RAIDING my mum’s wardrobe was a weekly occurrence when I was a teenager.
In fact, her high-waisted Levi jeans, Marco Polo jumper and Wallis trouser suit are still key players in my wardrobe – they might be 35 years old, but they’re not slowing down any time soon.
We get it, it’s hard to resist fast fashion – especially when payday is still two weeks away and that £10 dress looks just like a £100 designer version.
We’re all culprits, but we could all benefit from slowing down, too.
After all, it seems a little sad that the £8 jumper we just had to have, probably won’t see us through to next year, never mind the next generation.
And there are bigger issues at hand here, too – our economy is in crisis and fast fashion is, sadly, one of the ring leaders.
Last year, it was revealed that fashion is the second worst industry on the planet after oil production when it comes to pollution.
We’re buying twice as many clothes now than we were 10 years ago – partly down to an insatiable thirst for fast fashion and made worse by social media.
With 15,500 litres of water needed to make one pair of jeans and an estimated £140 million worth of clothing going into landfill each year, the fashion industry’s impact on the environment has spiralled out of control.
But what can YOU do?
Investing in good quality, timeless pieces is a good place to start – even if you buy just one decent item each season.
Taking time to develop a capsule wardrobe that stands the test of time will not only save you money in the long-run, but you’ll be helping the planet, too.
We’ve rounded up seven key items to get you started – from a Cashmere jumper that’ll be with you for life (unless your daughter nicks it, of course) to a trench coat that’ll go with everything.
A pair of decent jeans are a must-have in every wardrobe and over time, we’d recommend investing in a pair of blue, black and white styles.
Of course, there are heaps of key brands to choose from – Levi, Cheap Monday or Meghan Markle’s favourite, Mother Denim – but for a slightly more affordable option, we love & Other Stories.
You can guarantee a pair of high-quality, durable jeans with a beautiful fit – and they come in half sizes.
To get you started, try this blue, organic cotton style – they have a flattering high waist and a straight leg.
Dress it up, dress it down, an oversized white cotton shirt is the major player in a capsule wardrobe.
This Marks & Spencer’s style is a great option – not only because of the brand’s eco-friendly Better Cotton Initiative – but because it’s good quality and importantly, it’ll last.
We love the breast pocket for extra detail – or, you could opt for a style with tortoiseshell buttons for a jazzier look.
Hello cashmere jumper of dreams!
This super soft H&M knit comes in four different colours and features delicate ribbing neckline, cuffs and hem.
It also has slits on each side which add to its slightly looser fit.
It looks great with jeans, or buy a size up and layer over a crisp white shirt.
Added to that, we’re loving H&M’s commitment to sustainability, with the brand aiming to use 100 per cent recycled or other sustainably sourced materials by 2030.
Added to that, they’ve committed to being “completely transparent” on how and where each of their products are made.
They’re also encouraging customers to think more sustainably by asking shoppers to bring unwanted clothes or home textiles to any H&M store where they will be reworn, reused or recycled.
A classic cotton trench coat is ideal for the British summer.
In fact, it’ll see you through spring and autumn, too – so it’s worth investing in a good quality style.
Opt for a neutral colour – try beige, khaki or black – and always think about the fit, too.
Could you wear it over a jumper, or would it look too bulky?
Choosing a longer length will mean you can pair it with midi dresses as well as shorter styles, culottes and full-length trousers.
Also think about buttons – spend time finding a design that you would be happy to wear buttoned up.
You don’t have to (we like the loose, open look, too) but you’ll be more likely to wear it in cooler temperatures if you’re happy with how it looks buttoned and belted.
When it comes to footwear, it pays to invest in high-quality options.
And while styles will change with the seasons, in summer, you can’t beat a versatile pair of leather sandals.
We’ve opted for a black, mid-heel design from & Other Stories.
We love them because they’d suit any occasion – workwear, drinks, special events – they’re the kind you’ll live in for the entire summer.
Added to that, the brand is committed to sustainability and offer a 10 per cent discount for returning empty beauty packaging, pre-loved garments and textiles to any store.
Everyone has a go-to bag that works for every occasion, so it makes sense to spend a little more.
If you have a tendency to carry the kitchen sink around, opt for a happy medium and find a style that’s not too big (it’ll force you to carry less) but not so small that you’ll end up not using it.
This black leather design is currently in the sale at Whistles.
We love it because it’s multi-purpose, featuring a stylish resin handle as well as an extended strap.
In other fashion news, we told you about the wedding guest who sparked debate after asking if her polka dot dress was too white to wear to her pal’s big day.
We also revealed the M&S sandals which sold out in THREE hours are finally back in stock.
And we showed you the genius hack for making tight shoes feel comfortable within minutes.
