For me, the ongoing pandemic has been one of the greatest teachers so far. It has taught me the value of my life, my body, and my mind. It has let me pause and look within and around. And, when I did, I realized there is a lot I can do to change myself for the better.
Coming from a fashion background, it was one of the things that I focused on and it changed fashion as I knew it. It has given me new eyes for fashion. Comfort has replaced glamour; quality has replaced quantity and slow sustainability has replaced fast fashion for me. The question here is why and how am I doing it? The "why" will be answered as we move forward. Now coming to the "how', I am doing it by adapting a mindful shopping pattern.
Let’s understand the concept of mindful shopping
If you also believe in the phrase "a woman can never have enough clothes, bags and shoes" like I used to then you are in the trap of smart retailers and marketers, and you are not a follower of mindful shopping. Mindful shopping is a purchasing pattern that focuses on needs rather than wants. The shopping pattern that is driven by wants is never-ending and you are left feeling unsatisfied with each purchase.
Whereas, need-driven shopping makes you aware of what you are buying, how to better utilize your purchase, and leaves you feeling satisfied as it's not only pocket friendly but also makes you a part of green fashion.
Why you should switch to mindful shopping
The time has come to discuss the "why". So here is why mindful shopping should be chosen over traditional shopping patterns.
Helps manage finance
With the growing fast fashion and influence of social media, we are provoked to buy more than we need. The FOMO (fear of missing out) clouds our conscience and we make that 'just one more purchase'. And before we know it there is a big hole in our pocket and we end up figuring out- “where did all my money go?”. But, with mindful shopping, we can reduce this financial burden imposed on us by fast fashion.
Minimizes waste
It is no surprise how much waste is generated by the fast fashion industry. Once you start mindful shopping you will reduce your purchase frequency and cart size too. Not only that you will start choosing quality over quantity but will you buy less and whatever you buy won't end up in landfills after one season. It will be your first step towards green fashion and with each step, you’ll get there faster.
Builds a sustainable wardrobe
With quality comes the promise of durability and with quality and limited products, you will eventually build a sustainable wardrobe. A sustainable fashion wardrobe is not only good for the environment but it's good for your skin. The high-quality organic products that are free from harmful dyes and the synthetic fabric is gonna make you feel comfortable and stylish.
Maximizes your creativity
With limited pieces at your disposal, you'll be pushed to bring out that hidden fashionista inside you and get creative. You can come up with brilliant styling ideas for the clothes and accessories that you own and fashion different looks with them. And, you can always reach out for help from your friend or check out the amazing influencers.
Boosts Confidence
It's not something that you do from outside but it should come from within, you should feel what you are doing as it's a big shift for many and requires a lot of effort and willpower. Your confidence might waver at first but once you accept the new lifestyle you will come out as a self-assured person. So, you must work on your confidence and stop judging your worth by what you own. All you would need to do is style your look well, put on your killer smile, and walk tall knowing you are doing your part to save nature and your mental peace.
How to get started with mindful shopping
Buy Less
The first step to mindful shopping is checking the quantity of your shopping cart. Reducing your cart size is gonna take you close to owning a sustainable wardrobe. You can prepare a list of things you really really; and can’t emphasize on this more; really need and stick to the list when you shop. It needs a great deal of willpower not getting lured by the amazing offers, buy hey I know you can do it.
Get the high-quality basics first. Buy that classic white t and that organic blue denim. You can always style up the basics with accessories and you will never go wrong.
Buy Local
When you buy local, you not only help a business thrive but also reduce the carbon footprint. Many indigenous fashion brands are coming up that work around sustainable fashion. Do your research and support them and the planet at the same time. When shopping for textile from local shops, choose the fabrics wisely. Replace the inexpensive synthetic fabrics with a handloom or organic fabrics. These will last longer and help the local retailers and weavers.
Buy Logical
All of the above can be done only when you add logic to your purchase. Be reasonable with your shopping list. Before making a purchase go back to your existing wardrobe and check if you can use an existing piece by styling it up. If there is a possibility, cross the item off of your list. Once you start practicing these, you will slowly start making a considerable change in your shopping pattern and wardrobe.
Sustainable and green fashion is the future of fashion and with mindful shopping, you can achieve it. Let’s start buying less, local, and logical to reduce the waste generated by the fast fashion industry. It's high time we start taking small steps to make big changes. Our earth needs us to think sustainable as it's gonna run out of resources soon. So, let’s start early and help the earth heal.
Amazing 🥰