Are you an alternative fashionista looking for eco-conscious fashion choices? If so, you're in luck! There is a wide range of stylish and sustainable fashion options out there for you to choose from. In this article, we’ll take a look at five of the best eco-friendly fashion choices for alternative fashionistas. From upcycled and repurposed clothing to organic fabrics and locally made items, we’ll explore the best alternatives for sustainable fashion. Let’s get started!
Image Credit: www.elle.com
With our world in such dire need of major changes, sometimes it feels like a few small changes hold very little power. Especially when it comes to the world of alternative fashion. But, really, it’s extremely important to look within and figure out how you can help create a positive impact in your own unique way. That said, making eco-conscious fashion choices for the betterment of our planet is one way you can take control of your own life while positively contributing to the bigger picture.
Keep reading to learn the 5 simple, environmentally-friendly fashion choices you have the power to make (without losing your alternative style):
1. Faux and Fabulous
Image Credit: www.elle.com
Leather, wool, and fur are perhaps the most offensive materials in the fashion world: Yet, for many couture loving fashionistas, authentic animal skin means everything, as it symbolizes glamour and luxury. When you think about it, the concept is quite ironic though considering that these materials are the result of animal slaughter and known to contribute to environmental problems as well.
But this is where the beauty of faux leather and faux fur come in! Going the alternative route with these eco-conscious materials feels good ethically, saves you money, and helps to sustain your fabulous edge. With options as varied as faux leather corsets, colorful fur inspired coats, and cheap, fake leather versions of classic motorcycle jackets; it is easy to work this eco-friendly decision into your edgy style.
2. DIY Style
Image Credit: www.pinterest.com
Just how is “do it yourself” style an eco-conscious approach to fashion? Well, not only is getting crafty with fashion, such as punk rock clothing, gothic jewelry, and accessories with skulls good for the soul; you have the chance to turn potential “junk” into masterpieces based on your fashion goals. From cutting a pair of your old jeans into distressed denim shorts, to using beads from old necklaces for special handbag detailing and depth; creating the looks you love with items you already have is a cool recycling move.
That said, DIY style can also help turn a problem of hoarding into a fun, fashion art project! And in fact, the Steampunk movement is heavily revolved around recreating fashion from the Renaissance Period into an alternative, futuristic Neo-Victorian style. As we previously wrote in an eco friendly fashion article, "Many Steampunk fans are well versed in the art of handmade, DIY projects; as their style was not available commercially until recent years.”
3. Natural Fabrics
Image Credit: https://hair.allwomenstalk.com/
As many of us do our best to steer clear from wool, leather, and fur for our own individual reasons, we’re learning just how many options are available when it comes to fabric. So before you shop for a new rocker chic outfit that’ll satisfy your environmental and animal-friendly values, take a little time to learn about the fabrics you can embrace before mindfully giving your entire wardrobe a makeover. According to Green Living, there are tons of eco-friendly fabrics to consider, including: organic cotton, silk, bamboo, polyester, soy, lyocell, and hemp. So before you buy, make sure you take notice of the material that your desired item consists of. It’s as easy as reading product info online or reading what’s on the tag in store!
4. Quality Over Quantity
Image Credit: www.pinterest.com
What do you do with all of the cheap stuff that you stopped wearing because it fell apart? Do you throw them in the DIY art-project pile for later use or throw them away in the big apartment dumpster? It’s likely to be one of these options because even distressed styles have a shelf life and unfortunately, selling tattered items to a consignment or vintage store won’t work and donating ratty clothes to a local charity is really uncool. So, your best bet to dealing with poor quality is to move forward, let go of the guilt, and plan better when it comes to your purchases.
This means focusing on quality fashion over quantity pieces. We all love the concept of an overflowing jewelry box with beautiful pendants and a closet full of gorgeous handbags in every color, but things cost and things fall apart. So spending a little more to fill your closet with classic fashion items, or even a recurring summer trends, will ultimately save you headaches and heartache in the long run. You’re saving the planet from extra junk and saving yourself from having to spend over and over again on items that will do you more harm than good in the long run.
5. Clean With Kindness
Image Credit: www.pinterest.com
Even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal, how you clean your clothes is super-important. The general goal is to avoid using harsh, synthetic chemicals during the cleaning process because it poses health hazards and will only harm the environment – versus helping it. Simple steps can help make a difference! No matter if you’re a Gothic Lolita with a dark and lovely wardrobe or a boho beauty who lives in fringe and distressed clothing, you can become more selective regarding your laundry detergent and embrace eco-responsible formulas that are free from things like dyes, phosphates, chlorine, and masking agents. You can also help conserve energy when it comes to using the washer and dryer by using cold water or low heat and going old-school with line drying.
Did you find these eco-conscious fashion tips helpful? We’d love to for you to share your thoughts with us in a comment below!
Suggested Posts
How To Style Your Boyfriend’s Shirts As Dresses
How To Rock A Dress When You Are Plus-Size
Cover image courtesy of: www.wmagazine.com