How to Shop According to Your Values
Ages ago, when I had an online ethical clothing boutique, our about page read:
“WE DO NOT COMPROMISE ON STYLE AND DO NOT THINK OUR VALUES SHOULD GET IN THE WAY OF LOOKING GREAT.”
Our entire philosophy was that you didn’t have to sacrifice your values or your style. The two can (and should) co-exist. At the time, you had to do a little more research than you do now, and there weren’t as many options (lots of yoga-inspired graphic tees and what I call “West County Mom” Clothes). If you’ve ever been to the west side of Sonoma County, you’ll know what I mean. If you haven’t, you know the look, it’s artsy hippy. A little crunchier than my personal style.
I desperately wanted to be able to express my personal style, without being harmful to the people and the planet. I also wanted (still do!) to make it easier for those like me to do the same.
At that time, I valued style over ethics.
Today, I choose my values over my style.
It is likely just as much the result of a greater concern for the environment as it is an evolution of my personal style. I am a work-at-home mom now, so getting dressed up for a night out, a coffee date, or even just work doesn’t happen nearly as much.
But, I still don’t think it needs to be a choice. I think fashion needs to express our creativity and style. It needs to be functional (even 5” heels have function sometimes).
AND FASHION NEEDS TO BE ETHICAL.
WE CAN AND SHOULD SHOP ACCORDING TO OUR VALUES.
This might mean different things to different people. There are different definitions of ethical fashion, and different values within conscious consumerism. To me, there are a few different ways to shop according to your personal values:
- Minimalism.
- Conscious consumerism.
- Cruelty-free.
- Sustainable or eco-friendly.
- Ethical.
- Slow Fashion.
- Philanthropic.
How To Shop According To Your Values:
1. Get Clear on Your Values
If you are new to shopping ethically, the first step is to determine your values. Determine your why. If you don’t have a good reason to shop your values you won’t. You need to get super clear about what your values are and why you have them.
Your values can change as your life does – mine certainly have. It is just a starting point and can help clarify what you will and won’t buy, and when.
2. Set some guidelines
Now that you have your values, set a few guidelines. I say guidelines, because creating hard rules usually creates undue stress (and often leads to giving up), for me at least.
Maybe you’ll stop shopping at fast fashion shops or only buy things made in the US. Maybe you want only recycled fabrics or vintage. Maybe you will only buy what you absolutely need or find it secondhand. Or maybe you will be mindful overall. Whatever you decide, try to stick with it, but allow it to evolve as you see what is out there.
3. Do some research
You’ve set some guidelines and understand your why. Do a little research to determine what shops, brands, and individual items fit into your values shopping. Take a look at the brands you already know and love and see how their manufacturing processes and sustainability standards line up with yours.
4. Find alternatives.
After you’ve done a little research, you might be surprised that your favorite brand is transparent and ethically aligned with your values. Or, you might need to choose different brands.
Fortunately, there are so many ethical brands out there. The ethical fashion and clean beauty industries are growing so quickly now! It is so different than it was ten years ago. There is something for everyone, you just need to have a little patience and invest a little time.
Here is my Big List of Ethical Style with some of my favorite ethical fashion shops and brands.
5. Evolve.
Start small, and increase your commitment over time. Your values may change. Allow it. Your budget might change, your needs will change. As your life changes, so too should your values-based shopping habits.
Shopping according to your values can be daunting. It can be more expensive (but buying fewer, better things can offset this). It certainly takes time to understand some of the terminology and stay away from greenwashed products. But it is worth it.
KNOWING THAT YOU HAVEN’T COMPROMISED YOUR VALUES TO LOOK GREAT IS A HUGE REWARD.
There is peace of mind in knowing that your style isn’t a result of someone else’s heartbreak or the planet’s destruction.
Have you shopped according to your values? How has it gone? Have your values evolved? What about the way you shop? I’d love to hear your inspiring stories!
