Fast fashion is a huge problem that has significant negative impacts on both people and the planet. Not only does the fast fashion industry exploit garment workers and cause immense environmental pollution. Fast fashion has a created a throwaway culture where consumers are encouraged to buy more clothes and accessories than they need or can possibly use.
By choosing to avoid fast fashion jewellery and investing in a jewellery capsule wardrobe, you can reduce your impact on the environment while supporting ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
From choosing timeless accessories to taking good care of your jewellery, we're sharing tips on how to create a jewellery capsule and help fight against the fast fashion industry!
What is the main problem with fast fashion?
Fast fashion refers to the mass-production of inexpensive clothing on a large scale. The sheer volume of clothing produced means the fashion industry is one of the biggest producers of waste, pollution, and carbon emissions.
More than 150 billion garments are being produced each year resulting in disastrous consequences for our planet. Not only is fresh water contaminated with toxic waste and other chemicals; tonnes of usable clothing sent to landfill each year.
In order to sell clothing at low prices, fast fashion manufacturers have to use cheap labor in unsafe factories. Garment workers are exploited, underpaid, and put in danger of life-threatening health issues and workplace accidents.
What can we do to avoid fast fashion?
Avoiding fast fashion can be difficult. All the most well-known high street brands are fast fashion retailers. So finding sustainable alternatives that are just as accessible and affordable can be a challenge. However, there are plenty of options for all budgets and lifestyles!
If you want to avoid fast fashion, use ethical shopping guides to find sustainable brands with inclusive sizing and accessible pricing. An even better option is to shop second-hand. Thrifting is one of the most eco-friendly habits you can have!
What is a capsule wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe means a streamlined edit of versatile clothing pieces. Each piece can be mixed and matched so that nothing in your wardrobe goes unworn or unused. The purpose of a capsule wardrobe is to make getting dressed easier, with every outfit making you look great and feel confident.
The reason a capsule wardrobe is so useful for avoiding fast fashion is because it helps reduce decision fatigue and prevent impulse purchases. When all your clothes combine well with each other, you're less likely to feel like you have nothing to wear.
How is a capsule wardrobe sustainable?
A capsule wardrobe is the opposite of fast fashion. Fast fashion is mass-produced clothing on a large scale. Whereas slow fashion is timeless clothing handmade in small batches. Fast fashion clothing is trend-led and literally designed to be thrown away after only one or two wears.
A capsule wardrobe is sustainable because it rejects the vicious cycle of fast fashion, helping you to develop personal style and build a wardrobe full of outfits you love. Sustainable brands don't follow the trends, instead they make clothing and accessories designed in timeless styles to be worn season after season.
How to Beat Fast Fashion With a Jewellery Capsule
Fast fashion is a huge problem for the environment, and one way to beat it is by creating a capsule wardrobe. There are plenty of guides on how to create a capsule wardrobe but there's one particular aspect of personal style that always gets overlooked: jewellery!
Jewellery plays an important role in personal style. For many of us, wearing jewellery is part of our daily routine and has the power to completely change how you feel about an outfit. A jewellery capsule is a collection of timeless and versatile pieces that can be worn for years, unlike the trend-led accessories fast fashion creates.
Here are some tips on how to create a jewellery capsule and beat fast fashion:
Get to know your style
Although it's a good idea to avoid trend-led seasonal jewellery in favour of jewellery that is timeless and classic. It's also important to honour your personal style. Choose jewellery that suits your day-to-day style, whether that's minimal chains, statement pendants, or playful charms. You'll end up with a capsule of jewellery pieces you love and never want to take it off.
Buy handmade eco-friendly jewellery
When shopping for jewellery, buy from brands that have a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Look for handmade eco-friendly jewellery crafted using durable materials like recycled gold and silver. Avoid buying from fast fashion brands who make jewellery using unsustainable plated metals and plastic charms.
Mix and match
For a versatile jewellery capsule that goes with everything, no matter the occasion; choose jewellery pieces that can be mixed and matched with each other, as well as different outfits. For example, a simple chain can be worn alone or layered with other pieces, while rings and earrings can be stacked to dress up an outfit.
Shop pre-Loved
Buying secondhand jewellery can be a more affordable option than buying new when it comes to building a jewellery capsule from scratch. If you're looking for unique, one-of-a-kind pieces, thrifting vintage pieces is the way to go. Alternatively you can shop zero waste jewellery to find affordable eco-friendly jewellery for your capsule wardrobe.
Take Care of Jewellery
Jewellery can be easily damaged if not handled and cared for properly. If you want to prevent damage and keep your jewellery looking its best for longer, you'll want to follow some eco-friendly jewellery care tips. Store your jewellery capsule in a jewellery storage box to prevent accidental damage and preserve its condition.
