The underconsumption trend is taking over TikTok, a platform usually known for its huge fashion and beauty haul videos, with creators showing off their more minimal lifestyles.
Taking inspiration from this, we wanted to look at not just how to buy fashion more sustainably, but specifically how to find the perfect occasion outfit. After all, we are in the middle of a summer filled with garden parties, festivals, race days and weddings. Though let’s face it, with the summer we’ve had so far you might also want to check out our wedding umbrellas to keep you dry on the day!
So if you’re looking for ways to shop that lower your impact on the environment (and are generally easier on your purse), keep reading.
Rent your outfit
There was a time when renting outfits would have seemed strange but in the past few years its popularity has exploded.
Even high street brands have begun to offer their own rental services, including places like M&S (through Hirestreet), John Lewis and LK Bennet. There are also online-only services – such as HURR – which rents out designer clothes and been used by the likes of Catherine, Princess of Wales.
Yes, it does take a bit more effort to package up your clothes and send them back once you’re done, but it does have its benefits – you get a showstopping outfit for your event without having to pay full price for it. Some rental services also give you the option to buy your outfit, just in case you find yourself not wanting to give it back.
Borrow it instead
We’ve all got that one friend who has excellent taste, the one you’re always asking where they got their outfit from. Why not ask them if they’ve got anything you can borrow for the event? Or send out a quick message to friends and family to see if they already own a piece that would be perfect for the occasion.
That way, you won’t have to spend any money or wait for items to be delivered.
Buy second hand
This can be an excellent way of bagging yourself a bargain, and it can be as easy as popping into your local charity shop or going online to a resell site such as Vinted or eBay. When using these websites, try searching for your favourite or designer brands – you just might find someone who’s worn the outfit for only one occasion and is looking to sell it on for a lower price.
Just remember to carefully check the descriptions and/or photographs before you buy to avoid any unexpected tears or missing buttons.
Search for slow fashion
If you’re planning on buying a showstopper that you can wear again and again, it could be a good option to look at ‘slow fashion’ brands. These kinds of clothing brands put much more emphasis on things like sustainable manufacturing, ethics and the rights of garment workers. Because of this, their clothes also tend to carry much higher price tags – but they can still be a worthy investment if you’re looking for something to keep for a long time.
Make it part of a capsule wardrobe
The concept of building a capsule wardrobe has become especially popular in recent years but it’s been around for a long time. Essentially, to build a capsule wardrobe you should focus on items of clothing that you can easily mix and match, or style up or down for different occasions. The goal is to have a selection of clothes that you can wear again and again at any time of year.
Capsule wardrobes also don’t have to just be about basics. When you’re looking for occasion wear, try picking out timeless outfits such as a sharp suit or little black dress that you can style with different accessories.
While it’s tempting to make sure you’re wearing the latest microtrend, ask yourself will you still want to wear it in a year? If the answer’s no then it’s best to pick something else.
Ultimately, one of the best ways to start being more sustainable in how you shop – both for special events and everyday outfits – is to change how you look at it. There are plenty of alternative ways to find what you’re looking for while also having a lower impact on the environment and saving yourself some money.
Once you’ve acquired your elegant, head-turning outfit, check out our wedding umbrellas to keep it protected from the rain, or stay on our blog for more fashion tips and advice.
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