10 tips to celebrate in style while caring for the planet

Whether you're dressing up for a wedding, party, or festival, here are 10 tips on how you can seize the festive fervour while caring for the planet.

In today's world, celebrations are not just about joy and togetherness; they’re also an opportunity to reflect on how our choices impact the planet. With growing awareness of environmental issues, many people are looking for ways to celebrate in style without compromising their values. With the rise of sustainable fashion and accessories, it’s easier than ever to make environmentally-friendly choices without compromising on aesthetics.

Whether you’re dressing up for a wedding, party, or festival, here are 10 tips by Anuradha Chandrasekar, Co-founder of ICH Creative Consulting, on how you can seize the festive fervour while caring for the planet.

1. Sustainable Fabrics for the Win: Choosing garments made from sustainable fabrics is a great first step towards eco-friendly fashion. Look for pieces crafted from organic cotton, viscose or vegan silks, bamboo, Tencel, hemp, or recycled materials like polyester made from plastic bottles. These fabrics not only have a lower environmental impact, but they are often softer and more breathable, ensuring comfort while you dazzle at your event.

2. Timeless Pieces over Fast Fashion: Instead of succumbing to fast fashion for one-time event outfits, invest in timeless, versatile pieces that can be styled in different ways. Classic silhouettes like an elegant wrap suit set, a well-tailored column coord, or a chic traditional weave silk saree can be worn across multiple events with subtle tweaks to the draping style or accessories. Sarees especially win on this thought with its six yard elegance that can be styled in over 100 different ways, and easily upcycled to a whole new outfit!

3. Rental Fashion: Borrow, Don’t Buy: One of the best ways to enjoy stylish outfits without contributing to fashion waste is by renting your clothing. Whether it's a stunning gown, saree, a sharp tuxedo, or a unique statement piece, rental platforms offer a wide range of high-quality, designer outfits for a fraction of the price. This allows you to look fabulous without buying new clothes that might only be worn once.

4. Accessorise with Sustainability in Mind: Opt for jewellery made from recycled metals, wood and silk, ethically-sourced gemstones, or handcrafted pieces by artisans. For handbags and clutches, look for sustainable alternatives made from vegan leather, cork, or upcycled clutches made from sarees and production waste.

5. Vintage and Second-Hand Treasures: Vintage shopping is a fantastic way to find unique, stylish pieces while reducing the environmental impact of fashion. Not only does buying second-hand extend the life of garments and accessories, but it also gives you access to classic, high-quality items with a story behind them.

6. Upcycle and Reimagine: Give your existing wardrobe a refresh by upcycling older pieces into something new. A skilled tailor can transform an outdated dress into a trendy two-piece or adjust a traditional outfit into a modern silhouette.

7. Care for What You Own: Sustainable fashion doesn’t stop at buying eco-friendly items—it’s about caring for what you own. Extend the life of your garments and accessories by properly maintaining them. Hand wash delicate fabrics, avoid over washing, and store your accessories properly to prevent damage. Investing in quality items and maintaining them with care ensures your wardrobe lasts longer, reducing your need for new purchases and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

8. Eco-Friendly Décor: Gone are the days of single-use plastic decorations. Consider eco-friendly alternatives such as biodegradable streamers, plantable confetti, or natural elements like flowers and greenery to adorn your venue. Reusable or recyclable materials, such as cloth banners and paper lanterns, can bring elegance and charm while reducing waste. Handmade or upcycled decor can add a personalised touch that’s good for the planet.

9. Mindful Gifting: Gift-giving can be sustainable too. Encourage your guests to bring eco-conscious gifts like reusable items, plants, or experiences instead of physical goods. If you’re hosting a large event, consider setting up a registry focused on sustainable or ethical brands. Alternatively, ask guests to contribute to a cause you care about, such as tree planting or charitable donations, as a way to celebrate with meaning.

10. Responsible Waste Management: Celebrations often lead to waste, but with a little planning, you can minimise the impact. Set up clearly labelled recycling and compost stations to help your guests dispose of waste responsibly. Reduce plastic waste by offering reusable or biodegradable cups, plates, and utensils. Encourage your caterers to package leftovers in eco-friendly containers or, better yet, provide guests with reusable containers to take home any excess food.

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Conclusion: When shopping, think quality over quantity—opting for pieces that will last for years and can be re-worn or upcycled is a sustainable move that never goes out of style. Sustainable fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle choice. So, whether it’s a wedding, Diwali party, birthday, or holiday gathering, you can celebrate knowing that you’re leaving a lighter footprint on the Earth while still enjoying every moment in panache.