Add a Little Flair

Photo by Irina Kalchenko

In the plight to create and maintain a minimal, ethical, eco-conscious and sustainable wardrobe, many of us have foregone much distinction or novelty. We have blended well into a blank canvas appreciatively unnoticed. However, in our protest of fast fashion, climate change and the multitude of social injustices connected to our closets, have we eschewed taking pride and enjoyment from our clothing? Can a disciplined, ethical wardrobe have some color and panache—some fashion? As we emerge from a year plus of social distancing, masks and avoiding crowds, the desire to go out, dress up and add some flair is only natural. We want to be seen. 

Emily Post wrote, "In the world of smart society—in America at any rate—clothes not only represent our ticket of admission, but our contribution to the effect of a party. What makes a brilliant party? Clothes. Good clothes. A frumpy party is nothing more nor less than a collection of badly dressed persons. People with all the brains, even all the beauty imaginable, make an assemblage of dowds, unless they are well dressed."

Those of us who are on the minimalist spectrum and take our purchases seriously, are finding a growing organic movement of retailers focused on our demands. As someone who has studied the small, chic closets of well-heeled French women, their ability to add a bit of flair to a capsule wardrobe is an art. The movement today among the fashionable elite, especially in Europe, is finding that flair and distinction through beautiful, handmade, eco-friendly pieces. Small batch rather than mass machine made. 

As someone who calculates their carbon foot print, I shy away from clothing that is too conspicuous. Again, as Emily Post remarked over a hundred years ago (and still rings true), "A very striking dress can not be worn many times without making others as well as its owner feel bored at the sight of it." Therefore, it makes sense not to overly invest in clothing that can't be continuously and consistently worn. However, weaving a handful of quality, celebratory pieces into one's wardrobe that have longevity (probably not Pucci prints or overly ornate styles), but elegant, tasteful patterns and colors, adds life. For example, French women are known for adding a colorful handmade scarf, an embellished shoe, a decorative sweater, a statement piece of jewelry, etc. to a mostly discreet, understated wardrobe. It breaks up the monotony of a monochrome closet.

In building an elegant, sustainable and ethical wardrobe, it is important to note—just as wearing too many bright, colorful, exaggerated pieces is not chic— only wearing bland clothing isn't either. As in all things in life, balance and moderation are key.