One of the most common responses I hear when encouraging people to shop sustainably is that they can’t afford it. To that, I say: what a load of nonsense! While I do love a good designer find, I’m equally thrilled by snagging a 100% cashmere sweater for just £10. So, here are my top tips for building a sustainable wardrobe without breaking the bank.
1. Charity Shops
One of the great things about London is how easy it is to find amazing pieces in charity shops. The more affluent the area, the better the donations tend to be. So, regularly browsing charity shops in places like High Street Kensington, Fulham Road, or Marylebone almost guarantees you’ll find stylish and affordable gems. My personal favourite is the Royal Trinity Hospice on Kensington Church Street, where I’ve picked up a cute second-hand Zara skirt for £12 and a vintage pair of Giorgio Armani sunglasses for £45. Whether you’re looking to splurge a little more on discounted designer pieces or snag a fast fashion find for half the price with a lot more positive impact, they’ve got you covered. And the best part? Guilt-free shopping knowing your money is helping those in need.
2. Second-hand Platforms
Second-hand selling platforms have revolutionised the vintage shopping market, with Vinted and Depop now hosting over 95 million users worldwide. These platforms make second-hand shopping easier and more accessible through features like advanced search tools, personalised homepages based on items you’ve liked or purchased, and a social component where users can follow each other and directly message sellers with questions. I frequently buy/sell on Vinted, and although it can take time to get the hang of it, it is one of the easiest ways to find exactly what you’re looking for.
First things first, know what you’re looking for. Not only does this reduce overconsumption by shopping for what you need, rather than just for the sake of it, but it also makes finding things you like much easier. Start by picking a brand you like and the type of item you need. For example, search “Diesel jumper” or “Motel low-waisted baggy jeans” and filter for your size. If you are someone who likes fast fashion brands, and their prices, you can find clothes from Highstreet brands at a quarter of their retail price on Vinted.
Secondly, know your measurements. Unfortunately second-hand apps don’t accept returns/refunds unless the item you receive is not as it was described, in these cases the apps are great at refunding your money. However, the best way to make sure what you’re buying will fit, is by asking sellers for measurements. If the measurements aren’t exactly right but close enough, remember you can always wear a belt or have the length taken up. In general don’t be afraid to message sellers if you have any questions about the fit, fabric, photos, etc.
Finally, follow sellers on Instagram, that way you can see when they drop new items, or even shop directly from their own websites for a better price. Although I found Shopmazzz on Depop, by following her on Instagram I started to buy from her own website, now every time I buy an item from there I get 15% off as a returning customer. Also, the suggestions of other people to follow on Depop and Instagram can be another great way of easily finding more sellers that match your style.
3. Good On you
With all the greenwashing that fast-fashion brands love to do, it can be hard to know which brands are sustainable. If shopping second-hand just doesn’t sit right with you, then Good On You is a great place to start. They rank brands based on how sustainable their practices are for people, animals and the planet from ‘we avoid’ to ‘great’. Most sustainable brands are more expensive than fast-fashion as they pay their garment workers a living wage, are careful about how their practises impact the environment and make garments that are meant to last years, rather than a season. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of affordable and sustainable brands out there, here are some rated “great” or “good”:
4. Mindset – Slow down
A massive problem we face in our world today is over-consumption. We are fed an advert every few posts/stories on instagram, meaning we are constantly bombarded with products tailored to our liking, and we can get them to us within a few days with just a click of a button. When growing up, our parents’ generation hardly bought new clothes, whereas now we all buy new clothes almost constantly, for a birthday party, wedding, dinner out, date night, holidays, etc. By taking the time to search for an item you really love, need, and that will last, you are slowing down consumption and appreciating the clothes you wear more. I personally love shopping second-hand as I find unique pieces that let me play with my style rather than following ever-changing trends.
Alice in Wonderment 