When most people think about going green or switching to a more sustainable wardrobe, the first image that comes to mind is tossing out bags of clothes and replacing them with all-new organic, ethical pieces. But here’s the truth—real sustainability doesn’t mean starting from scratch. It means working with what you already own, making intentional swaps, and focusing on progress over perfection.

For a long time, I believed that being sustainable meant ditching anything synthetic or fast fashion. I also assumed that if something was expensive or came from a store like Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus, it had to be high quality. That mindset stuck with me for years—until I started really paying attention.

What I began to notice was that a lot of those high-end brands were cutting corners too. Despite the hefty price tags, many were using cheaper fabrics (lots of polyester) and the construction wasn’t always built to last. That really shifted my perspective. Price doesn’t automatically equal quality.

So no, I didn’t go through my closet and trash every polyester piece overnight. I took a more thoughtful approach. I kept what I loved and knew I’d continue to wear—like a few timeless blazers—and started listing the rest on my Poshmark closet, Grace and Gloss. It felt good to pass them along to new homes and make space for pieces that aligned more with my evolving values.

Fast Fashion and the Nuance We Don’t Talk About Enough

Let’s talk about SHEIN, because it’s often the face of fast fashion in these conversations. I’ll be honest—there was a time I judged people who shopped there. I saw the viral hauls and massive boxes of clothing, and it rubbed me the wrong way. I’ve never shopped at SHEIN myself, but with time, I’ve learned to appreciate the nuance.

Not everyone shopping fast fashion is doing it irresponsibly. If someone’s budget allows for affordable pieces and they wear those clothes regularly and care for them, that’s a very different situation than weekly hauls that lead to a mountain of unworn items that will inevitably end up in a landfill.

It’s not just about where you shop—it’s about how you shop.

Sustainability isn’t about shaming people. It’s about becoming more mindful and making the best choices you can within your means.

My Journey Toward a More Conscious Closet

Transitioning to a more sustainable wardrobe didn’t happen overnight. It was a slow, intentional process that I’m still navigating. Once I realized not everything expensive meant quality, and not everything synthetic needed to be discarded, I started rethinking how I approached my closet.

I began by keeping the pieces I loved and wore often—even if they weren’t fully made of natural fibers. Then, I started slowly adding items from brands that prioritize sustainability and healthier fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk.

The Conscious Labels I Love

If you’re starting to explore brands that prioritize natural fibers and ethical practices, there are so many beautiful options out there.

Some of the top names in the sustainable space include DÔEN, known for their romantic, vintage-inspired pieces made primarily from organic cotton and silk, and Spell, one of my personal favorites, which blends dreamy boho aesthetics with eco-conscious materials like organic cotton, hemp, and recycled fibers.

Christy Dawn is another standout, designing timeless dresses from deadstock fabrics and regenerative cotton.

Eileen Fisher is a minimalist’s dream, offering wardrobe staples in linen, TENCEL, and wool—all with a transparent and circular production model.

And if you’re into elevated basics, People Tree has long been a pioneer in Fair Trade fashion, using organic cotton and low-impact dyes.

Whether you’re looking for feminine florals or everyday essentials, these brands prove that style and sustainability can absolutely go hand in hand.

I also leaned into and recommend shopping secondhand. It became one of my favorite ways to discover unique pieces without contributing to new production. Platforms like Poshmark and ThredUp became regular stops for me when I wanted to refresh my wardrobe or even declutter what I already had.

Tips for a Realistic Sustainable Wardrobe

1. Shop secondhand first
Thrifting is not only affordable—it’s one of the most sustainable choices you can make. Try Poshmark (you can browse my closet here) or check out ThredUp for a wide range of styles and sizes.

2. Do a closet audit
Before you buy anything new, take a look at what you already own. What do you love? What haven’t you worn in a year? What can be sold or donated?

3. Learn to read fabric tags
Look for natural fibers like cotton, linen, hemp, silk, or bamboo. These materials are often more breathable, longer-lasting, and better for the environment.

4. List instead of toss
That blouse that no longer fits your style? Someone else might be looking for exactly that. Try listing it on Poshmark instead of throwing it out.

5. Replace slowly and intentionally
You don’t have to swap your whole closet in a weekend. Take your time, find pieces you truly love, and think about how they’ll work with what you already have.

Building a Wardrobe That Feels Right

Sustainable fashion isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s deeply personal and constantly evolving. What matters is the intention behind our choices, the care we take with what we own, and the small shifts we make over time.

Whether you’re listing your pre-loved pieces, shopping secondhand, or exploring brands with better fabric choices, it all counts. If you’re just beginning your journey, don’t stress. Start small, stay curious, and give yourself grace along the way. For guidance, you can always follow some of my sustainable recommendations on LTK.

If you’re looking for secondhand finds or want to give my gently loved pieces a new home, check out my Poshmark closet: Grace and Gloss. And definitely give ThredUp a try too—they’re doing great work to keep fashion circular and accessible.