How to Follow Fashion Trends Sustainably

With the fast-paced world of social media, it seems like there’s a new fashion trend every day, and I don’t know about you, but I can’t keep up.

I can understand the pressure people are feeling to stay updated with the trends, following their favourite influencers and wanting to replicate their style. Consumers are purchasing the exact items to be as similar as possible to their beloved icons; from skincare regimes, makeup products or their new autumn wardrobes.

It is vital to understand and remind yourself that posting on social media promoting their style, makeup and skincare regimes, is an influencers job; consumers like us are their main target. Their opinions may not be honest or real.

Many of us use social media every single day. Several times a day, we see the trends, the promotions, the reviews, the hauls. Overtime it can feel as though we need that new jumper, or lipstick, resulting in a random (expensive) splurge. It could be an item worn once and sadly, will now sit in your wardrobe pleading for some more love!

Trends have been around for countless generations; the 1960’s Mary Quant Mini Skirt, the 1980’s shoulder pads, or the 2010 admiration for jeggings! Fast forward to present day, 2025 still encourages the mini skirt and shoulder pads. Many trends are being reused, posing the questions before purchasing; is this going to be an item I will be wanting to wear in 5 years’ time? Is it timeless? Can it be styled several different ways? These questions are endorsing mindfulness when purchasing.

Following trends can be done intentionally, and you definitely don’t have to be completely out of the loop when styling yourself. Encouraging mindful purchasing, leaning into the trends that will be timeless and won’t contribute to the 92 million tonnes of textile waste produced each year!

Here is a list of fashion choices I consider when inspired by a trend…

Awareness & Understanding

Be aware of how quick trends are moving and which trends are a FAD (a short-lived craze), and which trends feel timeless. Can it be restyled, re worn and loved? Which trends feel most like you and suit your style? (And not just on your favourite influencers).

Be Patient

Think carefully about the purchase. Give yourself a week or two (or even a month, if you can wait that long!) to ask yourself those all-important questions. Make a list of clothing items/trends you like and considered purchasing, look back in a couple of weeks to decide if you still like it. There is no rush to make a purchase, be patient and consider your own style, and whether you really can afford it too!

Second-Hand Purchasing

Can you find the item elsewhere and not directly from the fast-fashion brands? If after your couple of weeks of consideration, you think the item will be worth the purchase, then have a browse in your local charity shop or on Vinted, where you will most likely be able to find a very similar item, and perhaps an even more unique version!

Unfortunately, if a trend is so quick and not a long-lasting item, you begin to see the fast-fashion items repeatedly pop up on Vinted. Which is a reminder to shop intentionally!

DIY/Upcycling & Loving What You Already Own

You would be surprised what trendy outfits you can create from clothing items you already own!

You can also DIY your old clothing items, you could add buttons, lace (a current trend I am seeing), or even use your sewing machine to make a skirt out of an old pair of jeans. Upcycling items will make you an entirely new item and will be one of a kind!

Pinterest Board

If you occasionally feel overwhelmed or low scrolling on social media, Pinterest is a great, refreshing platform. It feels inspiring, supports my creativity, and just feels a great deal better than scrolling other social media. Whether you are draw to house, style, or seasonal inspirations, Pinterest allows you to make your own personal mood boards.

Similarly, like keeping a wish list, Pinterest allows you visualise clothing items and outfit inspiration, allowing you to see items in different ways. When you have found an item you like, turn to Pinterest and visualise how others have styled it, or how you could style it with similar items in your wardrobe.

Blocking Out Social Media Influence & Trusting Yourself

Trust yourself and your own likes and dislikes. You don’t need to follow the crowd, it’s inspiring to be content with your own style, and not needing to follow every single trend. Follow your heart and find your own style, it is cool to wear what makes you feel comfortable and will definitely aid your own confidence!

As we enter Autumn, it is the time of year that feels very easy to be lured into over consumption traps. Whether it is a new autumnal wardrobe or pumpkin themed homeware, sadly most of this will end up in landfill.

This is a great time of year to practice your resistance and encourage your sustainability goals. Do you need that pumpkin candle, or that pumpkin jumper that will just sit in your wardrobe all year? Even Halloween costumes will be a one-off purchase that will be wasteful and forgotten about next year. Can you use what you already own to make a costume? Can you re wear an old costume?

Let’s encourage loving every single piece in our wardrobes, let’s encourage styling a piece various ways to keep outfits new, fresh and exciting, let’s encourage finding our own style. We can keep up with the trends, but with a timeless piece that adapts effortlessly to each trend, all because we slowed down and purchased intentionally!

Written By Alice Abel