Update: I’ve created a more in-depth post here, along with some printable templates, that explains how I choose items for my wardrobe.

Can you be a supporter of the sustainable fashion movement but still buy fast fashion? I believe yes, but it’s all about how and why you make those purchases.

I don’t do a capsule wardrobe, but a few years ago I did take the time to assess and list all the colors, patterns, styles I gravitate towards and really tend to wear. I started being more considerate of how an item would fit into my wardrobe or fill a current need. Currently, I work at home and also have my young kiddo at home with me most days, and I like to wear things that are comfortable and easy to move around in or work out in (I work out at home 4-5 days a week) but would still be “nice” enough to wear for running a few errands or taking my kid to the library or park. Other than that, I occasionally like to buy garments that are unique or a bit more dressy, that I’ll wear for things like dates with my husband or more formal events we might be invited to now and then.

I typically have a list of items I’m looking for – whether it be a particular style of high-waisted jeans, some nice t-shirts, or a certain style of shoes.

If I spend a bigger amount of money it’s on yarn, home purchases, things that come up such as car repairs, things for my son. That means I don’t have that money to spend on tops, jeans, athletic wear, etc – that’s why I’m so careful and considering about any clothing purchases I make.

Like most people, I’m sure, I also have a hard time finding things like pants that actually fit well. I’ve always struggled with finding jeans that fit around the hips and don’t constantly need to be pulled up, and also fit around the waist without lots of gaping. So I have a few brands that I know fit me well and i go to when I need something new.

Note that this process is very different from a shopping spree with no items in mind or buying items for a single outfit. This, in itself, is a form of a more sustainable fashion, less commercial-craze based way of purchasing clothing.

All this said, there are other things I do or am working towards to sustain my wardrobe so that maybe one day I’m buying much less clothing at all, whether fast-fashion or sustainable:

– I try to mend worn out items or keep the materials to reuse at some point if they’re too far gone to be worn as originally intended.

– I’m also careful about how, and how much, I wash my clothes, to try and keep them wearable for as long as possible.

– I obviously crochet my own garments but I am also practicing machine sewing to be able to make or alter more and more of my own clothing.

Hopefully, the more I learn, the better I’ll be at making my own garments so I’m buying less overall, but for now, this is where I am and what works for me. Remember, it’s okay for steps to be small and take time.