What is Slow Fashion?
Slow fashion is sustainable fashion.
We are working towards the goal of battling fast fashion and changing the fashion industry for the good of the planet.
Slow fashion emphasizes more the speed (or lack of) of production and quality of our clothes.
Consumers and brands should slow down and focus on quality.
While quality clothes may be more expensive, they do save you money in the long run if you take proper care of them. Slow fashion allows you to progressively alter your wardrobe over time, and the pieces you purchase are meant to last for many years to come.
Our Slow Fashion Challenge
We know trying something new can be daunting, which is why we here at Rogue Ramms have come up with a Slow Fashion Challenge.
We are challenging our readers to pick as little as ONE of each category (described below — Swapped, Borrowed, or Recycled) to meet the minimum requirement.
We’ve laid out a schedule below for you to choose from, but consider it more of a guideline to start you off with ideas, rather than a strict schedule for you to adhere to.
Day 1: Swap-a-Top
Category: Swapped
Let’s start the challenge off with something simple.
Pick out a top from your closet that you haven’t worn in ages and swap it with a friend for one of theirs!
I’m sure you have plenty of shirts and tanks that are just sitting around collecting dust in the back of your closet. (Who doesn’t?)
This provides a great opportunity to give a beloved piece some new life by giving it to someone you trust to give it a good home. Plus, you get something new in return to add to your wardrobe.
It’s a win-win for everyone!
Day 2: A Day in Her Shoes
Category: Borrowed
This is the perfect opportunity to ask your sibling or best friend to borrow that cute pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing for months.
Just be mindful that one thing you never mess with is a woman’s love of shoes. Always be sure to respect your loved one’s wishes if they tell you no.
If they give you permission to borrow their beloved footwear, remember to honor their trust and treat their shoes with nothing but respect — and be extra careful when wearing them out.
As with borrowing anything, you’ll want to return them in the same, if not better, condition as when you borrowed them!
Day 3: DIY Crop Top
Category: Recycled
If you consider yourself to be a crafty person, cropping your old clothes will become one of your new favorite pastimes.
It’s a great way to refresh your cherished old tops and sweatshirts (and it makes for a nice transition from your winter to summer wardrobe!).
If you’ve never cropped before, no worries! It’s super simple and easy.
All you need is an old (preferably oversized) shirt, fabric scissors, some pins, and a fabric marker. Put on the shirt and fold it up to the desired length you’d like to cut. Be sure to raise your arms and examine the length so you’re satisfied with how far it comes up! Mark the spot with a fabric marker, take off the top, give it a good, straight snip, and just leave the hem as is for a rugged, edgier look. Or, for more polishing — if you don’t know how to hem, a quick YouTube video will show you it’s a lot easier than it looks.
Helpful tip: the most flattering cut is just above your waistline, showing off the narrowest section of your torso and giving the piece a slimming effect!
Day 4: Whose Hat is it Anyway?
Category: Swapped
Here’s another perfect opportunity to raid your best friend’s closet!
Trade that beanie you haven’t worn in months for your friend’s old baseball cap. Or maybe that wide-brimmed straw hat you bought on an impulse — but know you’ll never wear — would look much better on your friend or loved one instead! Certain types of hats can look more flattering on different types of face shapes, so if you’re disappointed by a recent online purchase, don’t let it go to waste!
Talk to your friends, and see if you can work out a trade. Another win-win!
Day 5: The Coat Off Her Back
Category: Borrowed
As the season gets warmer, we’re no longer in desperate need of coats or jackets. That being said, layering is a great way to add dimension or a bright pop of color to your outfit!
Coats can be pretty expensive, so why not take this opportunity to borrow a friend’s that you know would look perfect with your outfit instead of purchasing a new one?
This day works especially well for those of us who have friends who are natural space heaters. If they thrive without a coat in fifty-degree weather (but you know you’d freeze without one) just ask if you can borrow one of theirs for a day!
Day 6: Spice Up Your Denim
Category: Recycled
Here are a few fun, crafty projects to add some flair to your old, well-worn, well-loved denim!
First, you could once again show off your scissors skills by transforming your old pair of jeans into some snazzy shorts! Most shorts sold in stores are incredibly tight and short, which can be really uncomfortable. When you cut your own, you are in charge of the length and can cut them to suit your style needs. Plus (similar to the DIY crop top) you can leave the edges frayed for an edgier look, or put that hemming skill to good use again!
If jean shorts aren’t your thing, there are other ways you can breathe some new life into your old, beloved denim. You can use your trusty scissors to add some fun, edgy slits and tears to your favorite jeans — or embrace your artistic side by using some fabric paint to give them some unique spots of color!
You can even transform your old denim jacket into a cute new vest! Feel free to personalize it with some funky patches or experiment with fabric paint to add some cute designs.
As for any left-over pieces of denim, if you’re feeling artsy, you can use them to make fun textures with fabric paint. Or you can work some more magic and turn them into a fun mug warmer!
