Experts say that we consume 400 percent more clothing today as compared to 20 years ago; an average garment is worn only seven times before its discarded.
Do we need so many clothes?
Ever wondered what goes behind those designer gowns, bags and leather shoes you just bought?
When we think of the fast depleting wellness of the environment, the first thought that crosses our mind is perhaps industrialization and oil rigs. But did you know that our uninhibited fashion consumption is the biggest cause of pollution? From the microfibers from domestic washing to releasing toxic chemical dyes into rivers, water bodies are getting polluted and thus affecting the food chain. The fashion industry uses 1,600 chemicals in their dyeing processes, only one percent of which have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Besides this, in-humane conditions of garment factory workers, fabric wastage on the floor, consumer discarded clothes and brand discarded apparels make this industry just glamorous on the outside.
How can one stop fashion induced pollution?
Repeat wear, minimalism, and sustainable fashion movement are gaining momentum to bring a positive impact in the fashion industry. If the concept of repeat wear strikes a chord with a majority, it will definitely reduce the consumption of fast fashion where new styles come up every other week.
Powerful people like Kate Middleton, Michelle Obama, Arianna Huffington to name a few are endorsing this repeat-wear movement by making it a point to repeat their outfits to address the stigma imposed upon by Fashion police.
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Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, is undeniably the queen of repeat-wear. Despite fashion watchdogs watching her closely; having stylists, money and designers at her disposal, she chooses to repeat her favorite looks multiple times and fearlessly so. ”When you know an outfit works, why not make the most of it”, she says. She is known to be a pro in styling and accessorizing her favorite outfits to give it a new look each time.
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Michelle Obama
Addressing the double standards of the fashion industry, Michelle Obama in her signature light-hearted style talked about how her husband Barack Obama got away with wearing the same tuxedo and shoes for 8 years and yet she made headlines each time she repeated an outfit. She carries the repeat-wear baton like a boss.
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Arianna Huffington
Woman of substance and influence, Arianna Huffington, Founder, and CEO at Thrive Global and former co-founder of The Huffington Post, encourages women to repeat outfits more often as it helps save time and energy.
“I think women should deliberately repeat things they love”, she says. She strongly feels men are at a competitive advantage since they don’t have to waste the kind of energy we waste. She deliberately uses the hash-tag #repeats on her Instagram posts to show off the same outfit she wears at multiple business events.
Repeating an outfit is clearly not a fashion faux pas anymore and it’s totally OK to wear your favorite looks over and over again. Styling it differently is now considered as a sign of intelligence and smartness.
Ciceroni doles out styling tips to help you repeat your outfits like a pro.
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Create a Capsule Wardrobe
This is an underrated but a surely effective way that will help you shop consciously. Create a Capsule wardrobe of few essential items of clothing and accessories which are all timeless classics – Jeans, basics tees, formal pants, tops, dress and some layering options as per personal choice and season. The KonMari method by Marie Kondo, an organizing consultant who helps people get rid of unnecessary clothes by decluttering their closets is making headlines. Let’s face it, we all have clothes we bought but are never going to wear it. “Thank them and let go off them”, Marie says. Make a list of basics that you need for your lifestyle and profession. Keep those and let extras be donated or shared with others.
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Accessorizing is the key
Using the right accessories can help transform your look and up your style quotient immediately. Invest in good quality belts, handbags, clutches and footwear in neutral colors like beige, brown, black and white. It will add to your glamour quotient. Layering also helps to give a different look each time. One can choose from various options like a shrug, blazer, cardigan, jacket, printed stole/dupatta etc. Minimal jewelry like a pair of hoops, danglers, multi-layered chains, chokers etc too can enhance the overall look.
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Rent it
Why keep buying it for one time occasion when you can rent it?
There are various labels who are providing premium designer wear on rent. To name a few, Fly robe is India’s first and largest online fashion rental service; 101 Hues, a store based in Ahmedabad also offers a variety of designer outfits on rent. They offer a variety of collection like Lehengas, Ethnic Gowns, Anarkalis, Sarees, Kurta sets and much more to choose from. So go ahead and rent an outfit for your next wedding party!
4. Sharing is caring
How about going back to good old times when our mothers used to share their sarees and jewelry with their sisters and friends? It’s a sustainable way to embrace without investing in new clothes every time. Let’s share the wardrobe girl-friends and sisters!
Are “YOU” ready to embrace the trend to repeat clothes and join the sustainable fashion bandwagon?
