Sustainable Style Ideas For Chic Students
Sustainability is undoubtedly the latest buzzword in fashion, with brands and customers alike prioritising climate change and the planet. In my latest article, I will highlight how students can create fantastic outfits while also ticking those environmentally friendly boxes.
The period from 7th to 15th June was marked on the UK calendar as The Great Big Green Week, with the primary focus on community actions to tackle climate change and defend nature. This year, the UK is proud to host a variety of other additional events that highlight the green movement, including fairs, workshops, nature walks, clean-up operations, and eco-themed arts. These activities are a far cry from the traditional community action events which deter the younger population (such as village halls, parish councils and tight-knit groups of locals).
Across the UK, there is a vast array of different communities that are often overlooked. For example, the UK’s student population is estimated to reach 2.90 million in higher education (therefore, a massive community in itself!). There are whole neighbourhoods of student apartments in London, Bristol, Manchester and beyond, which combine to form areas of close-knit (and vitally environmentally aware!) communities.
If you consider the entire UK, the student body is a vast community that spans the country. This factor is key, as this untapped potential can have a substantial positive impact on the environment using their love of fashion as the catalyst to make change,
The Huge Footprint Left By Fashion
It is no secret that the fashion industry is a significant contributor to the world’s pollution, accounting for roughly 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater. The production of clothing produces more greenhouse gases than both international flights and maritime shipping combined (which is why the fashion sector is on the road to transform its practices and clean up its act).
This information may be shocking news to the masses (although this has been discussed for many years now) and should be considered a wake-up call for style lovers across the country ( students or otherwise).
Fortunately, the act of making sustainable fashion choices allows us to effect change simply by what we wear – it is no longer a group of radicals speaking their mind; it is now a lifestyle choice that includes a badge of honour, demanding others take notice.
Whether you’re dressing for class, heading out for a night, or enjoying a relaxing evening at home, the following tips will help you build a wardrobe that’s both on-point and climate-conscious.
The Benefits Of Renting Clothing
Many of us are guilty of buying an entire outfit for a specific event or occasion, only to be forgotten and gather dust at the farthest corner of the wardrobe (and let’s be honest, it’s rarely worn again!). However, these types of occasions don’t always require you to splash out on a new purchase. There are several platforms (such as HURR, By Rotation and My Wardrobe HQ that offer access to premium styles without high costs (ideal for students) or any impact on the environment.
These unique services utilise a circular fashion model, reducing the need for new clothing pieces while also extending the lifespan of existing items. Furthermore, some of these companies offer curated designer choices (and even next-day delivery for those last-minute parties!), so it is an easy and streamlined process to wear your favourite brands (and be safe in the knowledge that you are helping the sustainability movement).
Thrifting With Style
There is definitely a portion of society that loves discovering long-lost gems hidden away in a charity shop, where you can find vintage, striking pieces (if you’re lucky, even heavily discounted designer or statement pieces).
There is a wide variety of online shopping platforms (such as Vestiaire Collective, Depop, or Vinted) where you can create striking looks with pre-loved luxury fashion pieces, which also helps reduce environmental damage.
Furthermore, by opting for second-hand goods, you help reduce the amount of clothes heading to landfills, lower emissions, and also allow you to rock a stylish number (that no one else at your school, college, or university will be wearing!).
The Importance Of Quality Over Quantity
Fast fashion is hugely damaging to our world. It may boast a lower cost, but over the long term, it causes endless damage to the environment (and also your bank account, as they typically fall apart after a few wears).
It is much better to invest in timeless pieces such as premium knitwear (merino or cashmere), smart tailored trousers or a stylish coat or jacket (one that will bypass passing trends).
There are several premium brands that are at the forefront of this way of thinking. For example, during her Winter 2023 collection, Stella McCartney used 92% of responsible fabrics (including grape and mushroom leather) to create excellent pieces that utilised advanced sustainable textiles.
Check The Labels
There is no doubt that sustainability is the latest trend in the fashion industry. Unfortunately, not all of these claims are entirely accurate (after all, anyone can label their products as “sustainable” without actually adhering to the claims).
Make a point of searching for independently verified certifications before you make a purchase; here are a few examples –
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) – guarantees the use of organic fibres and fair labour practices.
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 – ensures that all of the materials have been thoroughly tested for any damaging and harmful substances.
- B Corp Accreditation – displays that the company has incorporated strong standards regarding social and environmental impact.
Even world-leading luxury brands (such as Chloe, who received a B Corp certificate in 2021) are leading the charge within the field of eco-conscious luxury.
This list of green certificates is just the tip of the iceberg, but it serves as a starting point that will enhance your knowledge and help you make informed choices during your next shopping trip.
Back The Brands Focused On Sustainable Practices
Many designers at the forefront of the latest trends are completely re-working their entire way of thinking. As an example, PANGAIA (translated from the original Greek to “all in the Earth”) practices R&D of sustainable materials in Europe (and is renowned for using green fabrics such as plant-based denim).
Another top brand, VEJA, offers its stylish trainer collection to fashion-savvy shoppers, which has been crafted using organic cotton, natural rubber, and even recycled plastic bottles (you can boost your street style looks while knowing you’re helping the planet!).
Fortunately, many brands (both old and new) are combining innovation with transparency and iconic designs to help you fill your wardrobe with fantastic looks while also ensuring that the environment is well cared for.
Sell Or Swap Clothes You Don’t Wear
Rather than keep hold of those garments that you no longer wear (or they don’t fit correctly), it is an excellent opportunity to pass them on (to someone who will enjoy it) and then invest in new pieces. This is a better alternative to hoarding clothing or simply throwing it away.
As already mentioned, platforms such as Vinted, Depop (or even eBay) are excellent sites to buy second-hand clothes and, of course, sell your unused items. Another option is to arrange swap parties with like-minded individuals (such as flatmates or even fashion society members), which is great for the environment but also a boost to your social life as well.
Finally, you could drop the idea of selling altogether (after all, it is a painstaking process to take photos, upload and list!) and donate your clothing items to charity shops. Alternatively, there are apps like Nuw, which is a system that promotes clothes swapping and community sustainability.
Final Thoughts
Sustainability is a celebration of consciously looking after the world, creativity, and forward-thinking (for both you and clothing brands). When you shop with a focus on caring for the environment, it’s an empowering experience (especially for students with limited budgets), and it also showcases that you can create eye-catching ensembles that do not break the bank nor cause irreparable damage to our world.
I hope you enjoyed reading my latest sustainable fashion article; if you have any further questions, please leave a message in the comments section below.
