Dress responsibly and fashionably. What's in it for you?
In this article, I'm going to share some helpful tips that I'm following or aiming to follow more closely in the coming months. I'm also sharing some sustainable fashion trends that might interest you. So... let's get started!
Vintage and second-hand
First tip: Embracing vintage or secondhand fashion isn't a new thing, but I think it's important to bring it up again here. Exploring secondhand stores, thrift stores, or online platforms selling used clothing is not only important, but also interesting.
Buying vintage or pre-owned clothing extends its lifespan and reduces the need to produce new pieces. It's also a way to find unique, out-of-the-ordinary pieces. These alternatives offer significant benefits for our world, both environmentally and socially.
1. Reduction of waste production
The fashion industry is often associated with mass production and rapid obsolescence of clothing, which generates significant textile waste. Purchasing vintage clothing extends the lifespan of existing items, thus reducing the amount of textile waste.
2. Reduction of carbon footprint
Producing new clothing often involves energy-intensive processes, greenhouse gas emissions, and intensive use of natural resources. Buying pre-owned clothing helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and distributing new items.
3. Diversity and originality in fashion
Vintage stores offer a variety of unique styles and pieces that are no longer available in current collections. Opting for pre-owned clothing promotes diversity in fashion and frees you from fleeting industry-driven trends. And contrary to popular belief, buying secondhand isn't just about low- or mid-range clothing.
4. Save money
Secondhand clothing is often more affordable than its new counterparts, allowing you to save money while adopting a more sustainable consumption pattern. It also encourages reflection on the true value of clothing and the need to constantly buy new.
If you can't find what you're looking for in vintage stores, you can still shop thoughtfully by opting for quality over quantity . Trust me, you'll get a much better deal buying a single product that you can use 6 or 8 years after you bought it rather than several cheaper products that will last only a year or a season. You'll immediately see the difference in the elastic bands of your swimsuits, the dozens of lint on your sweaters, the leather of your shoes or the lens of your sunglasses that will damage your eyes more than anything else.
Maintenance: recommendations
Second tip, take care of your clothes. The care instructions are there to help you keep your clothes in shape for as long as possible . Follow them as much as possible. I also encourage you to have your clothes repaired when it is still possible, whether it is your jackets, your shoes or even your pants rather than throwing them away and buying new similar ones. If you no longer like them, it is up to you to drop off your clothes in thrift stores or vintage shops if you have not already thought of someone who would be interested in the idea of recovering your clothes. It is always possible...
Accessories rather than clothes
Third tip: invest in accessories. If you're hesitant to spend a little money on an accessory or a piece of clothing, I recommend choosing accessories 100%.
You can keep your clothes for years and think you always dress the same way, however, with the right accessories, your outfits can have a completely different style, and you, a completely different look . Invest in jewelry, glasses, ties, cufflinks, caps, bags or pocket squares…
All these accessories can of course be found in second-hand stores, thrift stores, or online platforms selling used clothing—there's no shortage! We tend to underestimate the power of well-chosen and well-used accessories.
What are some good online platforms for selling second-hand clothing?
For beginners or amateurs, I would like to leave you a list (far from exhaustive) of platforms allowing you to buy second-hand clothes without being ripped off:
- Vinted : for everyday clothes or more…
- Vestiaire Collective : for more high-end brands.
- Dress Vintage : A second-hand store in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, also available online and on Instagram. Packed with beautiful items, both expensive and inexpensive. The earring collection is impressive.
- Collector Square : If you're looking for high-end accessories or luxury leather goods, this is the place to go.
I hope that these few tips will be useful to you and that you will manage to become even more attached to second-hand pieces, to products from young brands that are more expensive but more resistant and that you will see, like me, the power that accessories can have on your winter and summer outfits !
