How To Build a Mindful Wardrobe

Key takeaways:

• Millennials are more likely to invest in sustainable items compared to other generations.
• A „mindful wardrobe“ combines fashion consciousness with self-expression and wellbeing.
• Building this closet involves 3 essential steps: dreaming, checking and caring!

Since the early 2000s, newer generations have been caught in a limbo – torn between glittery TV shows and magazine covers, and practical lessons from their parents on how to preserve clothes as immaculately as they did with their 18^th birthday dress.

At least that was the norm until the arrival of the pandemic and the looming specter of climate change, which has made 42% of millennials more likely to invest in sustainable items compared to other generations.^[1] In the early 2020s, they are finally abandoning the limbo to descend into their parents’ closets looking for that 18^th birthday dress to enrich their mindful wardrobes.

What does “mindful wardrobe” exactly mean?

As per the Cambridge Dictionary^[2], “mindful” refers to being “careful not to forget about something”, as well as being “deliberately aware of your body, mind, and feelings in the present moment, in order to create a feeling of calm”. Building a “mindful wardrobe” includes both.

In an interview with Forbes^[3], personal stylist Dacy Gillespie, the creator of “Mindful Closet” – a weight-inclusive personal styling service that promotes mindful shopping and dressing – encourages her clients to disregard sizing charts and instead focus on what brings them joy. An approach that, according to the entrepreneur, helps cultivate a more practical, ethical and fulfilling closet.

In other words, it helps you to be careful of the environment and aware of your body, mind and present feelings.

Whether you are rummaging through your parents’ collection, browsing online, or looking for wonders in a flea market, make sure to follow 3 essential steps to begin crafting a wardrobe that not only reflects your personality, bringing you joy, but also lasts a long time.

Dreaming, Checking, Caring: 3 Steps To a Mindful Wardrobe

1. Start by asking yourself a simple question “What have I always dreamed of wearing?”According to Gillespie^[4], the starting point shouldn’t be the shape of your body or your gender, but rather, what you have always desired to wear.        
   She recommends creating a Pinterest board showcasing the styles you envision yourself wearing. In doing so, you will be able to reorganize your existing wardrobe, identifying pieces that already bring you joy and determining what to add to complete your collection.
2. Think twice before buying
   In Vogue’s guide “Building a mindful wardrobe and shopping consciously”^[5], the author invites readers to question whether they truly need that product and how it affects the environment.If you are looking to buy something new or second-hand, check the label first and avoid falling for greenwashing claims. Just as you did for the Pinterest board, make a list of innovative and environmentally conscious brands to know exactly what to look for. Start with: Sirene Egeenne, Ukuthula, KoKoTé and ECONYL®.
3. Take care of it!
   Just like parents’ one-offs, the clothes you buy today are meant to last for your kids, nieces, and flea markets in twenty years – but only if you maintain them well. Here’s how:Refer to Earth Day’s toolkit^[6]. Wash following label instructions, only when necessary, to extend garment life and save energy and water. Use bio-based detergents and dry your clothes to skip unnecessary ironing.And if you find a hole or damage, don’t worry! Upcycling is trendy. Get creative with patches or stylish hems to give new life to your clothes.

A sneak peek of the upcoming magazine post

Your journey to a conscious wardrobe begins with the definition of the word “mindful”– a call to action for both our planet’s health and our own wellbeing.

In our next magazine post, we will explore the steps to becoming an advocate for a more sustainable living. Don’t miss it!

^[1] “Exploring the perceptions and motivations of Gen Z and Millennials toward sustainable clothing”. Amy Manley, Yoo-Kyoung Seock, Jeongah Shin. Family and consumer sciences research journal. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/fcsr.12475.

^[2] “Meaning of Mindful in English”. Cambridge Dictionary. Available at: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/mindful.

^[3] “How To Build A Mindful Closet That Sparks Joy”. Interview by Anna Haines. Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/annahaines/2022/01/10/how-to-build-a-mindful-closet-that-sparks-joy/.

^[4] “How To Build A Mindful Closet That Sparks Joy”. Interview by Anna Haines. Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/annahaines/2022/01/10/how-to-build-a-mindful-closet-that-sparks-joy/.

^[5] “Vogue’s guide to building a mindful wardrobe and shopping consciously”. Liva. Available at: https://www.vogue.in/story/vogues-guide-to-building-a-mindful-wardrobe-and-shopping-consciously-2/#:~:text=By%20being%20aware%20of%20the,the%20carbon%20footprint%20of%20materials.

^[6] “Toolkit: how to care for your clothes”. Earth day.org. Available at: https://www.earthday.org/toolkit-how-to-care-for-your-clothes/.

Author: Tommaso Corso & Federica Paolucci