It can be tough trying to live a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle in the 21st century. Fast fashion is everywhere we look, and is frequently the cheaper option. Sustainable clothing, on the other hand, can be expensive and hard to find. And it's hard to resist the urge to buy the newest, hottest items. But once you're ready to make the commitment, these tips will help you to build a functional, sustainable wardrobe that will work for you.

1. Start With the Basics

It's easy to get overwhelmed looking at all the beautiful clothing from large sustainable brands like Reformation. These pieces are likely out of your price range, at least most of the time, and aren't going to help you create a wardrobe for everyday life. A great way to begin this journey is by sitting down and writing out all the basic pieces you'll need to get through life.

Start from the top and work your way down, from hats and scarves to your footwear. You may want to invest in some versatile black heels, or a pair of white leather sneakers that can be worn with any outfit. It's best at the beginning to invest in high quality, neutral-colored clothing that will pair well with everything else in your wardrobe. Exciting colors and prints are perfectly fine, in moderation, but you'll find at the beginning it's best to stick with simplicity.

2. Be Forward-Thinking

When purchasing a new article of clothing, ask yourself how many times it will be worn in the next five, ten, twenty years. If you truly can't see yourself wearing the piece more than a couple times in that period, it may be time to put it back on the rack. Impulse purchases aren't a great idea when you're trying to build a sustainable wardrobe.

Instead, try to look at clothing and see the impact it has on the world, and the impact it could have on your life. Shopping doesn't have to stop being fun and entertaining, it just requires a different outlook. With more and more brands committing to sustainability, your choices aren't limited to beige, stiff material, and you can find clothing you love if you look hard enough.

3. Shop Your Wardrobe

Building a new wardrobe can be exciting, but it can also pressure you to buy things that you don't necessarily need. You may already have something that's on your shopping list right now. Go through your closet regularly, and be familiar with the items you already own. It may surprise you how frequently you'll find something that can satisfy a perceived lack.

An essential part of living sustainably is taking care of what you already have. Particularly with footwear and leather items, it's a good practice to have them cleaned and maintained by a professional. You can even maintain them yourself, by getting a few essential items and setting a schedule for yourself. Your leather boots will look as good as new if you take the time to clean and protect the material, and you'll find yourself replacing these items a lot less. A sustainable wardrobe should end up saving you money, in the end, in spite of potentially costing more up front.

It's important to remember that living sustainably isn't about being perfect and never buying a single item that hasn't been certified as sustainable. All you can do is weigh your decisions carefully and do your best to make choices that will add up to a more sustainable life. Building your wardrobe by using these tips will help you to do that, and in no time you'll have a closet full of pieces that will last you a lifetime.