The ONE thing you need to build a sustainable wardrobe in 2024 | Episode 35 | Sustain This Podcast

[@lizs4151]

I have divested my wardrobe of things that I loved, but were no longer trendy, and I still regret it (20 years later). Now, I keep the items that bring me joy. I am so happy there is no longer a single narrative for how to be stylish! Style is not a competition. It's not about measuring up, but expressing yourself and we should celebrate that in others. ❤

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

This is so well said! Thanks for sharing!

[@kgsherwood7950]

The three of you bring a refreshing emotional and intellectual maturity to this discussion. It is such a stark contrast to a lot of the conversations out there. Thank you.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thank you so much for the kind words!

[@elisabethhagspiel3695]

I can say listening to you three taught me a lot.

[@jennypoulin1951]

I like what Alyssa said about inspo pictures and how every person grounded in their own personal style would interpret it differently. I would love you guys to film a show where you each see the same inspo and interpret it for your own style and style words. ❤

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

What a fun idea!

[@kimcole948]

I love this idea!!

[@evahalkova2859]

Yes, please!

[@svitrai]

Yes please!

[@lamochilademary1969]

My dear gurus of sustainable fashion, like always I love everything you say and your discussions about fashion. I just want to say that 50-year-olds are no longer older women. Older women start at 80 now. 😁

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

oooh thank you for the check! Perhaps "old" has no age!

[@Christinamychas]

Hahaha yes you’re right!

[@whiskersBOOSTER2]

Totally agree, I’m 58 and I love their content and style!!

[@l.l.lekens6610]

I am almost 66. When I was 16 I discovered the style of Françoise Hardy, I build a silhouette around a turtleneck, jeans and blazer. I still wear variations on this silhouette and I still think it is contemporary and very personal.

[@kimberlytucker3517]

5-7 years does feel acurate for the time it takes to build a solid foundation. I’m somewhere in the middle now (maybe 3 years in) where I don’t want to declutter anymore and I’ve built a decent foundation. But now I’m asking myself: where do I go from here as a conscious consumer? How do I build out from here without bringing tons of new pieces in. This in-between stage is not really being discussed anywhere (maybe Tibi style class and here!) This has been one of my favorite episodes for that reason!

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

That is a great question and so glad you found this helpful!

[@robrobben6066]

I‘m 5‘9 / 175 cm and have weight fluctuations, so I was always on the edge of plus / tall size and had difficulties to find well fitting clothes all my life. This led me to be constantly shopping and looking for things and often overconsumption when I finally found something that was fitting well. Today there is more plus and tall sizes on the market but the problem now is the poor quality even of more expensive clothes.

[@lorileslie8830]

My husband (boyfriend at the time) bought me a leather jacket over 45 years ago. It looks really worn so I was considering replacing it and even looked around BUT... when I put it on I changed my mind. I'll keep it and wear it forever - that's emotional durability.

[@marciagarcia8486]

My low buy January is making so good to me 😊 never felt more creative

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

yay! Glad you're enjoying it!

[@sheianascarlett3087]

Personal style not fashion holds the greatest reward well said signe ! 👏

[@rebeccabelflower7767]

So I am hearing, “Be Brave and love what you love” Also, reframe my thoughts when I can, about what I have. For instance, some influencer might say, don’t wear what I just bought in 2023 because it’s going out in 2024, reframe my thoughts too, who cares, I love it and I will style and restyle it for as many years as I want.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Great round up!

[@tinajoneswilliams4253]

Many years ago, my hairdresser told me that everyone should know their best look, but they shouldn't wear it every day. It translates from hair to clothing, experiment, and have fun. Xoxo 💕

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

That's fun advice!

[@cbeghin0514]

Haven’t finished the whole piece yet, but I had a thought re: buying high quality pieces and what Sine said about imagining what they will look like when worn in. When you imagine the high quality piece looking worn in and end up buying it, you have implicitly given yourself permission to not be precious about wearing the piece. I feel like a huge barrier between me adding emotional value to “special”/usually expensive pieces is that I’m afraid to let it get worn in to begin with, and if it almost never gets worn then I don’t bond with it well

[@cbeghin0514]

Also omg the Caroline de Maigret wardrobe shout is sooo on point 🤌🏽

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

That's a great perspective to see it from :) Thanks for sharing!

[@svitrai]

Ooh just had an idea after listening to the "fear or looking the same " point! Would love to see you do shop your closet challanges together! So you all recreate the same inspo from your own closets.

