Shopping sustainably can be a tricky thing to do – I hear you. This is where my suggestions below aim to help, so read on to discover my 5 tips for timeless sustainable summer style.
Tips for timeless sustainable summer style
When the warmer weather hits the UK, our diaries quickly fill up with music concerts, birthday parties, weddings, weekend BBQs, beach day trips and holidays! I don’t know about you, but that’s a lot of standing in front of the mirror wondering what to wear.
It’s important to me that my wardrobe is as sustainably acquired as possible, and that means no fast fashion unless it’s going to last me for years – not something I’ll wear once and then toss aside.
So, when an occasion comes up that requires something other than a t-shirt dress and sliders, I need to find something timeless while suiting the weather and the event perfectly rather than splurge on a new outfit, jewellery and accessories every time.
Here’s how I do it…
1. Upcycle your winter wear
Did you love your high waist mom jeans in the colder weather because they do wonders for your mum tum? Me too! But it’s a shame when the heatwave means denim would cause heatstroke. Why not snip the legs off and make some mom shorts? Either rough up the frayed ends for a festival vibe, or fold up the hems for a smarter look. There you have a fresh pair of shorts in only a few minutes and you’ve saved yourself money, a trip to the shops, and the planet in the process too.
3. Get your retail therapy wisely
If you feel the urge to splurge, that’s absolutely OK and I totally feel you! I think everyone loves the feeling of something fresh and new, especially if you feel the need to treat yourself or want to feel special. But to continue the theme of building your summer style sustainably, choose what to splurge on and where to splurge wisely. It feels great to add a new piece of clothing or jewellery (I’m obsessed with earrings at the moment) into your wardrobe or collection but let’s ensure the planet doesn’t pay the price.
These are my favourite places to shop for new items that have sustainability at their core:
Daisy jewellery, H&M, Lucy & Yak.
And these are my favourite places to splurge on second hand items:
eBay, charity shops, depop.
4. Create a capsule clothing and accessory wardrobe that can be worn all year round
I don’t know about you, but my wardrobe is busting at the seams. I don’t have the biggest space to store all my winter and summer clothes so I have a strict one-in-one-out policy. I also try to buy items that would span perfectly across seasons, allowing me to achieve the lowest cost per wear possible, but also timeless, flattering, easy-to-wear style I’ll love for years and years.
I do the absolute same with jewellery. I only buy pieces that match everything, that will withstand being in the shower daily and numerous swims in the sea! I used to buy cheap fashion jewellery so that I could enjoy wearing lots of new and different things, but now I invest in delicate, beautiful pieces made with love and cherished forever. I’ve even started thinking about passing my jewellery and clothes to my children to wear when they’re old enough.
5. Do a summer swap shop with friends or family
One woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure after all! Are your friends are getting a little sick of their jewellery and summer wear? Perhaps you’ve all got a couple of events to go to that you’re all struggling to find something perfect to wear? Why not gather all the goods you’re no longer in love with and do a switcheroo party! That’s a new haul for free, whilst saving the earth … and even more cash! If proximity to friends is an issue, agree to use a sustainable shipping option and do it online one evening complete with vino.
What are your tips for timeless sustainable summer style?
Here I have shared 5 tips for remaining stylish and sustainable and now it’s your turn to add your tips in the comments.
When you have the urge (or need) to splurge, how do you do it in a sustainable way? Please share your favourite places to shop for jewellery and clothes with me as I’m always looking for new planet-friendly options!
Thanks for reading, and remember to share the love by checking out Daisy who sent me this lovely jewellery to wear for this post! (I’m already a huge fan, my ears are full of Daisy earrings.)
