Here at Abingdon Town Magazine, we’re always eager to find new ways to keep green and protect our environment, and it’s no secret that fast fashion is to be avoided at all costs to maintain this. Here, we speak to Lucy Briggs, the brains behind planet-conscious personal styling company, Sustainably Styled to learn more about what this Abingdon-based organisation has to offer.
What is your role at Sustainably Styled?
Founder, Stylist, Marketing department, admin... and general dogsbody – it's just me!
Can you tell us a little about your business and what it provides?
Sustainably Styled is a personalised styling service that promotes body confidence and sustainable wardrobes. Feeling stylish is not about buying the latest trends; it starts with learning about your own style personality and the colours and shapes that you like to wear and concludes with a wardrobe that also compliments your lifestyle. I work with my client to have a positive mindset about their bodies by "reframing" those negative thoughts.
What do you think is the biggest obstacle people come across when styling their wardrobe?
The biggest challenge for clients is breaking those negative thoughts that have accumulated over the years. As humans, we tend to fixate on the negatives rather than seeing the bigger, more positive, picture. Learnt behaviour can prevent us from seeing ourselves impartially whereas, in actual fact, we are all someone else's goal!
When did your interest in sustainability start?
I think it was the "Blue Planet effect". That program had such an impact on me, and I knew I wanted to change my ways. I was a bit of a fast fashion addict, and I would "treat" myself on payday to something new (invariably not great quality and a bit too trendy to be of use next season). So, I had a year off buying anything new which was very enlightening! During that time, I also did a free course with Fashion Revolution and started to research where and how my clothes were made.
What is a common misconception about sustainable fashion?
Either that it's all made from un-dyed hemp or that you have to have a big budget! Sustainable means that it is positive for the environment – economically and socially – if you are paying £5 for a t-shirt, then the company must be making large volumes and paying garment workers very little in order to make a profit. It's true, some sustainable clothing brands are expensive, but they want to ensure all materials are ethically sourced and that garment workers are paid a proper wage. Excitingly, there are new players in the industry making smaller collections to order, meaning they only make what they know will sell and can keep overheads low. Don't forget, the most sustainable items are already made! Shopping from your own wardrobe is the best place to start, followed by second-hand and vintage clothes.
Why do you think it is so important for communities to have access to an organisation like yours?
Personal styling isn't about shopping, it's first and foremost about confidence and education. Loss or lack of confidence can prevent you from doing the things you want and being the best version of yourself. From an environmental point of view, as consumers, it's important to put our money where our mouth is! Fast fashion (and now ultra-fast fashion) is having a devastating effect on the planet so knowing how to shop consciously and where to shop for your budget will make a big difference.
When was The Sustainably Styled created?
I qualified as a Style Coach with The Style Coaching Institute in April 2021 but the idea for Sustainably Styled was bubbling away for a couple of years prior. I used a stylist myself a few years ago when I felt I had lost my way with my wardrobe after my children were born. The process was such a boost for my self-confidence – I realised that I wanted to help others in my situation combined with my love of style and sustainability. Being a Style Coach means promoting a client's inner beauty, empowering them to a healthy body image.
What has been your favourite experience or memory since involvement?
I love seeing that light-bulb moment with a client "oh, wow, actually I look good in this" Their whole demeanour changes; they're smiling, and their posture instantly opens and becomes bolder.
Do you have a style inspiration?
I love people who really own their style, and wear a lot of colour! Iris Apfel for her love of clashing prints. Andi Oliver because she dresses so joyfully and looks fabulous. And I love a bit of Trinny!
What's next for Sustainably Styled?
Lots! As well as the styling I am doing more educational talks. I'll be organising some Clothes Swaps to promote circular fashion and I have an exciting project with a local primary school to speak to the children about sustainability in our clothes.
