The festive season is here and one thing is sure – you are going to lots of parties. Don’t know what to wear? Here are some tips to keep your festive style eco-friendly.
Feathers, velvet, sequins are the symbols of partywear. Unfortunately, they are not the most eco-friendly materials as usually, they are not recyclable or biodegradable.
On the other hand, let’s be honest, some party pieces are so eccentric that we do not wear them more than once or twice. A huge part of them eventually end up in landfills after the festivities are over.
Luckily, there are a number of more responsible alternatives to consider when choosing what to wear during the holiday season. Below, is our #konshas guide to sustainable party dressing this Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
#1 Browse Your Wardrobe Before You Browse the Internet
Not surprisingly, the most eco-friendly alternative to partywear shopping is not shopping at all. Consider what you already own and play with it. Plus, this is a great way to check out whether the sexy red dress you got a few years ago still fits you.
If you are worried that someone might notice that you are repeating outfits, don’t forget that recycling clothes is quite trendy nowadays… even on the red carpet. Some of the notable names that browse their closets before going shopping include Kate Middleton, Winona Ryder, Meghan Markle, Cate Blanchett, Kate Moss, Michelle Obama.
#2 Rent or Borrow from a Friend
In case you cannot find the dream outfit in your own closet, go check out the ones of your friends. Additionally, there are tons of rental services that offer cool clothes for reasonable prices. Of course, the greatest reward is that while you save money, you also save the Earth.
Some clothing rentals to consider:
- From the UK: Hurr, My Wardrobe HQ, By Rotation
- From Ireland: The Nu Wardrobe
- From Germany: MyOnbelle
- From the Netherlands: Circle Closet
#3 Shop Vintage
Vintage shopping has gained popularity in recent years, especially following the rise of platforms like Vestiaire Collective and Vinted. They are quite user-friendly and offer a huge variety of options. You can even set up alerts if you are looking for something in particular.
#4 Choose Eco-Friendly and Ethical Brands
If, after all, you cannot avoid shopping for partywear this season, choose wisely. Opt for brands that are transparent about their materials, practices and production partners. Also, look for labels that are committed to circularity and use deadstock materials or recycle old clothes. Of course, don’t toss the new dress away after the party. If you are not planning to rewear it, resell it, give it to a friend or donate it to ensure that it has a second chance.