How to Transition to a Sustainable Wardrobe On a Budget | Slow Fashion 

I was just telling my husband this morning that creating a capsule wardrobe and honing in on style seems to encourage MORE shopping and MORE expense. I really appreciate your “ shop your closet approach”. I plan to put the brakes on buying and feeling like I always need more....I am blocking much of my RU-vid to resist temptation. I just subscribed to you however ❤️because you are not product pushing. I have TONS of great curated stuff. It’s time for me to stop adding pieces and put my creative energy towards “ shopping my closet”. Thanks ever so much for your influence!

My mum taught me to sew when I was very young and she made all of my clothes till I took over as a teenager. I bought a huge mans Harris Tweed overcoat at Frenchy’s, a Maritime second hand clothing franchise, in my early years of NSCAD. I cut it apart, reversed the fabric which looked like new, and made myself a tailored blazer. I’m still doing things like that and have a daughter who does the same thing!

My tip is to be honest with yourself about your ever changing body shape and maybe lifestyle, it's difficult as you get older to admit that items that were terrific on you in the past now my not be as appropriate for your lifestyle or shape now. Difficult at the moment but be brave and try on new and different things, you may discover a whole new you, but I do applaud the second hand shopping, individual pieces it can be excitingxx

"Loving what you have" is the thing you have taught me which has been invaluable to me. Thanks, Alyssa!

Alyssa, I so agree about the ‘confidence’ issue. They were many times where I wasn’t confident that I was ‘stylish’ enough, so I’d be influenced by others to buy some thing and then ended up not wearing it.

I am admittedly addicted to thrift store and consignment shopping. I like the savings but I also like the fact that other people chose the items and then shared them when they no longer wanted or needed them!

I think hanging my clothes by category and color helped me a lot. It helps with shopping my closet, and identifying what I don't have. I think the biggest revelation is that I tend to buy navy and white striped shirts. I see them on a discount rack and still am drawn to them, but I am like "Nope, I have 5 of y'all at home."

Another winning video, Alyssa. You make this topic accessible for those who aren’t predisposed to minimalism and slow fashion and keep it fresh for those who are already living this way. Cheers!

Second hand clothes are amazing, as they are usually better quality and not everyone has the same thing!

Shoes bags clothes I look after very well and so worth it. In my 60's no longer make mistakes. Everything in my closet is just what I need and wear. Always donate to a charity shop things I no longer wear all in perfect condition. Love a good bargain and always lookout for 70% discounts. Especially now with the pandemic huge sales everywhere. Thank u Alyssa and love all your videos

You have a gift for sharing your excitement with humility and humour. I really appreciate your tips.

cost per wear = $650 (Holt's sale) pair of TOD shoes that I wore at least once a week until they wore out at about 8 years = $2 per wear (including tax + cost of cleaners + shoe repairs) = $14 per wear if I only had them for a year (which is still good). I'm a little shocked at how inexpensive buying quality and actually wearing it once a week really is. Even purchasing an inexpensive item and working it will be inexpensive. And, if you keep increasing the quality of items as they are replaced, wardrobe cost would remain the same as you better your wardrobe. So there is something to be said about a smaller, well curated wardrobe. Thanks, Alyssa!

"Some exotic fruit skin" that made me giggle because its true!!! Mostly in media, It seems so "exclusive" to have a sustainable wardrobe, rather than being portrayed as something we can all achieve

Another very good YT channel about style and sustainability is Justine Leconte. Actually my 3 favorites are you, Audrey Coyne and Justine.

I bought about 10 years ago a St. John an under sweater and sweater jacket for $2,000 on sale and have worn it more than 200 times.....very sustainable so cost per wear is $10 and still love those 2 pieces and will continue to wear them

I would also add: buy natural fibers, they last longer, look and feel better, and are breathable. Even fast fashion lines have them, just ignore the polyester items.

Your channel is indeed a fantastic resource for someone looking to shop more consciously and understand better what'll actually serve them in the long-term! You've been a massive part of my journey over the last year, absolutely love your content. Xx

I’m learning si much with every video you make😊🙈 after last winter season I realized that the underlining of my favorite coat is falling apart. Inspired by you, I asked my tailor to change it. So, instead of huge investment and loosing my favorite pieces, I’ll get “a new one” for fraction of price❣️On top - the new lining is beautiful dotted garment that totally elevates the coat.

Your videos have helped me start my journey to having a more minimal and sustainable wardrobe. I’m taking baby steps but I started in using what I already have, purging the ones that don’t spark joy and those that are not consistent anymore with my personal style and also being more thoughtful with new purchases. Keep inspiring us with your slow fashion videos, Alyssa!

