, I don't love them. They bag out, and it bugs me. I want good denim that I can wear three times before washing. So I will continue the search for a sustainable replacement that I can wear in as heavy a rotation as my current maternity dresses. However, If I find a perfect pair of jeans that are not sustainable, but can do this job, then I will purchase them. But I will NOT mindlessly buy fifteen cheap pairs of jeans until I find the right ones. I will respect the laborers by caring for the items I purchase. I will respect the planet by not taking more than I need. I will respect my wallet by spending within my means. I will try at every turn to make a choice that does not hurt anyone.
If you want to understand more about fast fashion this youtube video by Justine Leconte is a great resource.