As we approach the end of the year, the festive holiday season is just around the corner. As Andy Williams would say, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.”
But it’s also that time of the year when people rush to stores in search of dazzling, glittery outfits to celebrate the new year. Outfits that are most likely only worn once and then end up all the way in the back of the closet or even worse, in landfill, only for individuals to do the whole cycle again the following year. This is far from sustainable.
Luckily, many options exist to make more conscious choices about your festive holiday wear. Let’s take a look at my guide for a sustainable holiday outfit.
Shop in your own Closet
As always, the most sustainable thing to do is to rewear something you already own. Recall that dazzling dress mentioned earlier? It is probably still lying somewhere in the back of your closet. Before going on a shopping spree, look around your closet – there might be a hidden gem you have forgotten.
Many hesitate to rewear party outfits, having concerns like “What about the pictures? Someone will notice I have already worn that.” For those who share that concern, allow me to echo the words of the all-knowing Lizzie McGuire: “I may be an outfit repeater, but you’re an outfit rememberer, which is just as pathetic.”
Frankly, in my view, it’s even more questionable because why invest energy in remembering what others wear and then passing judgment on it?
Borrow From Friends
One thing that I love to do, not only for the holiday season but also for festivals or party nights, is to borrow something from a friend. It is the perfect solution for wearing something different without shopping for it.
If you do not have the same dress size as your friend, you can also opt to borrow accessories, as they are excellent for uplifting an already amazing outfit with just a little bit of extra glamour.
Just don’t forget to give it back!
Rent an Outfit
The clothes we wear during the holidays are often ones that we rarely wear again. In that case, renting an outfit is a great alternative. Renting platforms have gained substantial popularity over the years, and not without reason. It is a fantastic initiative to lower the carbon footprint and make luxury items more available to the public.
Renting an outfit is a perfect way to be mindful and sustainable while wearing something different every occasion (in case you have outfit rememberers on your Instagram, hihi). Look at platforms like Circle Closet, Rent The Runway, and Nuuly to find your holiday outfit.
Buy Second Hand
Thrifting a holiday outfit is a sustainable alternative if you want to wear something different. Second-hand stores and online platforms offer many unique and affordable options.
Gather your friends and go on a holiday shopping spree to vintage stores. With the many available options, you will find the perfect festive outfit for the holidays.
Prefer to stay at home during the cold days? Platforms like Vestiaire Collective, Vinted, and Depop are great options. Type in the name of the brand or a description of what you’re looking for and see what options are available. Personally, I love using Vinted to find cute, affordable heels. However, be sure to order on time because delivery can take a while, especially during the holiday season!
Shop From Eco-Conscious Brands
If you do wish to buy someone new for the holidays, look into brands that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices. Luckily, sustainability is gaining momentum, and fashion brands are increasingly implementing eco-friendly practices. Research and discover brands that align with your values.
Of course, I can’t leave you without any options, so here are some sustainable brands you can look into to find your dazzling holiday outfit:
Maqu
The brand Maqu was founded in 2016 in Berlin by Marisa Fuentes Prado. The brand combines Marisa’s Peruvian heritage with modern, minimalist designs inspired by European culture. Maqu celebrates diversity and inclusivity by combining cultures, styles, and materials.
The brand highlights sustainability through its designs. Maqu opts for sustainable and resource-saving practices and mainly uses organic materials. In addition, the brand uses all fabrics entirely and focuses on durability.
The brand offers a wide range of colorful clothing perfect for the festive holidays.
Interested in Maqu? Please take a look at their website or visit their Instagram (@by_maqu).
Mother of Pearl
Founded in 2002 by Maia Norman, Mother of Pearl is a contemporary women’s wear brand that celebrates individuality, authenticity, and sustainability. In 2013, Amy Powney was named creative director of the brand. She made it her mission to reduce Mother of Pearl’s impact on the environment while pushing for transformative change in the fashion industry.
The brand uses eco-friendly materials, focuses on circularity, and ensures ethical treatment across the supply chain. Read more on its sustainability here.
With their timeless, beautiful designs, Mother of Pearl is the perfect brand to find your holiday outfit.
Interested in Mother of Pearl? Please visit their website or visit their Instagram (@motherofpearl).
CARPASUS
In 2015, René Grünenfelder and Michael Zäch launched the first CARPASUS collection. The idea for the brand was born after the Rana Plaza disaster when the men reflected on the environmental and social conditions in which clothing was made. The brand’s mission is to make shirts that are ethical and sustainable, all the while making the consumer feel good.
CARPASUS uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and ensures safe and healthy working conditions for the garment workers. For more information on their practices, please look at their sustainability page.
The brand offers many different types of shirts for every occasion.
Interested? Please take a look at the CARPASUS website or visit their Instagram (@carpasusofficial).
Sources
All pictures link to their source, and all credits go to the rightful owners.