A positive from this year has been strengthening my shop my closet skills. Though I’m working from home I still get dressed for the day and not being able to shop has meant I’m seeing what I own much more.

Hi from Japan! this year i did a no new buy year. only one month left to go but it has meant 'shopping my closet' . it does take time and planning but with more time at home, i slotted it into my schedule. i have so many low cost/wear items...working on the ones that aren't. you have been inspirational!!!! Thank you❤️

All of these suggestions make so much sense. As a physician in a pandemic, I’m not dressing up for work any longer. That has really helped me curb my clothes spending. I’m wearing athletic shoes...but sadly, pretty shoes are still sucking me in. Working on it! I think my biggest obstacle is my closet. I need it better organized so I can see what I have and then be more creative! Thx for another great Sunday AM start.

To be able to shop your closet you have to have clothes in it! So you need to go shopping sometime! What works for me as I’m getting older and my body seems to be changing all the time, is to go through your closet every season, get rid of what doesn’t fit anymore, then make a list! And when the items on your list goes on sale, just get what you need, not what you want at the time! Be organized and control your desires for buying things you don’t need! I shop everywhere even second hand stores! Thank you for sharing!

A complete sidetrack, but I love your jacket! I massively overhauled my wardrobe after having children, my lifestyle changed and I used a very lovely image consultant to help me narrow down what were good choices. I have a notebook I use, each season as I put clothes away, I make a note of any gaps, any purchases I made and if they were good to help when that season comes around next time.

I’ve probably seen this video about 3 or 4 times and I love the concept behind it. Not only have I purged my closet with the items I wear (and still fits), but I’ve also applied the slow fashion concept throughout my house. Keep only the things we love and that fits in our home. Shopping second hand has also been like treasure hunting to me. It’s a great way to reuse great items, save money and be mindful of how many items do we really need. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise to us.

Doing one’s own simple alterations, at least hems, saves a lot, too.

Useful tips! In my mid twenties, I had a close friend who was exactly my size who had an extensive wardrobe of designer clothes, shoes etc. It was like I had a second wardrobe. Courreges dresses, Thierry Mugler, Sonia Rykiel sweaters etc. I too look at cost per wear and I love thrifting for unique pieces. Thank you again and congrats for your successful live stream workshop. Bisous!

Just in time because I'm freshening up my wardrobe for winter. I've purchased some things already. I can get hung up on the buying end and had to draw the line where to stop. There's always something desirable out there to purchase. I tried thredup for the first time this month and had good success. I also purchased from Old Navy. I know they are considered fast fashion but I am very particular about what I buy there. I replace my jeans every year or so (this year I lost weight). If you pick carefully their pieces do last. Their basics are not bad. I try to stick to the cotton, nylon or rayon pieces. Avoid the acrylic and everything else except some of the jewelry and scarves. They started using recycled plastic bottles sold as recycled polyester. I hear that stuff is really bad for the environment even though it is recycled, so I refuse to buy it. Thanks for the video and reminder of cost per use value.

I think thrift/consignment stores are probably the best way to shop sustainably on a limited budget. I've accumulated a lot of pieces from Thredup over the last few years - not only have I saved a ton of money and been able to buy nice pieces that would normally be out of my price range, but it also makes me happy to know that I'm not contributing to the negative environmental impact of fast fashion/mass production of clothing. Also, the app Stylebook (or any other closet organizer app) is a great way to keep track of what you have in your closet and how often you're wearing it. I've been using it since 2011 and can't recommend it highly enough.

I started this journey when Jenn Mapp Bressan, Tiny Closet Tons of Style, taught me that you don’t need much to have style . She help me clean out my huge closet and taught me a lot about having my own style. Then Kari Juvenik, Colors in Style, told me which colors are perfect for me. They both helped me to determine what to keep and what to get rid of. Now you are helping me improve my style and use what I have. I appreciate how patient you are!

I love thrifting clothes and often find things that I could never afford new but can afford to thrift. This summer I went to a garage sale that advertised lots of garden items but when I got there the woman having the garage sale had lost weight and was selling her entire wardrobe off. Her style was my style and my size and she just wanted them gone. Score. I went thru the items and she gave me a great price on a good amount of clothes, best score ever!

For me choosing a color pallete was key! It's allowed me to buy quality pieces that can be mixed and matched and I am becoming more satisfied with my closet.

I really love your channel and I think you have a great attitude towards fashion and consuming and I highly appreciate your slow fashion inspirations! Beautiful woman, beautiful content 💕

I definitely think learning your personal style and learning to use what you have and appreciate it are keys! It took me a while to learn my personal style and stop trying to fit in others mold. Once I learned it I had to embrace it. I am a feminine romantic which when I go to the stores, well not much is in that category. I love it though!!!!!!! :D Also, the mindset I must say I learned from you and two others here on YT. I really appreciate it because it helped me save money and just be grateful.

