OK. You have to let me gush a little, because this is incredibly exciting!! We have so much to learn from each other, so I'm thrilled to have a different point of view featured in this space! Julie Fathy writes about her unique way of seeing on thebeautyinsimple. Uncomplicated, inspiring, peaceful, and challenging are the feelings that come to mind when I think of reading her words. I was inspired by her approach to dressing for a formal event recently (a situation that would have me quaking in my boots!), and I always look forward to glimpses of her well-considered handmades. I'm so grateful to Julie for agreeing to share a bit about her journey toward a fair wardrobe here!
How do you approach "fair" in your closet?
My journey to a fair wardrobe started in earnest on January 1, 2015 when I pledged to “buy nothing new.” Rather than purchasing new clothes off the racks, I’m filling my wardrobe needs with thrifted apparel. I changed how I dress out of a desire to match my actions with my environmental, social, and economic beliefs.
Since 2015 all of my clothes, with the exception of intimate apparel, have been purchased secondhand. When I do buy new I consider the quality of workmanship, the material used (natural and organic fibers favored), and whether the item is USA-made or fair trade. I also sew some of my clothes using fabric I already have on hand or from upcycled materials. To increase the longevity of my wardrobe, I mend or alter clothes when necessary.
I’ve never been one to enjoy shopping, so prior to taking the pledge to “buy nothing new” I shopped the same stores for a consistent style and color palette, mainly classic attire in black, white, and denim. My wardrobe was simple, but boring and mostly not fair. An interesting thing has happened since I moved to buying secondhand—I’m bringing home pieces that have color, pattern, variety, and details that were missing before. Since I quit shopping (except for thrift stores) I no longer know what’s trendy or fashionable. It’s empowering not to be tied to fashion trends and instead dress uniquely for me.
My journey to a fair wardrobe started in earnest on January 1, 2015 when I pledged to “buy nothing new.” Rather than purchasing new clothes off the racks, I’m filling my wardrobe needs with thrifted apparel. I changed how I dress out of a desire to match my actions with my environmental, social, and economic beliefs.
Since 2015 all of my clothes, with the exception of intimate apparel, have been purchased secondhand. When I do buy new I consider the quality of workmanship, the material used (natural and organic fibers favored), and whether the item is USA-made or fair trade. I also sew some of my clothes using fabric I already have on hand or from upcycled materials. To increase the longevity of my wardrobe, I mend or alter clothes when necessary.
I’ve never been one to enjoy shopping, so prior to taking the pledge to “buy nothing new” I shopped the same stores for a consistent style and color palette, mainly classic attire in black, white, and denim. My wardrobe was simple, but boring and mostly not fair. An interesting thing has happened since I moved to buying secondhand—I’m bringing home pieces that have color, pattern, variety, and details that were missing before. Since I quit shopping (except for thrift stores) I no longer know what’s trendy or fashionable. It’s empowering not to be tied to fashion trends and instead dress uniquely for me.
Does "less" play a role in your fair wardrobe?
I’m somewhat of a minimalist in all areas of my life, and my wardrobe is no exception. For me it’s possible to have less because I’m not required to own unique attire for different aspects of my life. I dress casually for work, home, and going out. When the rare occasion arises that requires a different type of dress, thrift stores become “my closet.” My husband and I attended a black tie event this year, which I pulled together an outfit for $25. After the event I donated the dress and shoes back to the thrift store.
I’m somewhat of a minimalist in all areas of my life, and my wardrobe is no exception. For me it’s possible to have less because I’m not required to own unique attire for different aspects of my life. I dress casually for work, home, and going out. When the rare occasion arises that requires a different type of dress, thrift stores become “my closet.” My husband and I attended a black tie event this year, which I pulled together an outfit for $25. After the event I donated the dress and shoes back to the thrift store.
Do you have a favorite outfit that just makes you feel like you?
My current favorite is a sleeveless dress I made this summer using batik fabric that was gifted to me years earlier from my mom. I love the dress paired with cowboy boots. It’s fun, flirty, and comfortable.
My current favorite is a sleeveless dress I made this summer using batik fabric that was gifted to me years earlier from my mom. I love the dress paired with cowboy boots. It’s fun, flirty, and comfortable.
