After you have mastered step one and two in building a sustainable capsule wardrobe, it's time to once again review your collection to ensure you've set it up for the best chance of success.
Aim to pass on or donate all your 'Maybes' that haven't left your closet yet. You might have come to realise that some are now invaluable to your collection, like an old sweater you never knew you could pair with so much, or a linen shirt that keeps your son cool in summer and warm in winter. Keep the items you really love but try to be stricter with others that you may love, but your children don't.
Don't engage in seasonal sales, stick to (gender) neutral colours, do not buy in advance, only buy as needed with plenty of research. Try to avoid impulse purchases - they are tricky because you might see something you really like but do not need. Instead of putting yourself in this awful situation, try to avoid shopping malls or districts if you can.
Follow your favourite ethical brands on Instagram but unfollow those that do not have sustainable practices in place. Shopping second-hand is also a great alternative that is even kinder on the planet.
Becoming more conscious and intentional in the choices you make for your wardrobe, also means that you are voting on behalf of the planet.
The good news is, if you shop responsibly and turn to organic clothes which may cost you a little more than the cheaply made garments from the big fast fashion chains, your clothes will be of higher quality and more robust to stand the test of (a life-)time. In the long-run, being more conscious about the pieces you shop and in buying less over the course of a lifetime, it will probably save you money (and time spent choosing an outfit every day).
Your child will naturally grow out of his/her clothes eventually, but this doesn't mean the garment can't be passed on to younger siblings or children in need when the time is ripe.
Some retailers, like Indie & Isaac, have buy back schemes in place and incentivize their customers for purchasing better clothing in the first place. Apparel consumption is projected to rise by 63 per cent in the next ten years, so it’s critical we provide end-of-life solutions for the garments we sell.
Another aspect of simplifying your kid's wardrobe is offering them fewer, better choices. More space in their wardrobe also means more space in their minds for imaginative play and the freedom to evolve without being forced into fads and trends.
The Australian retailer offers organic baby and kid's clothing to be enjoyed and passed down for many generations. Their hyper-curated, simple and ethical line of wardrobe staples, second-hand garments and responsibly-made accessories aims to promote the wellbeing of our children and the planet.