minimal wardrobe, ethical fashion, wardrobe resolutions, fashion

1. Limit spending | Ah, this again! Rather than buying everything that catches my eye, I’m limiting my spending to what catches my breath. This is probably the most important—and effective—resolution for us to set for ourselves. Remember, this series is about lessening attachment to material goods, not just creating a minimal wardrobe. Staying away from impulse shopping and retail therapy will help us find emotional fulfillment in activities that aren’t mindless—like spending time with family and friends—rather than in consumption. What I’ve found most helpful in limiting my spending is setting monthly/quarterly goals (read: goals rather than limits—even playing with the wording that you chose is important!) on my buying.

2. Avoid unethical brands | your money speaks. Be sure to check out the Boycott List for an updated list of the unethical and destructive. 

3. Support local & ethical brands | investing in key pieces from ethical brands is a great way to ease into philanthropic buying and work on creating a minimal and moral wardrobe. 

4. Treat our clothes better | if we are going to be buying less, that means we're also going to be keeping the clothes that we do have, longer. This means no more washing machine-ing (is that a verb? That is totally a verb) clothes that are “dry clean only,” not using proper/quality hangers, etc. Treating our clothes better will ensure that they will last longer and will not need a replacement quite as fast. 

5. Go looser, go longer | I’m done trying to squeeze into jeans that highlight every curve—why use clothing to focus on the shape of my body? I find happiness in patterned pants, comfort in oversized sweaters, and delight in the aesthetics of boxy tops. Don’t think I’ve quite mastered the maxi skirt (although, yes, I tried in my last look in the souks of Fes, Morocco) or will be able to leave the house in sweats (it’s like a criminal offense in Iranian streetstyle), but I would like to try to de-sexualize my clothing—fashion is an art form, after all.
                                                                                                                                  
This post is part 3 of a series encouraging the transition to a minimal wardrobe—as in a wardrobe that is physically minimal (not the style) in order to limit our consumption, detach ourselves from material possessions, and live more socially-conscious lives.



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Original photo source: Mija