5 Ways to Shop Ethically on a Budget

Who else has stumbled on WhoWhatWear’s 25 Conscious Brands list only to be disappointed by the hefty price tags? As a student, I’m always desperately trying to balance my budget when it comes to shopping (my friends tell me I’m not very good at it). If you believe me over my friends, keep reading:

1. Thrift

You think of thrifting and you imagine run-down gross second-hand clothes that you’re scared to even touch (That's how I feel). But I've learned to love it after thrifting the top and skirt in the outfit pictured here. LTrainVintage Shop in Brooklyn, everyone. The top was $5 and the skirt was $6. 

2. Timeless Pieces

Are you really wasting any money if you're going to wear it for years to come? I love classics just like a white turtleneck that'll never go out of style. Trends are so easy to spend money on when brands are constantly pitching "new" to you. It's super easy to look fashionable when you're following trends you see on Instagram or Pinterest, but your creativity becomes truly apparent when you can work high-quality invested timeless pieces in different ways for years.

3. Essentials

I love essential pieces because they can be re-styled into different outfits. I find that when I invest in high-quality essentials, I save a lot more money in the long run because they last for years. A little black dress, a white button-down, a jean jacket — all useful basics that can be worn differently. This jean jacket is from The Reformation.

4. Clothes Swap

One of my favorite things to do is swap clothes with my sister or friends. I never have any regrets swapping because if I want to wear it again, I can just ask to borrow. This oversized shirt is a timeless essential I got from my friend, Jenn.

5. Poshmark & Depop

Some of my treasured items have been from Poshmark. Just to name a few: The pictured Leather Suede and Faux Fur Coat, Adam Selman Le Specs (The Last Lolita Pair), Public Desire Black Sock Booties, and Quay Sunglasses.

You're probably wondering how possessing these unethical brands can be considered ethical. In my opinion, the purpose of ethical shopping is to reduce pollution and ensure no workers are being taken advantage of, correct? So by buying from Poshmark, it's almost like thrifting. You elongate the lifecycle of a certain garment by making sure it doesn't otherwise end up in the dump while reducing any need for workers to be put to work for the sake of maintaining a demand.

If you're looking to buy, a great place is my Poshmark ;)