Day 7: Consider Shopping Consignment
Category: Recycled
Consignment shops offer a great alternative to thrift stores if you don’t have the time or patience to sift through a bunch of used clothes. While thrift stores are all donation based, consignment shops pay those looking to sell their clothes and give them a percentage of the sales price. Think Poshmark or ThredUp over your local thrift store, although you may be able to find a good, local consignment shop near you.
These stores provide a great opportunity for consumers to stay up-to-date on the latest trends for a fraction of the price, all the while recycling clothes and helping the environment!
So, if you’re really itching to get that rush of serotonin that comes from a chic new purchase, give a consignment shop a try.
Day 8: Sunglasses Swap
Category: Swapped
Sunglasses are a staple in the spring and summer! They can come in all different shapes and colors and are a great accessory to pair with any outfit. But this year, instead of purchasing a new, cheap pair, why not trade your old sunglasses with a friend or loved one? High quality sunglasses can last a long time, and exchanging with friends now and then can feel like you’ve gone shopping and spent a mint!
While they may not be new, they’re new to you — and who but your best friend will know! This way you can still add a fun new accessory to your wardrobe — without having to spend any money, all the while helping the environment.
Day 9: Borrow a Bag
Category: Borrowed
From purses to backpacks to totes, our bags are essential, especially during the warmer months. When we lose our winter jackets, we lose all the extra pocket space that comes with them! I mean, while we treasure those sundresses with pockets, they are definitely a rare find, and typically we’re lucky if our jeans will hold anything more than our phones.
While it’s important to invest in our own bags for everyday use, it can be fun to mix up your style every once in a while by borrowing a cute one from someone else! See if a friend will let you borrow their beach bag for a day, or maybe they’ll lend you the clutch that matches your favorite sundress for that date you have coming up!
Day 10: Thrifty Tuesday
Category: Recycled
This is a day that will require you to spend a little extra cash, but nothing too drastic. Head out to your local thrift store, and see what gems you can find!
I know thrifting isn’t for everyone. It requires patience to sift through all those racks and bins, but while it may be time consuming, you are sure to find some treasures tucked away!
Why not try making a day of it with your friends? Set a budget of $20 or less, and see who can put together the cutest outfit for the cheapest price. Adding a competitive edge may give you the extra resolve you need to tackle those racks — and discover something interesting!
Day 11: Sundress Season Switcheroo
Category: Swapped
Spring marks the beginning of sundress season, but before you go running to your local retailer for all the latest designs, why not stop at your best friend’s closet first?
Maybe you can find an old dress they’re tired of, but would work great with your new denim vest or those pastel shoes you found on Poshmark. In return, why not give her the bright orange sundress you know would look great with her skin tone!
Spread the love this sundress season by getting all of your friends involved in a sundress swap! It’s a great way to try out a style you’ve never worn before!
Day 12: Borrow Some Bling
Category: Borrowed
Accessories can be expensive, especially any form of jewelry, and most are often only worn a handful of times. So, instead of purchasing new jewelry you’re only going to wear once before tucking it back in your jewelry box, why not reach out to a close friend or sibling to see if they’d be willing to lend you something?
Obviously, never ask to borrow anything super valuable (both monetarily or sentimentally). The ring given to your best friend by her great-grandmother is strictly off limits!
But there are plenty of other necklaces, earrings, or bracelets I’m sure your loved ones wouldn’t mind sharing! Just remember to return everything in a timely manner and in the same, if not better, condition you borrowed it in. And always ask first! Never assume they’d be willing to lend it to you just because they haven’t worn it in a while or they’ve let you wear it once before.
Day 13: Tie-Dye Friday
Category: Recycled
Here’s another fun, inexpensive craft for you to try! Grab your old T-shirts or tank tops you’ve grown bored with and invite some friends over for a Tie-Dye party. It’s a quick, easy, and fun way to breathe new life into old clothes.
You can purchase some natural fabric dyes or you can check out our “Color Psychology & Pastels in Fashion” blog for more info on how to make your own pastel dyes with natural ingredients. Just make sure not to leave them in direct sunlight as they dry, otherwise the sun’s rays may bleach away your hard-earned colors!
Day 14: Facebook Marketplace Finds
Category: Recycled
Facebook Marketplace offers another great alternative to thrifting, if you prefer to do your shopping from your couch! While you can score some great finds, you always want to be careful with the people you’re ordering from to ensure they’re reputable. Always meet in a public place, not that abandoned cabin in the woods!
Check to see if your local community has a page specifically for swapping clothes or household items that are no longer wanted, or that you could take off their hands for only a few dollars.
Facebook also gives you more of an opportunity to negotiate. Sellers typically ask for way more than they’re willing to sell for, and all it takes is a few messages back and forth for you to walk away with a great deal!
Whether you’ve been a long-time slow fashion advocate or you’ve just discovered it by reading this blog, anyone can participate in this challenge, and we sincerely hope you include us on your slow fashion journey!
Follow along on Instagram and tag us @Rogue.Ramms as you share your swapped, borrowed, and upcycled/recycled challenge choices!