Conscious Wardrobe Pitfalls

There are plenty of posts on this blog and on instagram gushing on my love for conscious lifestyle.  In fact, I shared a post about how to start such conscious wardrobe which a few of you have messaged to tell me that you have loved. Living a life of purpose with each purchase being thoughtful and intentional has brought me a lot of peace.  Instead of going through a cobweb of stores, shops, all competing and vying with each other for cheaper products or more options, I choose to hone it all down to make my life a little easier and life of those who are working to make those products a little easier too.   However, just as with anything, too much can be a bad thing. So today, I am going to share with you some of the pitfalls that can present themselves on your journey to a conscious wardrobe and how to avoid or overcome them.

Not Having Enough

When trying to follow a simple lifestyle, one can start to feel a little too simple.  After paring down the wardrobe and getting rid of extra items, the stark change in the closet can seem overwhelming.  It becomes even more of an issue when you have cycled through all of the wardrobe choices and find yourself staring at the same combinations over again.  Sure, minimalist lifestyle is good and all, but do you really have to look the same everyday?  My answer: No.  If you have reached the point where everything is blurring together and the outfits are being recycled more than you would like, then there are ways to overcome that hurdle.

First, focus on the type of clothes you have.  Do you have some items that just do not go with anything at all?  This may present itself as you having too many different styled shirts, like different patterns and materials, that require a certain other item to work, otherwise they can no be worn.  Try to build your wardrobe around wearing clothes that work well with other items you already own.  I recommend starting off with basic, neutral layer and then jazzing it up with something on top that defines your style.  Rather than having lots of variety in the basic layer, focus on the second layer which will give your outfit dimension.  That second layer will define your style, the way you like, and will also work well with other outfits because it will compliment well with any neutral first layer that you own.

Second, be realistic with yourself.  Are you wanting more variety because you are genuinely lacking in it or are you afraid to go outside in the same outfit in the week.  We currently live in the mindset where we are too concerned with the opinion of others while ignoring our inner voice which is always calling for ease.  Have an honest conversation with the one staring at you in the mirror and ask her of her goals, her future ambitions, and her place in this world.  I guarantee that none of those questions will have the answer “looking unique every day.”

The World Sucks

This is the one that I initially struggled with a lot.  While looking at fair trade and ethical practices, I began to realize that there is simply too much wrong happening in this world.  At one end, laborers are being abused, and on the other, the environment is being butchered.  If not this, then that.  It became very difficult to find a shop where I could feel my heart and wallet aligning themselves perfectly.  I realized that there is such a thing as being too picky.

Unfortunately, we live in a time of consumerism where supply is dependent on the demand and the demands are just astronomical. New this and new that is causing companies to overlook certain key factors that would normally produce a normal, ethical product. If we are to find a perfect one, then it would be a dime in a dozen and it would have a very small selection.  So I decided to have something I call a non-negotiable, which is one value that I absolutely can not sacrifice.  You may have more than one of those.  Also, I made a mental note of what are some causes that I wish to support.  Now I shop through the companies who share the same values as me in regards to the causes I believe in while paying close attention to my non-negotiable(s).   For example, if one of the causes I support is Muslim owned businesses and one of my non-negotiable is fair trade practices, and the shop I am looking at is muslim owned and it does focus on fair trade, then I am pulling my wallet out.  If however, the company does not meet my non-negotiable standard of fair trade practices, then I will choose to move along.

There are very, very few times where I have to forgo my non-negotiable (shoes!) because it simply is difficult to find what I am looking for with it.  I do not easily allow that concession but if I absolutely have to make that choice and no amount of hunting has produced a result that I can stand behind, then I will make just that one purchase and close that door behind me.

Wallet Woes

Lastly, this one is probably one of the most common one.  Once you began looking for those coveted items that follow your conscious wardrobe standards, you will most definitely find them to have a much higher price tag than what you are used.  If you are anything like me, then the sale racks were your friend and coupon codes made half of your wardrobe.  I get it.  There is absolutely no judgement here in the #SLTribe.  With your newfound passion of a sunnah life, this is probably going to be easiest and yet the hardest change at the same time.

Remember that one of your goals throughout all of this is owning less and loving more.  The items you own in your closet should be those that bring joy to your heart every time you pull them to wear for the day.  You should feel good wearing them physically and emotionally.   Owning less means buying less and buying less means saving more.  So if you are looking for a white shirt that is sustainable and eco-friendly, you can wait a little longer since your wardrobe works well together even without it, and save up enough to buy a shirt that not only fills your criteria, but also lasts a long time. Instead of buying 5 shirts of lesser value start looking worn after a few washes, you can buy one that lasts you for years to come.  Look baller and spend less.  That is a big YES from me!

I hope this answered a few of your questions and that it will make the transition to living a more conscious lifestyle – in terms of clothes, any way – a bit easier for you.  My parting advice would be to remember your end goal  – it is that of wearing clothes you believe in and loving everything that you own.  Reaching that point is worth the struggle.  I promise.