The new year is upon us. New beginnings. New resolutions. But also… New clothes for that New Year’s Eve party. Or, maybe not?
According to a Euromonitor International report, the average piece of clothing is worn only seven times, before it is discarded. This is especially true of occasion wear. These are hardly ever worn and more often than not we keep saving them for special occasions, which honestly, aren’t too many.
This holiday season, when you step out to shop, especially for that NYE dress, ask yourself: Do I really need it or am I buying it because it’s on sale? Or because everybody’s wearing something like it? Can I really get 30 wears out of this garment?
If not a new dress, then what? Take a cue from some of our favourite sustainably stylish celebs, so you can welcome 2023 with elegance and mindfulness. Pretty for the planet and pretty for your pocket!
Rewear your occasion wear
If Kate Winslet can do it, so can you. The Titanic star turned up at the premier of Avatar: The Way of the Water, in a dress she’d previously worn, 7 years ago, to another movie premier. “I have been wanting to rewear for a while,” she told the media, as she revealed she intended to continue doing just that in the future, too. After all, the most sustainable garment is the one already in your wardrobe.
Borrow or rent a dress
The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, recently wore a rented Solace London dress to attend a ceremony in Boston for the Earthshot Prize, an initiative which awards annual grants to people of projects working to combat global warming. And, the dress was rented for only £74. And as we well know, it isn’t like she couldn’t afford a new dress! She chose to rent a dress to keep up with the sustainable theme of the evening and, more importantly, to send out a message: What we wear matters!
Although, for most of us, the economics of it plays a role, too. If you’ve been eyeing that luxury dress, here’s your cue. Renting is easier on your pocket and on the planet. And, it will give you the satisfaction of having worn that dream designer dress!
Support a cause
Shopping will give you a temporary high, and if you must buy new, why not support a cause, while at it? In May of 2021, Billie Eilish stepped onto the Met Gala red carpet, oozing glamour, in an Oscar de la Renta Grace Kelly-inspired gown. The catch was, she had laid down the condition that Oscar de la Renta pull all fur off their shelves, for good—and they did!
It doesn’t have to be grand but there are plenty of ways for us to ensure we are making a mindful buying decision. Buy local and support artisans in local communities. Buy from small businesses or brands that have a transparent working system. Or opt for brands that ensure healthy working conditions for their garment workers and put their rights above profits, or brands that might have their moral or ethical policies aligned with yours. Or ones that set proceeds aside to support a worthy cause.
Embrace secondhand or go for vintage
With plenty of affordable options, buying second hand or vintage has been gaining momentum in the recent times, and is labelled as the most sustainable option out there in the market. Veteran actress Neena Gupta recently rocked a 20-year-old vintage Wendell Rodricks saree at the 2022 Filmfare OTT awards. Earlier this year, model-actress Iris Law was spotted at London Fashion Week, wearing a vintage Versace piece from 2003. The piece had previously been worn by Beyonce, to the 2003 MTV Movie Awards. Imagine wearing something that has stood the test of time and carries the stamp of approval of a certified style diva!
Buying secondhand or vintage can not only land you a unique piece but a luxury item, if you are in luck. And, you’re ensuring this clothing item doesn’t end up in landfill. It’s really a win-win!
Tap into your creative side or upcycle
If you are bit of a style buff, or have an inclination to experiment, you can always DIY your clothes. You can get creative, style that shirt of yours into a dress or a halter top, crop out that blazer to keep up with the trend, mix n match and even experiment with the natural dyeing methods at home. And, voila you’ve got yourself a brand new clothing item. The best part? You don’t have to DIY, if you can’t. The good ol’ neighbourhood tailor is your go-to person.
Take inspiration from a 15-year-old Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, who wore a re-tailored version of one of her mom, Angelina’s Jolie’s Dior dresses to the Eternals premiere in 2021. The Malificent star had worn this beautiful dress at the press conference of her movie in the year 2019.
