Welcome back! In today’s fall outfit inspiration, I’m sharing a look I styled with what is probably my favourite top in my closet. The secret is that it’s actually an old knit I got from Zara years ago. I’m completely surprised by how long it’s lasted considering I wear it basically all the time, and it’s quite a thin knit. But it has stood the test of time, and it will stay in my wardrobe until I can’t wear it any longer!
I’ve always been one to invest a lot of money into my closet. That’s mostly because I was purchasing higher quality pieces. They weren’t necessarily ethically or sustainably made, but they were well-crafted and have lasted me a long time (this is why there is so much Aritzia in my wardrobe.)
But, I used to hit up fast fashion stores as well, mainly Zara. I’d buy things from these stores because they were cheap and accessible, but a lot of the time they are what’s known as ‘disposable clothing’. You get a few wears out of them, but after a few washes they become so ratty that it’s pretty much time to toss them out for something new.
This black sweater, however, has turned that on its head. It’s such a simple piece – a light, black crew sweater with long sleeves. What’s more, I haven’t found anything like it since I bought it that I could replace it with. But I wouldn’t want to anyway. Though I might not support fast fashion brands anymore, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using what you already have. To not do that would be wasteful, even if you’re swapping out those items with ethical or sustainable alternatives.
And honestly, shopping ethically or sustainably can be incredibly expensive. Also just buying higher-quality clothes with good materials and tailoring is very expensive. So you have to think about what’s right for you and what fits your budget. If fast fashion stores are what works for you, then by all means shop there. You can still have a more conscious wardrobe and practice sustainability in other ways; for example, choosing items that you’ll get a lot of wear out of, or that you plan to keep for a long time.
To me, that’s what slow fashion is all about: just being more conscious of our choices, and making changes that work for us and fit with our own personal values. For me that means working towards building a more ethical and sustainable wardrobe, while still working with what I already have and what I’ve invested in over the years. What are your thoughts? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
I was wearing: Aritzia trench coat (old); Zara knit (old); AGOLDE denim; Converse sneakers; Auxiliary bag (discontinued); Ray-ban sunglasses; Aritzia hat (old)
Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram to see my weekly outfit inspiration. If you want more ideas for fall outfits, also take a look at my Fall Capsule Wardrobe.
Until next time,
Emily
Such great ideas, Emily.