I came across “National Simplicity Day” which is all about simplifying your life, whether it’s decluttering your home or using your electronics less.
I saw this as a great opportunity to challenge my outlook on fashion.
I chose to wear one single dress for 30 days straight.
The dress is one of my favourite items – an organic dress from natural fibers that I got second hand from a clothing rental company that was selling off their old clothes to make space for new ones. So this dress has been pre-loved by many others before me.
Just imagine, not getting to or having to spend a single second for a month about what to wear!
30 days has passed, and I even wore the dress on day 31 because I wanted to.
But here’s my thoughts throughout and after this experience.
Oh but first. Yes, I washed the dress during this month. A few times. I have gotten this question so many times, so thought I’d put it here before getting started so you don’t have to read this thinking I walked around smelling bad for a month. Although it is worth mentioning that because the dress is made from natural fibers, airing it out worked perfectly fine the majority of the time.
You can read more on how to take better take care of your clothes so they last longer here:
HOW TO MAKE YOUR CLOTHES LAST LONGER
WHY DID I DO THE CHALLENGE?
I personally quit fast fashion several years ago, moved to sustainable and ethical brands. But I realized after a while that it was still using virgin materials in most cases, and that’s when I decided to quit new fashion as well.
Second hand and upcycled clothing are very easy to find these days when you live in larger cities and through thrifting apps or websites.
So I started buying more clothing than ever before. Because it’s thrifted, so I can get as much as possible without any impact, right?
Well, not really true.
I realized I need to go back to my minimalist approach to fashion.
DAY 1
I noticed a change in my behaviour on the first evening. When it was time to go to bed, I hung the dress up instead of throwing it on the ground as I normally do. I felt I had gained a different kind of respect for the item, knowing how important it would be to me the following 29 days.
Things I’ve done in the dress
Worked
Travelled to Stockholm
Travelled to Läckö Castle
Gone on a date
Gone on a second date with the same person, wearing the same dress both times
Been interviewed on Live TV
CHALLENGES
I’m not gonna lie.
This wasn’t challenging for me at all.
I only experienced positive things during this month and I’d do it again.
As for weather conditions, I was lucky to not have a pretty stable weather throughout the month, but during colder days or evening I’d jump into a pair of stockings and put a turtleneck under the dress and if needed, a jacket on top.
I think that one of the things that made this challenge so easy was that I chose a garment that I already used a lot and knew that I loved and always felt good in. And that’s how I want all of my wardrobe to be like. Knowing that no matter what I put on, I feel great.
Having fewer items, but where all of them make me feel great when wearing.
WANT TO DO THE SAME CHALLENGE? HERE ARE MY TIPS
- Choose an item you already wear often and that you always feel great wearing
- Try to pick an item made from natural fibers
You can read more about natural and synthetic fibers here:
- Since you’ll be washing the garment in the evening and let air dry during the night, try to opt for one that dries relatively fast
- You can always mix up the look with the help of accessories and different hair- and makeup styles
- Tell people about the challenge and why. Not only might it make you feel more comfortable seeing your coworkers or class mates every day wearing the same thing (chances are most people won’t even notice) but it also brings awareness to the cause
- It doesn’t have to be a dress. It could be a pair of trousers, a blouse or other
- Looser fit makes it less likely to get the item smelly from arm sweat (cause even with deodorant, it can happen)
For more posts about Fast Fashion check these out:
PLASTIC CLOTHING – Pros, cons and how to deal with micro plastic pollution
CLOTHING: Which materials are the best and worst? – A sustainable fashion material guide
NOT BUYING NEW CLOTHES? Here’s what you can do instead
HOW TO SHOP SUSTAINABLY – When you are living a very busy life
This post was written by our blogger Evelina Utterdahl. You can read more about her here
Very cool!