It is incredible how something simple and trendy like buying second-hand shows to be the best choice for the planet and ourselves when paired with a healthy decluttering and an organised spring cleaning.

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Choosing second-hand can help our finances and break today's consumeristic chain. To kickstart the change, consider decluttering. Interiors therapist Suzanne Roynon offers expert advice on how to carry out a sustainable spring cleaning.

Social Habits And Data

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We all collect more than we need either for the sentimental link to gift, an impulsive shopping spree or the hope to squeeze back inside some dear, old and shrunk clothes. An annual wardrobe spring clean can be the perfect way to give unwanted clothing a new lease of life. The latest data from Shpock’s annual Second Hand Effect report, released ahead of World Environment Day (5th June), shows Britons potentially saved 5,175 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions last year by buying and selling on the app – which is the equivalent amount of emissions as driving around the world in a standard car 574 times or driving to the moon 60 times.

Pros Of Decluttering And Second-hand

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Decluttering is a satisfying and healthy habit to gain more space and clear our mind in one go. It often starts from clothing and it ignites a green renovation. Giving away, or re-homing pre-owned clothing contributes to a circular economy; while buying second-hand translates into saving in gas emission, usage of water and wastage during the production chain. From January 2021 to March 2021, Shpock data saw the number of fashion items sold on its website increase by a third on average (33%) and future predictions show that by shopping on marketplaces, Britons could be potentially saving 1.2 million tonnes of plastic, 7.8 million tonnes of steel and 0.7 million tonnes of aluminium.

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Interiors therapist Suzanne Roynon shares her top tips and tricks on how to carry out a sustainable spring clean:

1. 'Give yourself time and focus on items not bringing you joy. Spring cleaning the wardrobe isn’t a ten-minute job, but when you get it right, you’ll save yourself countless hours in the months and years to come. Take everything out of your wardrobe and pile it on the bed. This is where you get totally honest about each item; does it remind you of anything unhappy, disappointing, hurtful or bring you down in any way?'
2. 'Always Think Sustainably - give pre-loved items a new home. When it comes to letting your unwanted clothes and possessions go, use marketplaces to sell items on, they have a huge array of buyers and it's also a great way to earn money. Never send stuff to a landfill.'
3. 'Tackle drawers, shelves and anywhere else you keep foldable clothes. Follow the same principles to assess how they make you feel and if anything does not make the grade, let it go. Do the same with accessories, jewellery, gadgets, and products – anything you don’t use isn’t serving you and it’s taking up space.'
4. 'Time to organise and clean - give the items you're keeping a fresh space. Before putting anything away, vacuum and give every drawer and cupboard a wipe down with a suitable cleaning product inside and out. Your clothes deserve a fresh, clean space and so do you!'
5. 'Think about the clothes-hangers you use. The brain responds well when things are ordered, so using hangers which match rather than a jumble of odd shapes and colours is a simple mind-hack as well as being visually rewarding.'
6. 'Order your wardrobe. Hang clothes so items of the same type are together and sort them by length; that way you’ll know exactly where to find your perfect outfit every day. This method makes putting away laundry much more straightforward and your eye will appreciate the organisation each time you open the door.'

The 'three Rs' rule never fails: reduce, reuse, recycle.

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Comfort Wraps, Resort Dreams

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All-over Logos And Cascade Of Pleats

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Saturate Or Shine Bright!

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When you think of business casual, what comes to mind? For some, the image of trouser-suits, neckties, skirts, and heels comes to the forefront. Others might picture more relaxed attire that doesn’t feel so “formal” and stuffy.

The reason people think differently about what business casual looks like is because it’s been a major “grey area” for years.

Up until the 1990s, suits and ties were considered traditional in an office setting. When a new generation came into the business world, they brought with them a more relaxed sense of style. While it hasn’t completely erased the suit and tie generation, it’s clear that there is more focus on the “casual” today than there was in the past.

Some of the most famous names in the world of business and industry have adopted an affection for casual attire, from Mark Zuckerburg to the late Steve Jobs. Richard Branson’s company doesn’t even have a dress code, and instead, uses a casual work environment as a way to boost productivity.

The definition of business casual is constantly changing, and that will likely continue. So, what does it look like today? What is acceptable to wear to work, and why are certain trends currently in style?

Creating a Casual Environment

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• More motivated employees
• Better attitudes
• Reduced stress
• Increased productivity
• Supportive employees
• Boosted creativity

Casual attire is becoming even more prominent in the startup industry. If you choose to further your education to get an MBA and build your own business, you’ll quickly see that. You’ll also get to decide on the kind of environment you want your business to build its foundation upon. With the benefits of casual attire, this decision may be crucial.

Work environments, in general, have also seen a change. Most recently, the gig economy and remote working have both seen a huge boost. This is due, in part, to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the other hand, remote working was becoming more popular even before the pandemic hit. When people can work from home or their favourite cafe, they can dress in whatever makes them feel comfortable. As a result, they’re bound to get more done wearing their favourite shirt instead of a suit and tie. It’s one less thing they have to think about, so they can focus on their job, rather than being uncomfortable and stuffy.

What Are the Current Trends?

Although many workers today prefer casualty, it doesn’t mean that all offices consist of employees wearing t-shirts and blue jeans. The basics of business casual attire today include a jumper, chinos, and an optional shirt and tie for men. For women, the norm tends to be a blouse, dress slacks, and close-toed shoes. The current trend is for things to fit snugly, but not too tightly. Needless to say, the shoulder pads and boxy looks of the ’80s are long gone.

What should you do, though, when the dress code is super casual, or there isn’t a dress code at all? Don’t assume that it’s an excuse to wear dirty, ragged clothes to work every day. You can still look your best and feel your best while maintaining a sense of professionalism. There are some basic rules to follow that usually work for everyone, including:

• Wear what makes you feel confident
• Tie your look together with a few accessories
• Choose shoes that aren’t dirty, even if they aren’t dress shoes
• Have fun with prints and patterns
• Consider any first impressions you might have to make

Even if you’re working remotely, you’re going to feel better about yourself and your workday if you take the time to really “get dressed” in the morning, rather than spending the day in gym clothes or whatever you may have slept in. It’s still important to take pride in what you wear so you can feel confident and motivated, no matter what the current trends are.

Where Fashion Meets the Future

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One current business casual trend that is impossible to ignore is sustainable fashion. It’s not just becoming popular in the business world, of course. Sustainable fashion is something prominent on the minds of consumers, considering 13 million tons of textile waste is produced across the globe each year. Even some fashion designers are starting to adapt their designs and creations to become a part of the sustainability movement.

You can’t ignore the fact that sustainability has caused a shift in what people look for in business casual attire. Thankfully, since sustainable fashion is becoming so popular, it’s easier than you might think to jump on board, by shopping at second hand shops or recycling your clothing in other ways. You can also shop with companies that are dedicated to sustainability, including wrapping things together with ethical jewellery that betters the planet and positively impacts human rights, all at once.

Once again, current business casual fashion trends reflect the state the world is in. From the popularity of remote working to concerns about the environment, current workplace fashion is an accurate depiction of where we are as a society — constantly evolving and changing along with the people.

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