Slow Fashion: An Introduction

I think I’ve been working towards a “slow fashion” wardrobe for most of my adult life. I’ve only recently realized that the simple, contented and chic style I strive was actually aligned with something more commonly known as slow fashion.

For a long time I thought that “slow fashion” was only for minimalists who wore earth tones and bought their clothes from obscure boutiques. I couldn’t be more wrong! This has nothing to do with items of clothing in your closet or a color scheme or even specific brands. As I’ve fallen down the bunny hole of this topic I’ve found that you can embrace a “slow” and content closet no matter where you are.

A few things clicked for me over the past two years in regards to personal style and shopping. First, with the pandemic I really slowed down my purchasing, I don’t enjoy online shopping and in-person was simply not an option. So my wardrobe had a major pause. Then I discovered clothing rentals. Which might just be the most brilliant invention of the last decade (okay, so maybe not, but seriously…) I tried a bunch of different ones and Rent the Runway was by far my favorite. I found myself, quite by accident, that I was keeping a basic wardrobe and then subscribing to RTR during months where we had big events or travel plans.

As I had the opportunity to try out new brands and new styles I started to realized how much better I felt and looked in just a few high quality pieces. To me, that felt so much better than panic buying a bunch of things that I could only wear twice before it fell apart in the washing machine. I suddenly didn’t mind rewearing the same few pieces every month because I loved them so much.

Voila!

What is Slow Fashion?

(My definition) Slow fashion is realizing that what I wear matters. Focusing on intentionality and contentment to build a wardrobe that I love and looks best on me. Caring for and maintaining my clothing and building a style that is could only be mine.

For many, slow fashion is a choice that they make in reaction to the waste and consumerism in the world. There are many issues with manufacturing and supply chains that make the fashion industry as a whole very messy.

Why Choose Slow Fashion?

My number one reason for focusing on a slow fashion wardrobe for this season of my life is contentment. It may not seem like the most obvious thing, but I read something that really stuck with me, “The most slow fashion purchase you can make is NOTHING. Wear what you have.” I found that to be so simple and profound. In today’s world of excess, I am always needing to guard my heart in the area of contentment.

Obviously the Slow fashion life this is not for everyone and I think this is something that we can have freedom to choose. I have friends who work in fashion or who just plain love clothing and enjoy having lots to choose from. This is fine! For me, I’ve always been someone who was overwhelmed by too many choices and simplifying and personal style have always been topics that I’ve naturally gravitated to, slow fashion was a natural intersection of all of that for me.

How to get started with Slow Fashion:

• Define your style. figure out what you love AND what looks good on you. And for the love of pete, ignore the trends. Unless you like them AND they look good on you.
• Buy less.
• Buy better.
• Take care of what you have. Two words: SWEATER SHAVER! Learn to be a good maintainer of the clothing you have. The combination of quality fabrics, good style and proper care will make your clothes last for a long time.
• Shop Secondhand. I love thrift stores! There are also amazing local consignment stores and online stores like Poshmark and The RealReal (for designer fashion). Often times, if I’m trying something on in-store I’ll quickly search these sights to see if it’s already for sale at a better price (or make a note of my size and the item to keep an eye out for.
• Rent Clothing. This is my personal plug for Rent the Runway. Use my link to get 40% off your first month of membership. (Rent the Runway 40% off Link Here)
• Make your own. This is something that I’m wanting to do more of, making my own clothing. I’ve sewn a few pieces over the last year and I love the creation process as well as the feeling of wearing something I made. My recent sewing project.
• Contentment. Being grateful for what you already have and okay with the process of slowing down and building something worthwhile.