I've been watching your videos for at least a year and half. My closet has totally changed over this time frame. Not only that but Ive become a reseller on Ebay. Watching your videos has been a life changer for me. Just wanted to let you know all the hard work you do is very much appreciated!!

Things I consider for myself. I really try to look at my lifestyle and add clothes accordingly. I also thrift most of my clothes locally (purchasing online is not the best as there is shipping and packaging if you are eco conscious). I love to sew and enjoy resewing, altering or tweaking things into something that is more me. I love beautiful clothes and adding jewelry and fun accessories is a great way to add to a look without making it impractical. The last is color..............I love color and just playing with fun unexpected colors can really add so much to what you have. Paring colors is a new way can really change up what you already have. Last is planning what you need and avoid impulse buys, rather get what you know you need.

You and Audrey Coyne have changed my life and how I shop and finding my personal style. Thank you do much! I look forward to your videos every Sunday. Happy Holidays!

I wanted to do a no buy year in 2020 by just focussing on what I am saving for (travelling). Gloriously failed, also due to covid. I will try again in 2021. This time I have created style challenges for each week. I am sure this playful approach will be more succesful. Thank you for the Inspiration. I will be sharing on Instagram if anyone is interested.

LOVED the live event! I’ll be signing up for future ones. 😁. I wanted to add a slip dress to my wardrobe where I could throw a sweater over it for winter wear. (We live in Los Angeles). I found my slip dress already. But found another one in a teal that was very cheap ( saw it in the window at Zara where I never shop). Bought it, fit like a dream. Then your words hit me, will I wear it often, do I need it, does it fit in my life style, can I wear it with several items in my closet... so all those were a no. Did I love it, yes. But I knew it would be in the give away pile 6 months from now after it gathered dust and took up valuable real estate in my closet. See, I’ve been paying attention to your videos! LOL. So I returned it. Now I’m so relieved I didn’t cut those tags when I got home! I need to make a list of your tips to ask myself before purchasing anything to save myself time and money in the future.

Going sustainable is definitely a process. I'm by no means perfect myself but I am learning and doing better as I go! :)

Loved this video! It's especially handy - for me personally - to have reminders like this during the busy holiday season! Thank you for all that you do, I really enjoy your channel.

having a shopping list helps a lot. After decluttering the wardrobe, write down what you're missing (or needs replacing) and then hunt these items down. When you know exactly what you need and have allocated a budget for it, it is much easier to resist impulse buys. Have a plan and stick to it. and only get it if it is perfect in every way. Fabric, fit, style etc. A good way to save money of course is also to hunt down brand sales. Showroom sales of expensive brands where they sell over stock or sample items. I was on the look out for a puffer jacket for the longest time for example. I did not want to spend on fast fashion to simply get it over with. It wasn't an urgent purchase either so I took my time. I finally found a Woolrich Aurora puffer about half a year later (this Spring, when Covid lock down was in full effect in Switzerland) at a crazy super sale for the ridiculous price of 350 CHF instead of 900 CHF and I jumped on it. So it only ended up costing a fraction more than what I would have spent on a better quality fast fashion item, but this one will stay with me for a while and is worth every penny. The up side to buying good brands, is that you can get most of your investment back if you decide to sell it second hand. Buying a good quality shoe or boot will also save you money in the long run, because you can have a shoemaker fix them for little money and get another couple of years out of them. Designer bags are great second hand because you do not have the initial value depreciation. Hold on to it for a while and when you are over it, sell it again for close to purchase price and reinvest in the next item. The key is so shop smart and without any rush.

Hello, Alyssa, excellent content as always! I agree and feel that knowing what you have is key. I learned that I’m drawn to certain colors and styles and would end up with a closet with multiple similar pieces if I shop on impulse. Also, rotating my closet by season lets me feel like I’m shopping for the season. Just changing it up is like gaining a whole new wardrobe!

