Challenge Yourself to Curate a Conscious Closet

The more I continue on this path to building a sustainable closet for myself while sourcing pieces for RAW Collective, the more I am on the search to learn. Learn about what a circular fashion model looks like, learn how to wholeheartedly support sustainable living (through fashion and every other facet possible), and learn how to build a conscious closet that my customers and myself can be proud of wearing while feeling confident and empowered. 

It’s no surprise that I absolutely love and am pretty obsessed with Elizabeth L. Cline’s book The Conscious Closet. If you haven't yet read it, I highly recommend it as a great starting point for sustainable fashion! I learned so many new things about conscious fashion and was intrigued with the idea of reconnecting with my personal style by a wardrobe challenge. I will admit, I had heard of wardrobe challenges but I was intimidated to try to limit 10 days of outfits to only 10 pieces in my closet, let alone try to document the daily process. 

But with 2020 being all about the unknown, trying new things and it never being too late, here we are - My first 10 x 10 Wardrobe Challenge. 

My 10 x 10 Wardrobe Challenge Pieces

- Black Jumpsuit from RAW Collective
- Destroyed straight leg denim from Boyish Jeans
- Black Midi Dress from RAW Collective
- Secondhand White Bodysuit from Goodwill
- Secondhand Crocheted Yellow Crop Sweater from Goodwill
- Tan Maxi Skirt from RAW Collective
- Deadstock Crop White Tee from RAW Collective
- Denim Button Shirt from former life in luxury fashion
- Black Knit Short Sleeve
- Destroyed Denim Shorts (which I had to mend during the challenge ♻)

My 10 x 10 Wardrobe Challenge Looks

5 Things I learned with a Wardrobe Challenge

When picking your pieces, look for the pieces in your wardrobe that you love but that are also versatile. Being able to dress up and down your pieces will help you get the most out of your wardrobe and the ability to create many different looks.

The great thing with a wardrobe challenge is that you don’t have to include your accessories and shoes in your piece count (Mad props to the real pros who do count their shoes!) When you styling your outfits, make sure to mix up your accessories and footwear. Even small styling techniues as in knotting the bottom your shirt, folding your sleeves, or cuffing your pants can completely change an outfit.

Jeans are always my go so I might be bias, but making sure you have at least 1 or 2 denim pieces in your mix is a must. And if you haven’t heard, Canadian Tuxedos are in, so be sure to venture and try out some denim on denim looks. I love to mix different shades of blue and even pair destroyed pieces with clean crisp pieces.

Its easy to associate basic with being boring, however when it comes to building a conscious wardrobe, that couldn’t be further from the truth. When you look for basics, look for upgraded versions. For example, for a white tee, I had two options. I picked a secondhand deep vneck bodysuit and a deadstock crop white tshirt from the 80s. Both pieces are pretty basic, but neither is boring. Both pieces support sustainable fashion and exude the right amount of sex appeal.

Colors and patterns can easily refresh a wardrobe. When you are trying to get the most out of your wardrobe with versatile basic pieces, you might feel its a little stale. Keep your wardrobe interesting with seasonal colors and patterns that you love.

The Next Wardrobe Challenge

I loved this wardrobe challenge way more than I was expecting. I found it fun and exciting to get dressed every single day, and in 2020 that is HUGE. I also found that I was more motivated from the start of each day and more productive overall. But what is even more exciting than the surge of motivation, is that I am finally feeling like I am building the sustainable conscious closet that I have dreamt of having. A wardrobe that fits the new me, the woman me, the entreprenuer me and mom me. 

If you are new to sustainable fashion, or feel your wardrobe needs a makeover, I challenge you try a wardrobe challenge to jumpstart your journey.

Will You Accept the Challenge?