How To Be More Sustainable With Fashion – A Guide To Creative And Mindful Choices
- Sep 17, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 13, 2025
Written by Ariel Grace Snapp, Creativity Coach
Ariel Grace Snapp has always been a multi-passionate creative balancing service and the expressions of her soul. She’s a coach for creatives, a tech creative director, intuitive and MacroFloral photographer and host of the Creatively Free podcast.
Last year, I ventured into commerce, fashion, and sustainability as a startup founder. I quickly realized that this industry can be overwhelming and daunting, filled with unregulated labor conditions, mountains of waste, and a broken system too vast for anyone to "fix." However, it is also a realm ripe for disruption and creative solutions, with consumers, especially younger ones, eager to be part of the change.
The term "consumer" suggests a passive role, seemingly at odds with being a creator. But we are not confined to either category. We are creative, sentient beings capable of bringing new ways of being, buying, and making into a world suffering from excess and greed.
As a child of the '80s, I loved developing my sense of fashion, often blending in with the trends of the time. Today, the question is: How can you cultivate your unique fashion sense while considering the pressing sustainability concerns on the horizon? How can fashion shift from being a capitalist excess of discard to a space which still encourages creative expression through careful curation, and reuse?
Here are some actionable steps to help you achieve a more sustainable and creatively fulfilling wardrobe:
1. Embrace thrifting and secondhand shopping
Why: Thrifting is a powerful way to reduce waste by giving clothes a second life. It also allows you to find unique pieces that reflect your style.
How: Start by exploring local thrift stores, and online platforms like Poshmark or Depop, or organize clothing swaps with friends. Look for quality items that you can mix and match with your existing wardrobe.
2. Invest in quality over quantity
Why: Fast fashion often promotes a cycle of overconsumption, leading to more waste. By investing in high-quality, durable pieces, you reduce the need to frequently replace items.
How: When shopping, focus on materials, craftsmanship, and timeless designs. Choose items that will last and can be styled in various ways. Brands like Everlane and Patagonia are known for their commitment to sustainability and quality.
3. Get creative with upcycling
Why: Upcycling is a fantastic way to breathe new life into old clothing, turning what might be discarded into something fresh and stylish.
How: Experiment with DIY projects. You can transform an old pair of jeans into shorts, add patches or embroidery to a jacket, or repurpose fabric into accessories. For inspiration, check out creators like Daisy Lane in NYC, who handcrafts wearable art from reclaimed materials.
4. Adopt a capsule wardrobe
Why: A capsule wardrobe focuses on versatility, encouraging you to make the most of a smaller selection of clothing items. This reduces the need for excessive shopping and helps you curate a thoughtful, cohesive style.
How: Start by selecting a few key pieces that can be mixed and matched in various combinations. Stick to a neutral color palette with a few accent colors that resonate with your style.
We dive into this and more in my recent podcast episode of Creatively Free Holly Chayes, a personal style coach and consultant.
5. Support ethical and sustainable brands
Why: Supporting brands that prioritize ethical labor practices and sustainable materials is a direct way to influence the fashion industry's direction.
How: Research brands before purchasing. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), or B Corp. Brands like Reformation and Nudie Jeans are examples of companies committed to sustainability.
6. Express yourself through handmade and custom pieces
Why: Handmade and custom pieces allow you to express your creativity and individuality while supporting artisans and small businesses.
How: If your budget supports it, explore platforms like Etsy for handmade items or work with local tailors and designers to create custom pieces. Creating your
wardrobe can be as artistic as Daisy Lane does it in NYC with hand made pieces of art. This approach not only fosters creative expression but also ensures that your wardrobe is uniquely yours and ethically made.
7. Be mindful of your buying habits
Why: Conscious consumption is key to a sustainable wardrobe. By being mindful of what you buy, you can reduce waste and avoid contributing to the fast fashion cycle.
How: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you truly need the item, if it aligns with your style, and if it was made sustainably. Practice the "30 Wears" rule: only buy something if you can see yourself wearing it at least 30 times.
It can be a privilege and a luxury to spend on a wardrobe that considers everything from ethics to end of life of clothing. Go easy on yourself and have compassion for your ways and adopt small habits when possible.
Fashion doesn't have to be an extreme of excess and discard. It can be a place for creative expression, careful curation, and mindful choices. By embracing these steps, you can build a wardrobe that not only reflects your unique style but also contributes to a more sustainable and ethically conscious world.
For more magic from Creatively Free or to work with Ariel, visit here.
To dive deeper into the edge of creativity as a true space of innovation at the edge of creation check out the latest Creatively Free podcast with the world-renowned photographer Warwick Saint, where we explore these themes with various creatives who have walked this path.
If you’d like to receive support from Ariel Grace check out her Be as Art Business Immersion for creatives ready to jumpstart the next iteration of their career or creative impact business.
Ariel Grace Snapp, Creativity Coach
Ariel Grace Snapp has always been a multi-passionate creative balancing service and the expressions of her soul. She’s a coach for creatives, a tech creative director, intuitive and MacroFloral photographer and host of the Creatively Free podcast. She is particularly interested in co-creating new, collaborative ways to solve social challenges across different sectors. As founder of the Be as Art Business Academy, she offers a depth based journey of the mystical and practical tools for creatives and sensitive people that are ready to birth and scale their huge creative, mission driven projects.