[@loub1733]

I have discovered a Canadian store that appeals to mature women the clothes are modern not trendy and they have an online presence that is what I would call “ live online”. they do you tube videos most days and have women who represent all body shapes and backgrounds . They give you ideas of how to style. I recently visited Canada and just happened to be in Ottawa and visited their shop. I buy a lot from them because they have a vibe that encourages wardrobe endurance. Whilst it is not shopping in person it is a step above general online shopping and I feel that my purchases from them have been so successful they have become my favs. A different model of shopping that bridges the online/ physical shopping expereince. Because they show items on different body shapes it makes it so much more inspirational to purchase and more confident about what you have. I also use their videos to style what I already have or what I might buy in my own country ( Australia). I am experiencing emotional endurance items bought from this company.

[@pennyditchfield9944]

What store is that? I live in Australia too 😊

[@jennypoulin1951]

I bet it’s Shepherd’s! They have a wonderful team and I love their videos and styling, too. ❤️ so inclusive of ages and body types and sizes. Love them!

[@jl82714]

I love Signe's tip about imagining an item after it's been used. I actually prefer when my things look "loved" so imagining that is a great tip. Worn vs worn out, love it :)

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Yes! We loved that tip too!

[@yalazha]

This article sounds very familiar, down to the terms of emotional durability and obsolescence, until I looked up the author, Derek Guy, and found he was interviewed in a Wall Street Journal article I read last month “Why you should buy clothes to last (almost) forever”, and he has his own blog where he writes more in depth about the subject. Great discussion topic ladies! Very important to consider for sustainability and maintaining our own closets.

[@yalazha]

😂 I cracked up at the comparison of these guidelines to that of finding a guy. So good! Also, I found it endearing that you mentioned thinking about the story about the lady who owned the jacket before you, whereas my parents regard secondhand items as taking on the bad energy from previous owners. Just goes to show everyone has a different take on thrifting!

[@TheTikimel]

Love this! Especially the part Christina mentioned about wanting a wardrobe that tells your own story. One of my 3 words is “curated” as a reminder to myself to consider the pieces that are part of my journey. This helps me pause on wardrobe churn, and style outfits that can feel too “try hard” (for me).

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

We thought that was a great add too - story telling is a huge part of getting dressed!

[@MorningClarity]

A Collected Wardrobe, wardrobe as scrapbook of a life, a journal.

[@marciagarcia8486]

That’s my main issue. But I’m changing. Not every piece needs to go with me forever

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

love this!

[@lisacarroll1797]

Always thought provoking and a wealth of information without preaching!

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thank you so much !

[@adrigrant2753]

Thank you ladies. I love the deep discussions and enjoy all the videos.

[@cjack-caldeira3363]

My favourite episode to date.

[@ldh4937]

I’m really happy with what I have in my wardrobe now, and don’t feel the need to constantly declutter. I retired in summer 2021, and decluttered lots of my teacher wardrobe! Now that I no longer have to adhere to a dress code, I can dress for myself everyday and have added to my collection accordingly. For many years, as a full time teacher, mum and wife, I had neither the time nor the disposable income to spend on my own wardrobe. Now that I am on my own, I have the time to enjoy my own sense of style, for me 😊. I have many pieces that are at least 10 -20 years old, some that go back to the 90’s and even an Aran knit jumper that I made for my then husband in the mid-80’s. I have pieces that belonged to my mum, my dad and my daughter! I embrace the idea of a curated collection, with pieces that hold particular memories of times, places and events and enjoy mixing them with newer pieces for an individual look that no one else will have. So much of what you all said in this podcast resonated with my own thoughts and ideas. Thank you all for your constant inspiration 😀

[@evahalkova2859]

I totally agree that building a wardrobe that lasts and feels truly your own takes time and often a lot of decluttering. My personal experience. I loved your thoughts on "if everyone buys the same thing, everyone will look the same". Personal touch is everything ❤️

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Absolutely! Thank you for listening:)

[@4eburawka18]

WOW thanks for the idea of "everyone looking the same" :) definitely cools off the urge to follow the trends!

[@dawnlivingston6111]

Love listening to you ladies. I have a pair of gray flare jeans that are about 20 years old. Every time I put them on I feel a fantastic. I never stopped wearing them. I didn't care they were not trending. 100 percent cotton, and still in great shape. I have a lot of clothes that have some years behind them that trigger good vibes. It took a few years of learning, over the last 5 to 6 years that I realized i will not look good in all the trends, and I don't need to have them. This is when I discovered my style. It was always there, it never left. I'm just aware of it now. And I'm loving what I got. And new pieces have to pass the test of, "will i love this new piece in 5 years and beyond?"

[@kimcole948]

The three of you separately and collectively have solidified so much of what I had been thinking about in terms of enjoying fashion but not succumbing to the fashion industry. So thank you. Also, I love to shop for unique pieces while on vacation! I have some great stories to tell about scarves purchased in France, purses bought in Spain, gloves in Italy…❤

[@bettinalorincz495]

You are so, so special, all three of you. Somehow in each episode I discover more about you personalities. I wish you were my friends in real life. What Signe said today about the skinny jeans (to be applied to any other trend or style) makes so much sense. I am trying to do a no-buy for as long as I can. In the past the maximum was about 6 months. Let's see how far I can go this time.