Do you have a piece in your closet with a special story? Cowboy boots! Would you mind sharing? Two years ago my husband and I were married in the woods of my mom’s rural Montana property. Given the setting, it seemed appropriate to wear cowboy boots. I sought out boots made in the USA and purchased them new. My husband was lucky to find a secondhand pair. I don’t wear my boots often, but I absolutely adore them. It tickles me that my wedding shoes can pass as everyday shoes and will be worn and loved for many years to come.
Do you struggle with any part of buying fair clothing?
I really don’t. I think one of the most powerful forms of activism is voting with our dollar. By making fair clothing choices I’m taking action against social injustice, environmental degradation, and other atrocities that occur in the fashion industry. I balance the high price of fair clothing with the low, low price of thrifted clothes so my pocket book doesn’t take a hit. It also helps that I keep a minimalist wardrobe.
I really don’t. I think one of the most powerful forms of activism is voting with our dollar. By making fair clothing choices I’m taking action against social injustice, environmental degradation, and other atrocities that occur in the fashion industry. I balance the high price of fair clothing with the low, low price of thrifted clothes so my pocket book doesn’t take a hit. It also helps that I keep a minimalist wardrobe.
Do you have any goals for a next step you'd like to take in your own fair fashion future?
Buying clothes secondhand is definitely “slow fashion.” It’s taking me a long time to build a wardrobe I love. One thing that I’ve become adamant about is buying clothing made of 100 percent natural fibers. Building that into my criteria really narrows the options even further. My goal is to whittle out synthetic pieces, as well as clothing that no longer inspires me. I don’t necessarily want to grow my wardrobe; I just want to love everything in it. That takes time and patience with the approach I’m taking.
Fairly recently I started making clothes for myself again. I sewed a lot in my youth, but found it frustrating as an adult. I’d spend a lot of money on fabric and time to make, only to discover my handmade clothes didn’t fit well. I’ve started sewing again and have had more success. There are so many great independent pattern designers emerging. In fact, you have inspired me, Jane, with your series to sew more of my own clothes. I’m also more likely to sew when the investment isn’t high. All the items I’ve made in the last two years have been from fabric I already owned, found in my mom’s stash, or upcycled from thrifted items. Tracing whether fabric is “fair” is sometimes challenging and there’s such material excess that exists that I’m committed to using what’s already available.
I’m also a new knitter, having only made a hat and cowls. I’d like to continue to grow my skills and learn to knit sweaters. The biggest challenge I’ve had in buying secondhand is finding high quality wool sweaters. I’d like to fill that gap with my own handmade woolens.
For the first time ever, I’m building a wardrobe that I love and that is fair to the world. I used to think that cost money, but what I’m learning is it mostly just takes time.
Buying clothes secondhand is definitely “slow fashion.” It’s taking me a long time to build a wardrobe I love. One thing that I’ve become adamant about is buying clothing made of 100 percent natural fibers. Building that into my criteria really narrows the options even further. My goal is to whittle out synthetic pieces, as well as clothing that no longer inspires me. I don’t necessarily want to grow my wardrobe; I just want to love everything in it. That takes time and patience with the approach I’m taking.
Fairly recently I started making clothes for myself again. I sewed a lot in my youth, but found it frustrating as an adult. I’d spend a lot of money on fabric and time to make, only to discover my handmade clothes didn’t fit well. I’ve started sewing again and have had more success. There are so many great independent pattern designers emerging. In fact, you have inspired me, Jane, with your series to sew more of my own clothes. I’m also more likely to sew when the investment isn’t high. All the items I’ve made in the last two years have been from fabric I already owned, found in my mom’s stash, or upcycled from thrifted items. Tracing whether fabric is “fair” is sometimes challenging and there’s such material excess that exists that I’m committed to using what’s already available.
I’m also a new knitter, having only made a hat and cowls. I’d like to continue to grow my skills and learn to knit sweaters. The biggest challenge I’ve had in buying secondhand is finding high quality wool sweaters. I’d like to fill that gap with my own handmade woolens.
For the first time ever, I’m building a wardrobe that I love and that is fair to the world. I used to think that cost money, but what I’m learning is it mostly just takes time.
All photos courtesy of Julie Fathy.
We can find more of Julie and her story at thebeautyinsimple... and her lovely Instagram!
Thanks so much for inspiring us with your unique approach to fair in the closet, and thanks too for taking the Fairdare, Julie!
We can find more of Julie and her story at thebeautyinsimple... and her lovely Instagram!
Thanks so much for inspiring us with your unique approach to fair in the closet, and thanks too for taking the Fairdare, Julie!
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