Valentine’s Day should be as much about self-love and care as it is about romance. Cultivating a positive relationship with our clothing is a fab place to start. This year, lets romanticise our own lives through the power of garments that make us feel amazing!!
Sometimes looking back at what we already have is the best place to start
‘the most sustainable garment is the one already in your wardrobe’
- Orsola de Castro
SORT - In the chaos of life this may feel overwhelming, but even sorting through a small section of your wardrobe each week can help you rediscover older items you miss, explore new outfit combinations and organise your space. If there is anything you don’t fancy wearing, doesn’t fit you as well (or is not appropriate for these freezing Feb temperatures), consider storing it away in a box/ under your bed – sometimes it can be great to find these items in the future, as your tastes and your body changes, or maybe when spring comes around.
SHARE - Add items that you no longer want to keep to Depop or Vinted. Go to a clothes swap, or arrange one, even just with some close friends. I have found many of my favourite items in the rejects of my friend’s wardrobes.
UPCYCLE/ MEND – I personally have a collection of clothes around my bedroom awaiting a mend. Rather than discarding damaged or old garments, think about ways you may be able to mend them or upcycle them. This can be an opportunity to explore, be creative and develop some new skills when you have some free time. It is also perhaps far more rewarding than buying something new.
These websites have some great ideas for some accessible upcycling and mending tips if you’re wondering where to start:
KEEP – We don’t all have endless space but putting together a box of fabric scraps and worn-out garments can mean you always have these at hand for when you get round to some upcycling projects. You can even use old fabrics for dusting and cleaning. Rather than feeling overwhelmed about how best to dispose of old garments, lets recontextualise the way these fabrics can be used.
EXPLORE – Look online for styling inspo! Pinterest is one of my faves for considering ways of styling clothes I already have. Instagram also has a great ideas – trying using hashtags such as #upcyclefashion. Even just when you’re out and about! There is inspiration all across Edinburgh, with its eclectic mixture of styles.
A reminder to all that the garments you have chosen and collected over the years represent a journey of different tastes and eras in your life. Have fun rediscovering old pieces you forgot you loved and experiencing the memories and nostalgia associated with them!
Happy Valentines <3
Amy
Fashion Society
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