Curating an Artsy, Affordable, & Eco-Friendly Wardrobe

Some pieces I got from clothing swaps. Zero dollars spent!

In the last few years, in an effort to save money, I've becoming very invested in a "Buy-Nothing" Facebook group for my hometown. Through this group, people give away things they no longer need or ask for them. I've also gotten connected with clothing swaps in the metro as a result. As I seek out second-hand clothing, I'm learning how to develop my fashion as a work of art that expresses something about me, and learn to gradually step into more of an environmentally conscious, sustainable lifestyle.

Cultivating a specific aesthetic.

I've used ChatGPT a couple of times to give my aesthetic a name, and it came up with something like "Bohemian/Cottagecore/Academia". I would also add, "Crunchy" to that mix. Basically I love long flowy dresses, straight/skinny pants, and tops that have rougher- looking textiles (corduroy, linen, cotton). I have a few things that look more on the luxurious side too, particularly velvet. When it comes to shoes I typically like Chelsea boots with wool or knit socks for winter, and leather-strapped, Biblical-looking sandals during warmer months.

More second-hand clothing! All acquired without purchase, except for the green jacket, which I got from Goodwill.

When I look for "new" pieces, I seek out a variety of colors, cuts, and textures, and what works best for me aesthetically and comfort-wise. I've learned my color season--a system based on one's skin tone, hair, and eye color that determines the colors which bring these features out the best--which is either deep/autumn or winter so I typically choose darker or jewel-toned colors (navy, mustard, rust, deep red, pine green, olive, etc.). I have quite a bit of neutrals (taupe, gray, etc.), but if something has a different cut or print I will take it.

Layering is a big one for me, especially in colder weather. Longer dresses go well with knit cardigans, and if I wear something sleeveless, I usually wear something long-sleeved underneath.

My favorite kind of earrings. The left pair one I got from a clothing swap, the two pairs on the right I made with supplies from a craft store.

As for jewelry, I love hammered metals, minimalistic shapes, and/or an overall organic look such as the raw crystals above. The gold pair of earrings at the top reminds me of the sun with its rays. This contributes to a "hippie" or "Bohemian" look. Most of them I still buy new, but once in awhile I'll find something being given away that matches my style. Overall, I like clothing that feels "earthy" or has a nod to creation.

Leaning into sustainability.

The majority of my closet is now second-hand clothing. Some of my favorite pieces came from strangers who were giving them away on Facebook. I'm becoming more fascinated about the ways reduce harmful impact on the environment and using materials with the least amount of toxins. I am certainly not 100% in adhering to an eco-friendly/sustainable lifestyle; I still buy fast fashion once in awhile, order from Amazon, etc. It's a step-by-step journey.

However, receiving used clothes--specifically with natural fibers--and even buying from small businesses is my way of reducing at least a little waste in this world. Many of these things end up in a landfill. I also am wary of the unethical labor practices that happen behind the scenes of many cheaper, retail brands, in which those who work in production are paid very little for long hours in sweatshops. If I buy something new, I try to aim for something from higher quality brands so that it lasts longer. Doing this has also taught me patience and a sense of surrender. If I see a piece of clothing that I like from the Buy Nothing Facebook group and ask for it, but the owner gives it to someone else, then I move on. And when I'm no longer using certain garments as much, I'm able to give them away to people who are interested in them.

An ongoing learning experience.

For me, fashion is a form of art that expresses something within. I like the beauty of the natural world and I think that comes out in the pieces I choose. Individuality is something that I appreciate, so I also enjoy wearing things that show places or activities to which I am connected (for example, a graphic t-shirt of a place that I enjoyed visiting, or the Dominican saint medals I wear around my neck everyday). I don't like most fashion trends, but only incorporate a few that fits my Bohemian/Crunchy aesthetic.

I also notice that the Bohemian/Crunchy/Hippie aesthetic is more associated with the "left" of the political or ideological spectrum. And the Cottagecore aspect of me is more associated with the "right" or "trads". It's funny to think that I do not consider myself to be in either of those camps, yet if people were to look at me dressed the way I am, they might assume where I land ideologically. My advice would be to develop your own style, and not chase after any new trend that comes about. Ask yourself, what colors make you feel and look your best? What are some wardrobe basics--such as a simple t-shirt, button-down, or pair of pants--that you can mix and match with almost anything? As I said about sustainability, you don't have to jump in head long right away. Do it little by little first. Shop at thrift stores. Search for a Buy Nothing Facebook group in your area. Scour social media for local clothing swaps. You never know what you could find.

This is what I've learned so far in curating a wardrobe that is not only environmentally friendly, but matches my taste. I don't know how much I will continue to write about this topic, but it's an art that I've been wanting to share for quite some time (in fact, I send selfies of outfits that I'm quite proud of to my close friends). Feel free to follow my Pinterest account for more inspiration!