Avoiding Fast Fashion: When To Thrift And When To Invest

There Is Nothing Wrong With Being Basic

Just as the seasons come and go, so do trends. As the years pass, we sometimes look back and think “Oh my God, how could I have worn that?” But! Even after years or even decades go by, there are some basic clothing items that remain timeless and a must-have. In the modern-day, there are endless choices of where to shop and what to buy, but there is also the new understanding of what Fast Fashion is and a rebirth of thrifting and preferring second-hand stores. So, here is a little list to have the best of both worlds! Three times to be thrifty, and three times to invest in Slow Fashion.

1. Thrift – Trendy Items.

Let us be honest, there is nothing wrong with following trends. Trends are how we learn our own sense of fashion, our likes and dislike, and how to showcase our inner selves. But, following trends month after month, year after year can become very expensive and wasteful. So, here is the alternative:

Figure out what trends you do like and want to add to your collection and find a sustainable way to replicate them. Instead of going straight to the mall or to the Amazon marketplace, it is possible to look online for second-hand items or to support “mom and pop” businesses. Other than eBay, there is Etsy, Poshmark, and thredUp. In-person, you can always go to your local thrift store, antique malls, GoodWill, or Plato’s Closet. If you are still not finding just the right item, you can always make your own accessories after visiting craft stores or go through the sale sections of big-name companies.

2. Thrift – Screen Tees.

Who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashion tee shirt with their favorite band or movie on it? From Pusheen The Cat to 90’s tv shows, almost anything you can think of can be found on a tee shirt. A great thing to keep in mind, though, is ordering directly from a band’s website or an artist’s page. For those mass-market things like video games or Disney, this is where you would want to do a little digging or adventuring around to find a previously loved shirt.

As mentioned above there are both online and in-person stores, you can visit to find items to thrift. ThredUp, Poshmark, Etsy, and eBay, or Plato’s Closet, GoodWill, antique malls, and local thrift stores. All these options give you the opportunity to not only find pop culture shirts but also might let you find authentic merchandise from the original time period. Instead of throwing money into Fast Fashion, this is the perfect moment to slow down, do a little digging, and find the perfect piece to add to your collection.

3. Thrift – Accessories.

Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, belts, purses, oh my! What a crazy world we live in where there are infinite ways to accessorize and style the “same” thing as someone else. From head to toe, you can pretty much do anything you set your mind to in the world of fashion. Yes, you might be wearing jeans and a tee-shirt, but in your jewelry, purse, and other accessories you make sure you are a one-of-a-kind woman.

Maybe it is just me, but I love when someone compliments my jewelry and I get to explain that they are family heirlooms or vintage pieces I found out in the wild. Instead of having identical jewelry – or any other accessory for that matter – why not be a little hipster and find something truly unique? Do not run into a “Who Wore It Best” situation, take the time to find something special on eBay, Etsy, Poshmark, thredUp, or local thrift stores, antique malls, GoodWill, and Plato’s Closet.

4. Invest – Jeans.

Now that we have talked about the best items to find thrifting, let us determine the best items to invest in. Slow Fashion is the concept describing the opposite of Fast Fashion, part of the “slow movement”, which advocates manufacturing with respect to people, animals, and the environment. As such, contrary to industrial fashion practices, slow fashion involves local artisans and the use of eco-friendly materials, with the goal of preserving crafts and the environment and, ultimately, provide value to both consumers and producers.

Jeans are one of the most versatile, hardest working, and long-lasting garments found in all of fashion. So, a fantastic pair of slow fashion jeans are worth the investment. Though finding your perfect pair might take some time, once you do it, it will be worth it. After you find your ideal pair from Reformation, Levi’s, Citizens Of Humanity, or Boyish, you know that you have made a sustainable choice and your jeans will last close to forever.

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5. Invest – Jackets and Coats.

Speaking of one of the most versatile, hardest working, and long-lasting garments found in wardrobe, jackets, and coats are something to keep to the forefront of your mind. Jackets and coats can be needed all year, every year depending on the style and type. But even if it is a puffy Winter coat or a light jean jacket for the Summer, give it a few months’ time and they are needed again. It is better to invest the first time instead of needing to buy a new, cheap, poorly made jacket or coat each year.

Everlane, Patagonia, Boden, Outerknown, or Reformation are great options for seasonal jackets and coats. This way, whether it is meant for snow, rain, wind, or just a chilly night, you are covered. This way, you know what you are wearing will last and that helps not only you but also the world we live in.

6. Invest – Shoes.

The last, but not least, item you are wearing that you will want to know will last day in and day out, with months or even years of wear, are your shoes. The cost to benefit analysis is off the charts when it comes to a fantastic pair of quality shoes. There are a lot of brands that are starting to have their own sub-group of fair trade and recycling made shoes, like Timberland. But here are a few brands to keep an eye on for your Cinderella moment:

Allbirds, Able, Nisolo, and Sezane are there for you for every occasion. These brands have produced fairly made shoes that range in function, style, and price. From a day in the great outdoors to a romantic night out, there is something for everyone. These options will quickly become your favorite and because of their quality, you can wear them time and time again without fail.

If You Like It, Get It In Every Color

In the end, your purchases can make a difference for yourself and others. It can make a positive difference for those who make the items and for you in your daily life. Why push off something to tomorrow that you can do today? Hopefully, this list inspires you to have the best of both worlds! Three times to be thrifty, and three times to invest in Slow Fashion. If you have any other slow fashion brands or tips, comment below.