[@AkA-sw7rl]

Fantastic episode. I have so many thoughts still do not fear I won’t spam the comment section with what would be like a whole article to the points made in the discussion. Loved so much of it. I am also tribe „build a wardrobe that tells a story about who you are/were at different stages of your life“ and you use and love through all the trends… so I am totally here for it.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Thank you for sharing!

[@melaniemackinnon476]

I've been following all three of you, gleaning ideas on shifting my consumption to something more sustainable. It's been a hard process for 15 years - going from an active person, through 3 pregnancies and now into perimenopause - the body is shifting so much that I cannot fit in most things from 5 years ago. My shoes do😅 Anyway as I carry forward with a larger (but healthy) body that seems to be more stable now - I'm investing in those pieces I love and can see me wearing and restyling for years ahead. I tend to thrift first but if I'm buying new it's been on my list and reflecting my 3 personal words! Thank you for continuing to inspire

[@deirdrebridge]

I HIGHLY recommend that you all read the play Love, Loss, and What I Wore by Delia and Nora Ephron. It’s a series of monologues to be spoken by a beautiful cross section of women connecting pivotal life experiences-some funny, some painful- with the articles of clothing that represent those moments. I’m a lifelong theatre girly but I have several “normal” friends who have really connected with this piece.

[@leslibrooks8413]

SUGGESTION! I would like to see the three of you start with the same basic jeans and white T and then style it in your way, from your own closet - multiple ways.

[@angelagreen7388]

I still have boots I bought about ten years ago and still love them to this day. I'm very much a shopper, only buy what's on sale, but now it's time for a no buy year, and I'm happy to see this video to motivate me on my journey. Thank you guys!

[@tennilledebysingh5819]

Thank you for being real about the flops along the way, I have soooo many! 🤣 But I'm getting better about knowing how to style myself & feel good in my clothes. I've created a pic folder for my best & baaaad outfits & have seen patterns in both. I've created a semi- capsule wardrobe,which has taken years, and doing a no-buy fashion year, along with selling/donating pieces. I'm excited to finally honor my style self !!

[@laurathompson2705]

LOVE YOU THREE!!!

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Hiiii Laura! xoxox

[@denisegrosch2744]

Love this one!! You guys are the best. I go back snd watch them over do I can catch more ❤

[@christinebrooker5050]

Wow so much to think about now. Felt quite emotional listening to your personal views. Sooo good.

[@tempestgrey4629]

I’m not a blazer girl but have several thrifted nice blazers in my wardrobe that get worn a few times a year. My favorite top has always been a turtleneck and was unable to wear for many years thanks to menopause but now I can again and I like them even more now because it hides my 62 year old turkey neck lol. 99% of my wardrobe is thrifted and I have found a couple cotton jersey turtlenecks second hand but very hard to find really nice ones in my size. Until last year I bought an Amazon basics lightweight sweater knit turtleneck in cotton modal and a little polyester I. Washed and dried it on gentle I sized up so with a little shrinkage it’s perfect and I’ve worn it at least 10 times in the last 5 months probably more. It’s perfect weight for Seattle fall winter after I wore it last time I decided to look to see if other colors and yes so I recently purchased 5 more at a very good price point and excellent quality with minimal care. I’ve never been happier. Now I have a variety of shirts I like in “my colors” that are all different enough because of color (a couple striped) that can be worn a variety of ways. My journey for basics has started. These are my basics and they make me feel like a million bucks plus the quality is amazing

[@debbic2055]

The colander was very similar to the one my mother used. That was one of the things that I saved from my parent’s kitchen. I had that exact steamer and wore it out. The best steamer I’ve ever owned. I really enjoyed this video and I’m happy you took the cast iron pan to be donated. 😊

[@lisa-janeomalley7041]

I think I have found the answer to finding your style. I have a bohemian skirt I bought for $2 at the opshop. It is a beautiful cotton skirt with a great print. When I wear it people say to me "that is a really nice skirt". Same with a printed boho dress I own, people compliment the dress. Last week I wore a simple black tank, denim skirt and tan belt. I layered some necklaces and threw on a pair of tan slides, People complemented ME not my clothes. I was told "you look really good today" by people I see all the time. So, as much as I love looking at cool bohemian prints, people don't think they look good on me. So take note of comments you may get from people because it could save you a lot of time and money shopping for the wrong clothes

[@adrigrant2753]

Love the distinction between complimenting you vs complimenting the clothes…..

[@pennyditchfield9944]

I have just read the linked article and loved the content! Great podcast ladies!

[@evalindell2757]

Brilliant as always!

