It’s that time of year again already! The crisp chill in the air means that summer has officially come to a close and it’s time to swap out your bathing suits for chunky knits. I’ve always felt that the onset of the fall season brings with it a sense of a new beginning; a fresh start.
As a kid, for some, this meant hitting up the mall to get all new back to school clothes that you would show off to your friends with pride! Nowadays, as social media becomes a hub for consumerism, you’re likely to see influencers posting about their latest shopping sprees, or “hauls”, from fashion brands. While everyone loves getting new clothes, this type of seasonal shopping habit has a profound impact on the environment (and not to mention your bank account). Fortunately, thanks to our friends at Fashion Revolution, there is a new trend emerging called “haulternative”, which is a sustainable way of refreshing your wardrobe without buying any new clothes.
Here are a few tips on how to undertake your own haulternative this season and maybe even for seasons to come.
1. Get your layer on
Layering can completely change an outfit or a piece of clothing that’s been collecting dust in your closet. For example, upgrade your sweaters or cardigans by layering them over collared blouses.
Layering is also a great way to bring your summer clothes into the fall/winter seasons. For example, layer a sweater over a summer dress, add tights, chunky boots, and a long coat, and you’ve created a trendy fall outfit with clothes you already own!
2. Style your friends (and have them style you)
I don’t know about you, but some of my biggest style inspirations are my friends. So, getting together (with a bottle of wine, perhaps?) and styling each other is a great way to get creative with your wardrobes. You might see a combination of clothes that your friend didn’t, and vice versa!
3. Organize a clothing swap
A clothing swap is a fun, sustainable, and cost-effective way to spice up your wardrobe. If you aren’t able to do an in-person swap this season, try setting one up virtually with a group – you may be able to reach an even wider range of people (and clothes) this way.
4. Find alternative uses for your clothes
Most of the time, a piece of clothing can have more than one use. A thin scarf, for example, can be used as a headband, headscarf or even a cheeky crop top. This requires some creativity, but all you really need is a pair of scissors and a sewing kit. The possibilities and online resources are endless!
5. Mend or create
Being stuck inside for a second round of lockdown is the perfect opportunity to undertake a DIY project to extend the life of your clothes. This could be anything from mending and darning (a technique for repairing holes or worn areas in knit garments) to using natural dyes to upgrade an old t-shirt. You could also create an entirely new piece of clothing by upcycling pieces from your wardrobe. This helps us develop a deeper relationship and connection with our clothes, which in turn makes us care for them better over time.
6. Support circular fashion
If you do feel as though you desperately need a new item of clothing, consider shopping second hand or vintage at charity shops or through apps such as Depop. And likewise, if you have items that you’re ready to part ways with, you can sell them and make money to pay for your new item. This is a great way to support circular fashion and ensure that your clothes don’t end up in landfill.
We hope this inspires you to rethink the traditional seasonal shopping spree and instead, try shopping the “haulternative” way. After all, the most sustainable piece of clothing you own is already in your closet!
We’d love to see what you come up with, so be sure to tag us on Instagram using the hashtag #uoehaulternative.
Happy hauling!
Anna Copeland
The Fashion Society
Comments