As the nights draw in, the hot chocolates come out, and the British drizzle seems to settle permanently on the horizon, it can only mean one thing: Winter is coming. However, before you rush off to the shops to stock up on a new winter wardrobe, it might pay to consider how sustainable your purchases are.
We've written before about the negative impacts of fast fashion and why the rise of slow fashion in the UK is so important. You can make sustainable - and fashionable - choices all year round, no matter the weather. With that in mind, we're sharing tips and tricks to help you stay warm, dry, stylish and sustainable this winter.
Reuse and recycle what you already have
Go shopping in your own wardrobe. Do a mini-audit of what you already have (yes, even what's hiding under your bed!) and decide the following:
- What do you need? (Function)
- What would be nice to have? (Fashion)
- What can you update or mend? (Fix)
You may find hidden gems you'd completely forgotten about or learn that while you already have five fabulous coats, you're in desperate need of essential base layers.
While you’re at it, look for local alteration or tailoring services to help repair and update any existing items needing TLC - or learn how to mend your own!
If buying new, look for garments made ethically and slowly
Once you've refined your list of essentials and nice-to-haves, consider buying from brands which make environmentally conscious decisions in their clothing production. Look for sustainable and slow UK fashion brands that produce small lines of clothing and are clear about how items are made.
Ethical website good on you has compiled a great list of sustainable brands for winter essentials here. But if you're looking for something more cheerful and free-spirited, a block print dress or quilted jacket could be the perfect pop of colour your wardrobe needs. At Hollyblocks, our block print fabric is made by hand by a small team of highly skilled artisans, and we hope that when you choose one of our products, it'll have a place in your wardrobe for life.
Make something by hand
Whether it's a scarf, a beanie, or you go all-out-aspirational with a jumper, making your own winter woollies from scratch can keep you cosy and help you understand the process behind producing garments.
When you've spent hours painstakingly knitting row after row, fixing mistakes and figuring out how patterns work, you'll likely be far more connected to your final product than you would be if you bought it off a shelf on the high street. You'll also know exactly who made your items and under what conditions.
For DIY inspiration, check out our blog on seven timeless trends that fast fashion can't replicate.
Finally commit to that capsule wardrobe
We've all heard about capsule wardrobes, and many of us have probably been meaning to build one for years. This winter could be the perfect opportunity! Once you've completed your wardrobe audit and decided which new pieces you absolutely must have, consider how all these garments can be mixed and matched for different looks in the years to come.
For example, a polo neck can take your block print dress from summer to autumn, while a reversible quilted jacket not only keeps you warm, but effectively gives you two jackets in one.
Just make sure that whatever new clothes you invest in are made to last. Look for sustainable, long-wearing fabrics, classic cuts and styles, and colours and patterns that work well together.
Support UK sustainable and independent fashion brands
If you’re ready to add something special to your wardrobe, your local, sustainable fashion brand would love to help make you feel fabulous. And that includes Hollyblocks!
Based in Norfolk and taking inspiration from India, our block print fabrics are designed, printed and fashioned with love. We reflect our passion for the natural world in our prints, non-toxic dyes and the organic cotton we use across our small range. We believe sustainable fashion doesn't have to be boring, which is why you'll find vibrant colours, unique prints and statement accents throughout our collection.
Feeling inspired? Shop our range of products now.