The great Lizzie Maguire pridefully embraced the insult “outfit repeater”, and I think you should too.
Being a young person today means being bombarded with hauls, trends, sponsorships and Tiktok shop finds. While a good deal might be tempting, it quickly becomes a vicious cycle where we’re all convinced to spend money we don’t have on junk we don’t need. This is especially true as Halloween approaches, and we all panic order cheap costumes with same day delivery. I too have been a victim of the lies told to us by the fashion industry, and by our culture as a whole. Everything from holidays to expressing love for one another has grown to revolve around buying.
When consumption has become the modern day culture, how do we escape it?
First of all, try not to drown in your eco-guilt. It’s important to be conscious of our footprint, while also recognizing the “options” we’ve been presented with, as while as what our impact is versus corporations.
Next, try and think about how much of your closet you truly wear. I know I could stand to take my own advice on this one. Going on study abroad especially made me realize how little I am actually cycling through within my wardrobe, which is a great thing! Doing more with less is a wonderful way to escape the grip held on us by fast fashion. Secondhand accessories and layering can also easily allow you to change up what you’ve already got. You can also sort through some of your clothes that might need a little TLC. Upcycling is a super fun way to make the old new and repair with what you’ve got. If you need some help with repairing clothing, you can always stop by Student Development and get some free assistance with hemming, button replacement, mending holes, and other fashion fixes.
Once you’ve weeded out what you don’t need, donate it. You could bring your anti-haul to any one of the nearby thrift shops (which I will list out below), save them for spring swap, or pass them along to friends.
Sometimes buying new really is the best option, and that’s okay too. If this is the case, I have several recommendations to ease your worries and help out the planet! Check out my guide on budget and earth friendly shopping:
$ (Free-Very Cheap)
- Consult the warming station on the second floor of Hicks, just outside the IC
- Join a Facebook group for nearby garage sales (last month I got six shirts for two dollars and I have not stopped talking about it)
- Wait till spring and browse the Spring Swap!!!
$$ (Cheapish)
- Hit up the many nearby thrift and resale shops
- Facebook Marketplace
- Depop, Vinted, Poshmark, Ebay (price depends on what you’re searching for)
$$$ (High Quality, Higher Price)
- Consult websites like Good On You – Sustainable Fashion and Beauty Brand Ratings to find out how different brands rank for sustainability – I would recommend doing your own additional research but this is a quick and easy starting point
- Search for brands with ethical certifications such as GOTS and Fairtrade
- Use a rental clothing company such as Rent The Runway and Nuuly (especially good for nice events like Monte Carlo!)
- Check out Vintage in the Zoo and get incredible, unique pieces
Ecofashionista Q&As
What other ways can I learn about fast fashion on campus?
Check out “Kouture”, K college’s new club focused on sustainable and circular fashion. According to one of the club’s leaders, Audrey Pegouske, “KOUTURE aims to inspire students to take action against fast fashion while exploring more circular, creative ways to engage with style. Whether you want a respite from your weekly class loads, or are eager to transform your wardrobe, KOUTURE is a space where everyone gets their moment”.
Kouture meets every Tuesday from 4:30-5:30pm in Hicks Lower Banquet Hall. Expect “movie watch parties, sewing classes, personal color & aesthetic analyses, a prospective runway project, and more”.
What’s the Warming Station?
The warming station is the area with free clothing, shoes, and other little goodies outside the Intercultural Center. This is a great place to check for business attire. Feel free to bring in some donations of your own too. Make sure to leave things like the hangers, mirror, and racks for other students 🙂
What’s the Spring Swap?
During Spring Term, a big ole clothing swap is hosted where students gather in the quad to buy, sell, and trade clothing and other items. This is a great opportunity to clean out your dorm before move out, or get some décor for next year. In past years the event has been hosted by Conscious Consumers, KCCSR, and Eco Club.
Where can I thrift in the zoo?
- St Vincent De Paul Thrift
- Second Impressions
- American Cancer Society Discovery Shop
- Simple Treasures
- 360°
- Goodwill (there’s three or so in the area)
- Nana D’s Attic
- Salvation Army in Portage (right by Nana D’s)
And many more 🙂
Written by: Elli Tiesworth K’27, Environmental Stewardship Intern & Environmental Studies DSA
Written by: Elli Tiesworth K’27, Environmental Stewardship Intern & Environmental Studies DSA
Larry J. Bell ’80 Environmental Stewardship Center
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