Ciao Alyssa! I took The advise to move my wardrobe from the last arrivals, as well the season garments and the most common, and I check new sweaters that came from last season chrismas gifts, so I have new christmas 2019 gifts for this 2020, and most are jackets and my husban's plaid blazers, that's something that goes one and one as a "new season shop" I go and thift my husbans. I prefer invest in tweed, even thow is a "most sustainabe item", and focus for one color to style with those tweet garments. And I discover that have to purchse, a camel color jacket for winter, I only have a camel coat for fall. That item is my #1 in my wishlist. Genuine Leather, I have since 1987, That I worked one summer to have my "David Gahan" from Depeche Mode jacket (flashback moments). That job really help to get to know our closets, the leather jackets cost abot 90 US dollars on summer sale.great exersice Alyssa mentally it helps a lot, and thinking in wath you have in your closet. CIAO Alyssa, and thanks for your handy advise

Hi Alyssa- I have the SAME white “ crochet “ sweater as you. Pretty certain. I bought it in Quebec City 30 years ago!! Recently I shortened the sleeves. Beautiful as ever.

I made my first purchase from a sustainable altgirl brand yesterday (i generally thrift if i can because i am a student on a budget) My style is a wild mix of different aesthetics including some alternative style but i love how i can still use your style tips!

I watch a lots of vid but u know your r different from others; u r sooooooooo friendly, ur voice is very soothing don't know why u feel lyk home , u r really good person nd I appreciate u for the way u r.....

When you put your glasses on, you looked like a young Bobbi brown 😍 loved this video 👌🏽

Hi Alyssa, I loved the message in this video. I am not sure if I have told you (I say that like we are friends, which I feel we are as you are so approachable. Is that weird? Anyway...) I have been keeping a tally of each time I wear an item. My aim is to get the cost per wear to below $1. It has been an illuminating experience. It has helped me know for sure the items I wear on repeat. I now have a clear sense of my personal style. I love op shops (thrift shops), The RealReal and designer consignment shops. I feel I can experiment more when they are more affordable and that has help me find my style!! I have fun with it all!!

I love you videos. During the pandemic I have been shopping my wardrobe, filling gaps (but with great thought) and using your tips to help me copy tge styles I love. Keep it up.

I am always so impressed with your videos! Thank you!

Thrifting is so addictive lol I've found so many great pieces that way. Love this video, and the fresh ideas ! Would be nice to see you style clothing around black trousers. I spose that's just me being selfish, new work wardrobe requirement and I'm on the struggle bus without my patterns and fun dress pants ... Woe is me ! ;)

Thank you Alyssa, since I found your Chanel my way of looking at my closet has improved tremendously. Your tips are greatly appreciated.( all of them)

Thank you for the new Instagram inspo tip, already loving Audrey and Signe but Eunice is a new discovery!

Hi where did you get the black jacket you are wearing?

Another winner video. Learning to shop wisely for good quality and classic cuts, taking care of what I already have, loving what I have. I am considering visiting thrift shops to see if I can find a nice pair of trousers. 👍

I love these tips, thanks for the reminders. I also loved an exercise I found in this genre of videos where you pull 8ish items that you always and never wear and write down why you always reach for them or why you never wear them. By the 8th "never wear" item, you've written down the same thing multiple times, and you're left with a few personal nuggets (I don't wear cute little jackets meant to be worn indoors, polyester blouses are sweaty, I hate tight waists) to take shopping next time. Somehow having written it down makes it easier to pass by those things when I'm browsing, and slowly, the percentage of things in the closet has shifted towards the good stuff. Also, your 20+ looks without jeans video was awesome! I put together a week's worth of things that had never been combined before and then did it again yesterday. I pulled a sweater dress out of the "sell" pile and it's teed up with a short sleeved cashmere sweater to go over top. Thank you again!

When I first got started in my style journey, I combined minimalism with the KonMari method, and made some mistakes along the way as I tried to figure things out. I feel like those methods now seem a bit extreme and can only work if you've accumulated things to the point that it's just overbearing. It's interesting how people think that that going to extremes is what works when they want to make a change. Slow fashion is definitely a more reasonable approach in my opinion :)

Thanks for all you do! Really appreciate your accessible-to-everyone approach to sustainable fashion - which often feels elitist / too hard / too expensive.

Love your videos!! It's been very helpful. I'm trying my best downsizing and thanx too you learning alot.

Dear Alyssa, I have just discovered your channel and I want to tell you I'm hooked!! I love your fashion style and I like the fact that you teach us how to shop our closets. Many times, I am lazy or complacent in building my wardrobe and would just buy new clothes. Now I realized I have so many nice clothes and I don't really need more. Thank you once again and keep those great videos coming :)

Great video! I found my sweater comb through Audrey Coyne's channel from the Laundress! One of the best purchases I ever made! No more pills on my fav sweaters!!!

When you do cost to wear it will surprise you sometimes. I always do that.

Your videos are very helpful. Thank you!

Dyed with exotic fruit sin....priceless! Great video!

