Learning about sustainable fashion can be exciting but can also feel a bit overwhelming and getting started might seem difficult.

What is the correct way to be sustainable? What brands should we shop from? Do we need to throw out all of our fast fashion pieces and fill our closet only with sustainable clothes?

Those are some of the many questions that arise when making the switch to a more conscious wardrobe. I don’t have all the answers but I do have the answer to one question: There is no perfect way to be sustainable.

Here is a 4 step beginner’s guide to sustainable fashion.

• Shopping less, even if it is fast fashion is a start. Most sustainable brands are expensive and fast fashion retailers are accesible to many of us. Ditching your favorite fast fashion retailer takes time, be patient this is not a change that can happen overnight. Consider shopping less, taking care of your clothes to make them last and think of clever ways to up cycle .
• Really think about your purchases. Most sustainable fashion content creators will tell you to avoid impulse or emotional purchases. Writers such as Aja Barber even advice to dress up in your favorite outfit when you go shopping, because when you don’t feel good you’re more inclined to shop. When I shop for items sometimes I think for over a month before making a purchase. This also applies to thrift shopping, buy what you really need or love. A few years back I would just buy anything that was cheap at the thrift store and that made my closet cluttered.
• Do what works for you. Not everyone can afford sustainable brands, myself included, so find out what fits for your lifestyle and go from there. Pick some items of clothing you wouldn’t mind thrifting, even opting for secondhand designer bags or pieces play a small part into sustainability. Lets normalize secondhand designer pieces plus it’s they’re more affordable.
• You DON’T have to buy your way into sustainability! With more and more influencers promoting sustainable products it may feel like the only way to be a part of the community is by buying from the brands they mention. But no, you don’t have to buy your way into sustainability. As mentioned before what ever steps you take are enough. After all, not shopping is the most sustainable practice. While most of us dream of buying our dream luxury designer handbag or pair of shoes, I’d love to see more people investing in sustainable pieces. If you’re looking for other resources try Fashion Revolution, The Sustainable Fashion Forum and The Slow Factory (these are a few of many)

A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Fashion – Vice