“Ok, here’s the bad news….. We don’t make sustainable fashion. No-one does.”

This is a quote from clothing company White Stuff’s website, and it is of course, absolutely true, although their honest approach goes hand in hand with White Stuff’s realistic and genuine efforts to ensure that their brand has a less damaging impact on the planet than many of its competitors.

For us, the only way to achieve a truly sustainable wardrobe would be not to buy any more new clothes. This is a practice that some of my friends are attempting to follow now. In the same way that they might give up chocolate for Lent or follow a very strict fitness regime in the run-up to a special sporting event or momentous personal occasion, it sounds achievable – but for a limited period.

To those of us who are interested in fashion, completely giving up buying seems a very challenging goal, but is it really the way to a fulfilled, stylish and confident life for those of us who enjoy the way clothing allows us to express ourselves?

The best way to achieve contentment with both our outward image and our moral and ethical approach to climate change and the future of our planet, is to make the changes we feel are possible within our own particular set of circumstances, whilst also being aware of and taking into account the way our actions impact the wider world.

It is pointless to set ourselves as individuals, goals which feel unobtainable and cause a negative impact on our mental health and, in turn, the lives of those around us. If you do not do all you can to keep your life stable and happy but instead try to live a life of deprivation and restriction, how will you be able to function as a valuable member of society and have a positive impact on your environment and those close to you?

Your wardrobe may seem a trivial thing in the current atmosphere of climate and cost of living concerns, but it is actually crucial for many people’s sense of identity and self-esteem. The best approach is to try to find a balance. Eschew the fast fashion habits of the recent past and don’t indulge in a spending spree every weekend in a chain store that is churning out clothes made from cheap non-biodegradable fabrics.

Instead, investigate companies which are making genuine efforts to cut down the impact their practices are having on the environment, keeping a close watch on their supply chain, using more sustainable materials and monitoring the working conditions of its staff, whether in its stores or in outsourced locations. If this means paying slightly more for fewer pieces of new clothing, then that is the price we should pay for our own peace of mind.

The new items you do purchase will inject freshness and style into your existing wardrobe, but you can also achieve an innovative look for yourself by seeking out a bargain at your local charity shop, clothes swap or fund-raising sale, or on an online platform.

Of course, buying new means you can target your choice of style, colour and cut with more certainty, but the joy of a second-hand search is that you may find yourself pushing out from your usual boundaries and happening upon something you would never have considered on a regular high street shopping spree.

Pulling out an old favourite from the back of the cupboard because you have just bought a skirt or top in a charity shop that suddenly reminded you of it, could lead you into a whole new and unique modern-vintage image!

As we all know, the key to real style is to dress to suit your shape and colouring, express your own personality, reflect your lifestyle, and above all, fill yourself with confidence. If you can also have an eye on sustainability, you can be assured you are practising mindful dressing.