A great video, Alyssa. Thank you. Finding & keeping an edited wardrobe is an ongoing process which gets easier with time. Renting clothing is always good to road test a trend before deciding on a purchase. To add to the list of recommended sites, I think Allison Bornstein (who has also appeared on Violette’s and Emily Didonato’s channels) is great.

Another inspiring video Alyssa! I think you covered all the sustainable fashion options. I love shopping my closet after doing a search on Pinterest ( or watching your videos). I think having a colour palette has also helped me have a more cohesive wardrobe so that everything matches together. I love colour which can make mixing and matching challenging. I couldn’t attend your studio event so I am hoping that you do another one soon! Thanks for what you do 💚💚

I love your jacket! Thank you for another great video.

I try to maintain a sustainable wardrobe and I have only been shopping 2nd hand for years now, but I have to say I don't love many of the items in my wardrobe. I find it so difficult deciding on what exactly my style is....I find things I think I'm going to love then realize I don't.

Alyssa, another great video! I like that you provide practical suggestions and focus on the mindset shift. I'm just starting my slow fashion journey and this is so helpful. Thanks and can't wait to attend your next studio session the first was so much fun!

Always enjoy your content and learn so much! You look lovely, as always.

Another great video Alyssa!

I like to keep an eye on my cost per wear. My lowest at the moment is 4p!

You look beautiful, Alyssa! Such a great video as always. Thank you so much for the mention 🥰❤️

Love this!

Very interesting video Alys sa, you are so sincerely convinced that you are very convincing ! Love that ! Thx. A french fan 😁

It’s been years since I’ve purchased any new items . I have a problem I love finding very unique pieces . I sometimes resale items and give away items , as I buy more . I dress differently by the season , even my color palette . I look at my clothes now as life time pieces . I am not a minimalist . But I believe buying second hand is sustainable.

I admire your channel and appreciate the tips that you shared today. One thing I would love to be able to do (when we are allowed to) is to shop second hand designer. In the meantime, I want to 'clean up' my credit card balance and start saving (love this tip) for pieces that I am really excited about. Thanks Alyssa! Have a lovely and safe Holiday Season. xo

Cíao Alyssa! Grazie mille for posting such amazing contents. You really helped me bring my ethic into my wardrobe. Saluti from sunny Italy :)

One problem I faced with cost per wear is formal or party dresses. They cost a lot but I don't wear them that often and they soon lose value because you can't wear the same dress at every party.🙃

You make me laugh 😂 Always love your perspective!

Everything you said here resonated with me. I'm definitely evolving into a slow fashion person.

Great video !!!

Thank you))) nice video 🔥

Near to my place not a lot of second hand shop so it’s not an option but I try to shop my closet each week for my work clothes. I feel always a bit of guilt when I buy some new clothes and I do return a lot of them when they don’t met my waiting...I kept only the one that I’m sure I will wear

Always enjoy your chatty videos, beautiful lady! 💕 I just love thrifting, or ‘op shopping’ as we call it here in Australia. Xx

Always so helpful. I do not know anyone in my life who would be interested in a swap, and so this made me think about what a swap marketplace for your viewers might be like? I have no idea if that’s realistic, but I have some pieces that I would love to swap with others if I had a platform. Thanks so much!

I am just waiting for her gorgeous hair routine

Hi Alissa. I' changing the belts ( because I can't fit in a S size anymore) but reusing the metal peace. What do you think about this ideia?

Really informative and inspiring! Lets get that message out loud and clear. You could count on me to continue disseminating it. Side note: Your hair looks amazingly healthy!

Alyssa, how do you clean your cashmere sweaters? I don't like to go to the dry cleaner's, but I am afraid I will shrink my sweaters. And does steaming clothing also clean it, or not?

for me, before i made a purchase, im gonna make sure that piece can go at least 2 ways of style. we need versatility here 😆

Alyssa, what is that little tool you are using to depill you sweater please

Yes

Alyssa, your hair is gorgeous. Can you share with us your hair care routine also?

Such useful, common sense and stylish advice as always. Thank you Alyssa! Love the moto jacket you're wearing in this, can you add info for it? Thanks, Carolyn

😍

So interesting, love.your chatty videos too. Have you come across the wonder wardrobe videos? I feel like they're along similar lines and are also great ☺️

I am back to thrifting most of my clothes. I realize that I either get tired of my clothes or make mistakes in my shopping regardless of the price tag, new or old, so I am sticking to thrifting: at least the financial loss is less! I look for quality pieces or good brands when I thrift, then I take good care of my clothes and I am able to sell them in my local consignment store. I still try to have only a reasonable amount of clothes in my wardrobe so I wear everything.....I also think that our style is for ever evolving and has to be constantly fine tuned but that the fun of it and the subject of more videos (wink!wink!)

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