As summer is fast approaching, it can be very tempting to start shopping like crazy for the warmer months ahead.
However, those of us who are trying to take a slow fashion approach to shopping for clothes may need to take more time and care over what we buy.
Here are five tips for having a slow fashion summer.
1. Avoid The Temptation To Buy New Clothes
When all the new season clothing comes out it can be really tempting to go have a look around the shops for ideas and inspiration.
However, it can also be overwhelmingly tempting to buy clothes when doing this, especially if you typically shop at budget fast-fashion retailers such as Primark, H&M and New Look.
While it can be great for inspiration (I often take pics and then search on Vinted or eBay for similar things later) avoiding the shops altogether might be the best way to go.
And it’s not just clothes either, summer accessories can be slow fashion too. Opt for Antique Bracelets, retro hats or even a fabulous 80s swimwear cover up.
2. Shop Your Wardrobe
Before you purchase anything, shopping your own wardrobe can be a great place to start. Take a look at this summer’s trends online and then see if you haveing anything that matches those trends or that could be adapted in some way.
I did this a couple of years ago and was actually surprised at how many on-trend items I already owned. It can also be a great way to establish which summer items you actually need to purchase over those that are just wants because they’re cute.
3. Plan Ahead For Your Holidays
When it comes to shopping second-hand, it can sometimes take a little while to find the items you want in the right sizes and this makes planning ahead essential.
While there are always millions of items on both eBay and Vinted, you may find it can take time to find just what you’re looking for.
This is of course also true of shopping in charity shops.
My top tip would be to have a good wardrobe clearout in late March or early April and take stock of what you need.
This will give you plenty of time to find things second-hand before the weather heats up or before you jet off for some summer sunshine.
4. Upcycle & Repair What You Have
One of the biggest issues with fast fashion is that it’s made us less likely to repair and reuse our old clothes.
As clothes can now be purchased so cheaply, we often see them as disposable and don’t bother to repair or upcycle them.
Cheaper clothes are often not good quality so, in turn, they don’t last as long. I think repairing clothes is something that happens far less than it could and we are much more inclined nowadays to throw away clothes rather than repair them.
If you’re trying to have slow fashion summer, then it might be time to make some repairs or upcycle some old jeans into shorts!
5. Unsubscribe Your Brand Emails
Just as shopping in-store can be tempting, so can shopping online. If you really want to make some positive changes to your shopping habits, unsubscribing from emails and notifications from brands is one way to do this.
You may also want to unfollow any influencers that do large fast fashion hauls if they often tempt you into buying things.
Final Tips For A Slow Fashion Summer
Here are some final tips for anyone wanting to have a slow fashion summer
- Try the ‘one in one out’ method – This can really help you stop shopping for clothes you don’t need and clear out items that you no longer wear.
- Remember Your Why – There are lots of reasons slow fashion is great including being much better for the environment and saving you lots of money.
- Sell, Sell, Sell – Only allow yourself to buy new clothes from the money you’ve made selling your old items. This will make your more aware of each purchase and ensure your old items are getting a new life too.
- Organise A Clothes Swapping Party – Clothes swapping parties are a great way to share clothes among friends and you never know what you’ll find.