[@kristinagrom2270]

Shop slowly is my favourite too ❤ I am this year on this kind of journey, I am not pressing myself, but trying to get it slow and selective. Also wishlisting over impulse buying helps me 🙌🏻 and a lot of other tips I get from you, ladies ❤️ grateful 🥰

[@tempestgrey4629]

Oh and I purged a full garbage bag full of clothes to let my friends go through and take to goodwill or shelter things I haven’t worn this season and are too big or just don’t fit right. I bought this really pretty dress 6 years ago and got the wrong size. It was from England and even losing 40lbs it still doesn’t fit. I tried it on today and realised the bust area will never fit but the skirt will. So I’m going to turn it into a skirt yay me this one made me sad because I love the bold print. I will have it ready for spring

[@tempestgrey4629]

Actually it will look really cute with leggings boots and my new red turtleneck 🎉

[@jengablocks1680]

What about when the pendulum swings the other way and you love pieces so much that you get too precious with them and don't wear them, so you have alternatives that you love less and are less afraid of destroying

[@cate20000]

I have this issue too! You are not alone 🤗

[@tinaw.9485]

This is SO common. I have had many times when I “saved” a cherished piece and never wore it, only to have my body change, or my style change, or a moth chomp it. Only now, in my 50s, am I just wearing all the things whenever I can.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

ahhh yes - we love to advocate for wearing all your clothes as much as possible!

[@twannajohnson3412]

Thank you for mentioning finding clothing that fits, is functional and "feels" good for plus size shoppers is difficult.

[@greatful1512]

❤❤❤

[@polinastoyanova266]

❤

[@whiskersBOOSTER2]

You’re all so amazing to listen to. Can I give feedback in a friendly way? Try to limit how many times you say like. It’s very distracting. I’m working on that myself, I find it’s just a filler word. ❤

[@33Jenesis]

Fashion and styling are never skin deep imo. It is like architecture being a part of display art and society. I love ppl watching in urban setting because what they wear tells me stories and gives me inspiration. Ppl who dress to suit their body and taste are like well designed buildings in the city. It isn’t about trend, specific style, price tag, age, or gender. When you put thoughts into cultivating a wardrobe to dress with joy daily, your effort will be felt by those who encounter you. Even when you don’t go out at all, the act of taking care of self by dressing is tremendous.

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

Well said!

[@krystals8456]

Will the 3 of you wear the "same" outfit and show how your personal styles create different looks?

[@TwinkleToes66]

OMG I love this idea! Yes please! I've always thought about how different people can have the exact 3 word style descriptors (let's say classic, effortless, and edgy) but due to their different personalities/preferences they may each interpret it differently and therefore manifest it differently. Seeing how each Signe, Christina and Alyssa style the exact same outfit would be awesome!!!

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

This is such a fun idea thank you for the suggestion!

[@Angela-yn6hp]

You girls are very cute :) Caroline de Maigret is anything but an "older lady" LOL!!!!

[@cecibee3495]

Mid thirties to fifty is the blink of an eye…🤪

[@SustainThis_Podcast]

we stand corrected! ;)

[@Christinamychas]

Hahah wiser than me is what I meant! ❤

[@Angela-yn6hp]

She is just fabulous! In France men say that there are no younger or older women just beautiful women and pas autant :)@@Christinamychas

[@niemodna]

If an outfit feels off for the person wearing it, it looks off for the people looking at it.

[@lizseville1]

The pieces with real emotional durability in my wardrobe are pieces made for me by a certain tailor. Sadly he’s no longer available.

[@shelleyschultz8337]

As an older woman of almost 60 I feel Christine’s comment about an older woman is parallel with someone saying you look great for your age. I’m certain it was unintentional but words matter. Aging for women in this society can be so difficult. 😔

[@Christinamychas]

Yes unintentional - I just meant older than me so I look up to her. Noted! ❤

[@adrigrant2753]

I think any woman can be viewed as an older woman depending on age of speaker. At 40 I am probably an older woman to a 21 year old. No not probably, definitely. For me, a woman of 47 or 54 qualifies as an older woman….

[@teo9847]

I feel Style is subjective and people should wear what they love and what makes them feel good instead of trying to conform to all the latest trends. I’m all for experimentation and trial and error, and I like to know what’s on the fashion horizon, but I’m so tired of all the “Fashion Hauls”, “Must Haves” and “Wardrobe Essentials” videos. I don’t want to dress like all the other sheeple. I just want to dress like Me. 🙃

[@christinebrooker5050]

Here here, my thoughts exactly. I've unused items in my wardrobe that I've bought purely because they are said to be on trend, on You Tube. I hate that I see a LOT of young and old women dressed completely in neutrals with the same accessories.

[@marip586]

An older woman. In her 50’s 😹