Swerving Black Friday
A few thoughts from a sustainable stylist
The noise from Black Friday week, weekend and Cyber Monday build-up this year is deafening IMHO!
I'm pretty sure that every single retailer and business you've ever shopped with has emailed you this week, to share some unmissable offer, discount code or sale. Even small businesses feel compelled to join in with convention, for fear of FOMO.
At times like these, retailers and businesses fuel the fire of consumerism - the pure unadulterated need to make you want to buy a bunch of stuff - making you feel like it will be 2024's biggest tragedy if you miss it. The real tragedy of course is just how much stuff planet Earth is drowning in. One of the biggest statistics I discovered when researching my sustainability manifesto was that according to the British Fashion Council, we have enough clothes on the planet to dress the next six generations, much of it sitting on beaches in Accra, Ghana and across the landscapes of San Pedro de Atecama, Chile. Sigh.
I say join the JOMO tribe - the joy of missing out - and avoid the craziness! However, it may be the case that you are going to be shopping right about now - perhaps you have lots of Christmas presents to buy for family and friends, and you have this weekend earmarked to get more bang for your buck, or maybe you’ve been saving those pennies to purchase the few things you do have on your wish list. This may be your scenario. And if this is the case we need to adopt a mindset shift. It’s not going to be the crazy, overflowing carts-full-of-stuff scenes as portrayed by the media - it can be a mindful, intentional and purposeful affair.
As with anything we just have to remember good old common sense - don’t spend money you don’t have, buying things you don’t need (or actually want!), trying to impress people you don’t really like! Remember you’re the one in the driving seat, and you can just turn off the noise if you so wish.
Here are some of my tips for Black Friday and Cyber Monday - what I’ll be doing, and from an underconsumption and abundance mindset.
1. Screw the shopping, play instead!
Make a NO BUY pledge! Don't feel pressured to buy on Black Friday! The most sustainable clothes are the ones you already own. Have a good old rummage and play in your wardrobe put together new styling combinations!
Today in London was a sunny but crisp and cold day - my favourite kind in winter! There was such a beautiful light too, it really motivated me to get styling and remixing- I played with old pieces and mixed in some newer second-hand pieces too, and it was just so uplifting and joyful to play with my wardrobe! (Photos from that session coming soon!)
If you're feeling tempted, delete all promotional emails and hit unsubscribe. I’ve also unfollowed any influencers that are fuelling overconsumption. You're in control!
Or, if you're feeling a bit lost with your style, take some time to find new inspiration. Brainstorm what you think your personal style means to you, and look to Pinterest to scour street style that matches your aesthetic!
2. Get planning!
Seems obvious but think about what you need before shopping (if you decide to), instead of being tempted by the discounts! Is each coveted piece unique, special, can be styled multiple (30+) ways and will add value or efficiency to your day-to-day life?
I have digitised my wardrobe using the app Whering so I can see how any new purchases can fit in and be styled with my existing wardrobe, it's hugely addictive making new outfit combinations from my own wardrobe, and I can easily see if something is actually needed or how it will look with other pieces I have!
3. Shop with purpose!
If you are shopping, then shop intentionally and take the chance to support small, independent and sustainable brands and businesses. Eschew fast fashion and instead have a look at preloved and vintage small businesses and sellers, charity shops, Vinted, Depop, Vestiaire Collective and eBay - to see if you can find some vintage or unique gems! Now is a great time to discover new-to-you brands on preloved platforms.
I’ve also been using this time to sharpen up my saved second-hand searches - for this filters are your friend. Use very specific search items and use the filters to find exact matches. Save these searches so you can get alerted if sellers upload these things to be sold.
Keep an eye on overconsuming even when it comes to second-hand items - you can still get addicted to thrifting or buying preloved goods! I am being super selective with even second-hand items coming into my wardrobe now, in order to curate my entire wardrobe in a mindful way. If things are coming in, then things need to be sold or mindfully donated.
4. Wise up on pricing!
Refer back to your wish lists and liked items to see if the items you've had your eye on for a while have been significantly reduced, and are now more affordable and value for money. Do a bit of research on your coveted items' RRPs, and shop around to ensure you're getting a true discount. Many retailers just inflate their prices for Black Friday, advertising them as unbelievable deals...
5. Make a long term investment
Instead of buying multiple items from fast fashion retailers, take the opportunity to invest in investment buys - not just designer labels but unique, season-less pieces in more premium, natural fabrics that will stand the test of time. Invest in the best quality fabrics you can afford - when looking for warm coats for example, look for a high wool content (over 75%) -why pay so much for polyester when it's plastic?! Beware of terms such as ‘wool-blend’ - ensure you always check the fabric composition labels. Take this opportunity to get educated about fabrics and quality. Check out Laura de Barra and Andrea Cheong.
6. More IRL activities
Another obvious one but how about we stop scrolling, get off our phones and screens and go for a walk, meet a friend, be in nature, cook a meal, read a book, watch a movie!
If you’ve made it this far thanks for reading! Hopefully you found this helpful! Let me know your thoughts on Black Friday in the comments!
Till next time my stylish friends! Meera xxx
I must admit that I forgot today is Black Friday - I must be doing well in avoiding all the spam!
Yes to the Joy Of Missing Out! And hell yeah to digitizing your wardrobe or at least knowing exactly what's in there - doing regular wardrobe edits and/weekly outfit planning! p.s. it would be interesting to know who exactly you've unsubscribed from. Maybe we should have a registry somewhere - 'Most consumption fueling influencers'.