The problem of sustainable personal style goes like this: you want to look chic, be up to date on the latest trends, and have a unique wardrobe. However, what’s trendy is always changing, what you bought last week doesn’t work this week, and the only way out seems to be simply buying more stuff, which is what got us into this mess in the first place.
When the fashion industry makes up 10% of all humanity’s carbon emissions (that’s bigger than international flights and maritime shipping), we need all the solutions we can get, but giving up and wearing biodegradable flour sacks is as yet still unappealing to most of us.
On this problem, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news is that sustainable, truly personal style takes time and effort, and there’s no quick fix solution to be purchased. The good news is that there’s plenty of fun to be found in the creative journey, and we are armed with a wider range of resources than ever before. The internet brings us instant access to fashion editors, stylists, influencers, designers, shows, and all manner of other actors who are all too keen to tell you what to wear (ourselves included).
However, this wealth of information can be overwhelming, and not all fashion tools are created equal. So, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 5 apps that can help you build a sustainable, yet stylish wardrobe that’s uniquely you.
Whering
If you’ve ever seen Clueless, you’ve likely been jealous of Cher’s digital closet which compiles outfits for her at the push of a button. Thankfully, we live in a modern world that offers us (though we may not live in a mansion in Beverly Hills) this bespoke experience from our phones.
The Whering app, launched in 2020, allows you to digitise your wardrobe so you can catalogue outfits, or ‘spin the wheel’ for a range of pairings that you may not have considered. They have also recently added a preloved marketplace, perfect for filling any (carefully thought out!) gaps in your wardrobe.
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via Paramount Pictures
When it comes to sustainability, nothing is more important than wearing what you already have, so set aside an afternoon and get snapping! Once all of your pieces are safely in the app, you can begin documenting outfits you regularly wear, and discovering ways to style items that have been sitting in the back of your wardrobe for months. Channel your inner Cher and download Whering today.
Vestiaire Collective
If you’ve got champagne taste on a lemonade budget, this is the app for you. From vintage luxury bags at incredible discounts to archive pieces from runway shows, Vestiaire Collective is our pick for preloved luxury.
Having started in Paris in 2009 by founders Fanny Moizant and Sophie Hersan, the platform predates newer sites like The Real Real and Rebag, and has since expanded to include delivery in the US.
Browse on the web or on the app, but be warned! This author hears that you can waste absolutely hours scrolling through the available pieces …
Pickle
Perfectly poised for ‘The Year of the Girl’ that was 2023, Pickle expands the experience of borrowing cute clothes from your friends to a rental platform. Particularly great if you live in NYC, as the app relies on your local it-girls to share their must-have pieces.
Pickle is a great solution for those who want to try out the latest trends without necessarily knowing whether it fits in your forever wardrobe, and gives you the option of making some extra income off those bits of occasionwear that never get an outing.
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via Pickle
In-app features include impressive filtering into categories like Insta-worthy, Bougie, and Brunch, and is an overall great way to participate in trends without breaking the bank or sending more garments to landfill.
ByRotation
Next up we have another rental app, the UK-based ByRotation which has recently expanded to the US. The app boasts an impressive selection of occasionwear, accessories, and specialist sports clothing (ski holiday in Courchevel, anyone?), straight from the coolest wardrobes in town.
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ByRotation founder Eshita Kabra-Davies for British Vogue
With fast delivery, return labels, and flexibility to choose how long you rent for, ByRotation is a great choice for special occasions, fabulous brunches, or trying out a pricier piece before you commit to it for good.
Vinted
This last app has mixed reviews on its current viability in the US, but European readers should run, not walk, to download Vinted! Though initially choices may seem limited or fast-fashion based, have a little patience as the algorithm picks up on what you like. New filters have recently been added to allow users to filter for quality materials, and a designer authentication service is included at the seller’s discretion for more expensive purchases.
Discovering unique pieces may take a little time, perseverance, and scrolling (let’s face it - you’re on your phone anyway), but other people’s wardrobe decluttering is another fashion citizen’s treasure!
By Ella Jones