For years, fast fashion has been calling the shots in our wardrobes, with trends popping up overnight and cheap alternatives dominating the market. But as we keep hearing about sustainability and the push for healthier living, more and more women are stepping back and crafting a different narrative around their wardrobes. For millennial women juggling various aspects of life—from work to ambitions—fashion is evolving beyond just looking good; it’s now a statement of personal beliefs.
Enter the world of slow fashion. We’re talking about capsule wardrobes, unique vintage finds, rental services, and companies led by women focused on ethical practices. These driven ladies are flipping the script on style, integrating it with their intelligent and conscious approach to life—and that shift is definitely a movement worth noting.
Championing Sustainable Fashion
Take Aziza Okab, a fintech content creator who sees sustainable habits as blending classic staples with a little flexibility.
“I focus on timeless pieces that I can layer and create different looks with over time. Vintage and secondhand finds are my go-tos,” she shared.
However, she points out that navigating the vintage landscape can be tricky these days.
“Interestingly, even thrifting has turned into a luxury compared to before. The accessibility of sustainable fashion brings up an important discussion,” she noted.
To keep her experiments afresh without overindulging, Aziza leans towards rental services like Nuuly. For her, it’s not just a style solution—it’s a brilliant way to cut down on waste. In her building, there’s even a clothing swap group in the works, which takes her back to the simple joys of sharing clothes with friends as a teen.
“Social pressure among us women to maintain stylishness while being eco-conscious is real—and we often lob blame at each other instead of aiming it at the industry,” she mentioned
Prioritizing Longevity
Then there’s Ellen Saville, a textiles professor at FIT and sustainability advocate at Calico Manufacturing—who believes the true value of clothing lies in how long it will last and the stories behind it.
“I’d say about 80% of my wardrobe is vintage or secondhand,” she explains. “When you create a deeper emotional connection with your clothing, you’re more likely to treasure it longer.”
While Ellen prefers to shop thoughtfully—favoring independent designers, often led by women or people of color—her stance has shifted significantly over the years.
“In the past, I thought you could shop sustainably by buying more ethical items. Now, I firmly believe in buying less and supporting circularity. It’s not merely about more ‘ethical’ choices, but really reassessing our consumption patterns,” she reflected.
Discovering Slow Living
Comedian and actress Maya Akra stumbled into the realm of slow living quite unexpectedly while filming in Jordan. Initially packing just her character’s wardrobe, she surprisingly extended her stay there for almost a year.
“I genuinely missed my clothes in the beginning,” she recalls. “But gradually, I felt less attached to them and began realizing how unnecessary that stuff was.”
Nowadays, Maya relies heavily on thrift shops and rental services like Rent the Runway, estimating her frugal choices have saved her upwards of $150,000 over the last four years.
“I enjoy being unattached to items,” she explained. “Renting allows me to stay stylish and feel refreshed without packing my closet full.” Plus, she gives back by donating clothing regularly at Washington Square Park in New York, ensuring her clothing gets a second life.
Vanesha Patel, the creative lead at Chase Bank, sees slow fashion as a mindful commitment. Since 2016, she adheres to a strict ‘one in, two out’ principle: for every new item she acquires, two must leave her closet.
“This method curbs my impulse buying,” she mentioned.
Vanesha makes conscious donations to women’s shelters and organizations for domestic abuse survivors, ensuring her items are put to good use. She approaches purchasing with equal prudence.
“I need clothing that works year-round. A single blouse must layer for winter and serve for summer,” she added while emphasizing respect for natural fibers, even when she unexpectedly shops at fast-fashion outlets.
These women might approach sustainable style differently, but one thing can’t be denied: they aren’t mindlessly consuming. They’re embracing actions that align with their values, whether it’s hunting vintage treasures, renting garments, swapping with friends, or ensuring their donations hit the right mark. The journey towards slow fashion isn’t solely about what we put on; it’s about presenting ourselves with authenticity, leadership, and a refreshed idea of success.
“We should continuously question why we feel pressured to buy so much in the first place,” Aziza asserted. These women redefine style with intention, proving that ambition and sustainability aren’t in competition—they complement one another seamlessly. This evolution in dressing is not defined by the latest trends but by their impact, care, and lasting legacy.
This article Transitioning from Fast Fashion to Slow Living: How Purposeful Style is Empowering Women was originally published on HerAgenda.com
