Describing her style as “grandma chic,” this Fashionista embodies the poise of a dignified, well-respected woman—I think of the Grand Duchess in Anastasia. One would never think that her luxurious coat by Herman Kay was only $5 at a small vintage store in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The pashmina scarf—a staple of any fashionable older woman—is draped effortlessly around her neck, the golden tassels float just above her coat buttons, inlaid with gold detailing.
Beneath her outer layers, this Fashionista reveals a more down-to-earth approach to her style. What’s more practical than a black turtleneck for the upcoming colder months? Probably this Fashionista’s well-worn black ankle boots, perfect for marching across campus in all kinds of weather. The muted gray-green trousers also add elements of comfort and casualness to her otherwise lavish outfit. The rugged material and the subtle patchwork of the pants paired with her opulent outer layers construct a balanced composition as well.
While this Fashionista definitely has an eye for unique pieces and a talent in styling those pieces together, there is more to the story! Behind this carefully curated ensemble is a pursuit in ethical fashion and a refusal to support inhumane practices that are more often than not interwoven within the production of our clothing. After asking this Fashionista where she acquired the different elements of her outfit, I found out that she is an advocate for recycled clothing, particularly through thrifting. For the past three years, she has been making a conscious effort against purchasing clothes from large commercial companies that profit off of their exploitation of women and children laborers in sweatshops abroad. That being said, she does realize that such an endeavor is easier said than done. She herself is wearing two products (her boots and her pants) from Urban Outfitters—a company which is actually taking steps against fast fashion as well; they recently debuted an in-house line of repurposed clothing called Rework over the summer. Otherwise, her ribbed turtleneck is thrifted and her necklace is handmade by Athens local artist Rhys May. Supporting local business is a win too!
Taking steps against unethical practices within the fashion industry can certainly be a sacrifice when you’re a broke college student forgoing the cheap prices of fast fashion global leaders such as H&M and Zara, but it is incredibly more beneficial in the long run. When you think of clothes as investments for the future rather than meaningless scraps that can be thrown away and replaced, you’ll spend your money in a more frugal way, and you’ll be avoiding the cycle of re-buying the same low-quality clothes from unethical companies.
This Fashionista proves that you can still stay true to your style as an enlightened consumer empowered with the dedication to boycott unethical practices.
