Refresh Your Autumn Wardrobe The Sustainable Way

Autumn is the perfect time to rethink your wardrobe. Cooler mornings, darker evenings and changing plans can make getting dressed feel a little different, so it’s a great opportunity to take stock of what you already own and make more considered choices for the season ahead...

Building a sustainable autumn wardrobe doesn’t mean completely changing your style or buying an entirely new collection of clothes. A few thoughtful habits can help you make better use of the pieces you already have, shop more carefully and keep your wardrobe feeling fresh throughout the season.

Whether you’re heading back to university, starting an apprenticeship, settling into a new job or preparing for a busy autumn, here are some simple ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable.

Start With A Wardrobe Clear-Out

Before heading to the shops, have a proper look through your wardrobe.

Pull out your autumn clothes and see what you already have. You might find jumpers you forgot about, a jacket that needs a little styling or a pair of boots that could see you through another season.

Separate your clothes into a few simple categories: pieces you wear regularly, items that need repairing, clothes you could donate or sell, and anything you no longer want.

A wardrobe clear-out can also help you spot gaps. If you already own several pairs of jeans, for example, you probably don’t need another pair. You might discover that what you’re actually missing is a versatile coat or a pair of everyday shoes.

Taking stock before shopping can help you make more intentional purchases.

Choose Pieces You’ll Wear Again And Again

Sustainability starts with getting plenty of use from the clothes you own.

When shopping for autumn, think about how many outfits you could create with each new item. A neutral knit could work with jeans, tailored trousers, skirts and dresses. A good overshirt could become an extra layer for chilly mornings, while a classic pair of trainers could work for everything from lectures to weekend plans.

Think about your existing wardrobe before buying something new. The more easily a piece fits into your current rotation, the more wear you’re likely to get from it.

It’s also worth considering your lifestyle. If you walk to university every day, practical outerwear and comfortable footwear may earn more wear than something bought for one specific occasion.

Look After The Clothes You Already Own

One of the easiest ways to make your wardrobe more sustainable is to take better care of what you already have.

Check the care label before washing your clothes and follow the recommended instructions. Washing clothes less frequently when appropriate can also help keep them in good condition for longer.

Small repairs can make a big difference too. A loose button, small tear or missing zip doesn’t necessarily mean an item needs replacing. Learning a few basic sewing skills can help you extend the life of your favourite pieces.

You could even make autumn your season for giving your wardrobe a little TLC.

Shop Second-Hand Items First

Second-hand fashion can be a great way to give clothes a new home while adding something different to your wardrobe.

Platforms such as Vinted and Depop make it easy to browse pre-loved clothing, footwear and accessories. Charity shops and vintage stores are also worth exploring, especially if you’re looking for coats, knitwear, denim or statement pieces.

Second-hand shopping can take a little patience. Give yourself time to browse, check measurements and look closely at the condition of each item before buying.

You could also sell or donate pieces from your own wardrobe that you no longer wear. This can free up space and give someone else the chance to enjoy them.

Build Your Autumn Wardrobe Around Layers

Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so layering is your best friend.

Rather than buying lots of separate outfits, build your wardrobe around pieces that can be worn together in different combinations.

Think long-sleeve tops, cardigans, jumpers, overshirts, jackets and coats. These can be mixed and matched depending on the temperature and occasion.

Layering also gives your existing clothes a new lease of life. A summer dress can work with tights and a jumper, while a lightweight shirt can become part of an autumn outfit underneath a knit or jacket.

Getting creative with what you already own can make your wardrobe feel much bigger.

Invest In Quality Where It Counts

When you do need to buy something new, think about longevity.

Some autumn essentials tend to get plenty of wear, making them worth considering carefully before purchasing. A warm coat, everyday boots, good-quality knitwear or a reliable pair of trainers can become regular parts of your wardrobe.

Check the fabric, stitching and construction of an item before buying it. Think about whether you can see yourself wearing it next autumn too.

Price is also worth considering alongside cost per wear. A piece you wear dozens of times can make more sense for your wardrobe than something bought for a single event.

Make Your Existing Clothes Feel New

You don’t always need a new item to create a new look.

Try styling your existing clothes differently. Roll your sleeves, add a belt, layer a shirt underneath a jumper or experiment with accessories you haven’t worn recently.

You could also swap clothes with friends. A jumper or jacket that has become familiar to you might feel completely different when someone else styles it.

Clothes swaps can be a fun way to refresh your wardrobe while keeping unwanted pieces in circulation.

Think Before You Buy

Impulse shopping can quickly lead to a wardrobe full of clothes you rarely wear.

Before buying something, ask yourself a few questions:

• Can I style it with at least three things I already own?

• Will I wear it regularly?

• Do I already own something similar?

• Is it suitable for the autumn weather?

• Would I still want it if it wasn’t on sale?

Giving yourself a little time before checking out can help you decide whether something genuinely belongs in your wardrobe.

Use Fashion Discounts More Thoughtfully

Shopping sustainably can also mean being smarter about how you spend.

If you’ve identified something you genuinely need, check whether you can save on it through TOTUM before buying. TOTUM Fashion section features offers across clothing, footwear, sportswear, accessories and more.

For example, TOTUM members can currently access up to 20% off womenswear and menswear at New on selected clothing, footwear and accessories.

There’s also 10% off almost everything online at ASOS, giving you another option when you’re looking for autumn staples.

The TOTUM Fashion page also currently features a boosted 20% off everything including sale at JD Sports, alongside offers from a wide range of other fashion retailers.

The key is to use discounts alongside a shopping plan. Finding a saving can make a planned purchase more affordable, while having a clear idea of what you need can help avoid unnecessary additions to your wardrobe.

Choose A Few Autumn Staples

You don’t need dozens of new pieces to create a wardrobe that works for the season.

Start with a few reliable staples that can be styled in different ways. Depending on your personal style, these could include:

• A versatile autumn coat

• A cosy jumper

• A pair of everyday trousers or jeans

• Comfortable trainers or boots

• Long-sleeve tops for layering

• A versatile jacket

• A few accessories for changing up outfits

Once you have your core pieces, you can build different outfits around them using clothes you already own.

This approach can make getting dressed easier while helping you avoid buying something new every time you want to create a different look.

Make Sustainable Shopping A Habit

Creating a more sustainable wardrobe is something you can build into your everyday shopping habits.

Start by checking what you own, plan what you actually need and look for pieces that can work across multiple outfits. Take care of your clothes once they’re in your wardrobe and think about where unwanted items could go when you’re ready to move them on.

And when you do need to shop, check your available discounts before paying. TOTUM has hundreds of offers across fashion and other everyday categories, so checking the latest deals can help you make your budget stretch further.

Create An Autumn Wardrobe You’ll Love

A sustainable autumn wardrobe can start with a simple change in the way you shop.

Clear out what you no longer wear, make the most of your existing clothes, experiment with new ways to style your favourite pieces and choose new additions with plenty of wear in mind.

When you’re ready to shop, head to the TOTUM Fashion section to see the latest offers available across your favourite brands.

Your autumn wardrobe doesn’t need to be bigger. It needs to work harder!