What to Wear and Why

Your Guilt-Free Guide to Sustainable Fashion

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Pub Date Sep 03 2024 | Archive Date Oct 31 2024
1517 Media | Broadleaf Books

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Description

"Clear, concise, and compelling." 
Booklist

"An engaging and well-argued exposé of the fashion system." 
Library Journal

"Fashionistas would do well to check this out.”
Publishers Weekly

It's time to rethink what clothes we buy, wear, and toss out, knowing that we can have a positive environmental impact while still looking good and dressing well.

Reportedly, the clothing industry produces 80 billion garments a year, employs 15 percent of the world's population, exploits labor, and seriously pollutes the environment. However, we as consumers have the power to make a difference with the clothing choices we make. In What to Wear and Why, top fashion writer turned sustainability activist Tiffanie Darke sheds light on the unsustainable practices and immense environmental impact of the fashion industry and presents a compelling argument for why transformative change is urgently needed.

Drawing on her extensive fashion experience and expertise, Darke offers practical guidance on how we as consumers can make a difference in the industry's environmental impact. What to Wear and Why also celebrates those who are already doing so, from environmental activists to sustainable fashion pioneers, giving us examples of how fashion sustainability can work in the real world.

Whether you're a fashionista who cares passionately about sustainability, an environmental advocate seeking to learn more about the impact of fashion, or simply someone who wants to be a part of the change, What to Wear and Why is your go-to guide to a more sustainable future.

"Clear, concise, and compelling." 
Booklist

"An engaging and well-argued exposé of the fashion system." 
Library Journal

"Fashionistas would do well to check this out.”
Publishers Weekly

It's time to...


A Note From the Publisher

- Draws on research to explore the complex relationship between fashion, sustainability, and environmental justice
- Offers practical solutions for consumers, fashionistas, and environmentalists for a more sustainable future
- Helps consumers rethink what they wear, what they put in their closet, and how that can make an environmental difference
- Written by a top fashion writer and sustainability activist with deep connections in the fashion industry and news media

- Draws on research to explore the complex relationship between fashion, sustainability, and environmental justice
- Offers practical solutions for consumers, fashionistas, and environmentalists for...


Advance Praise

“Many fashion and sustainability experts have chimed in to sound the alarm on how much clothing the world consumes, especially in the form of massively polluting "fast fashion." But none have done it as deftly as Darke in this clear, concise, and compelling guide."
Booklist

“An engaging and well-argued exposé of the fashion system. There is no scolding to put readers on the defensive; instead, the approachable tone gives a 'we’re in this together' feeling. There is plenty of factual background, along with practical and actionable tips to make an immediate change to the way readers relate to their wardrobes.”
Library Journal

“The author buttresses her savvy insider’s perspective with extensive research, resulting in an account that identifies fast fashion’s harms while celebrating clothes as a source of 'confidence and self-identity, imagination and fantasy.' Fashionistas would do well to check this out.”
Publishers Weekly

“I absolutely fell in love with Tiffanie’s writing and her way of inspiring consumers to be in charge of their own responsible fashion journey. She inspires us to participate in responsible fashion by shining a light on the stories that our clothes and our choices of clothes are telling.” 
Annette Felder, designer, Felder + Felder 

“Thank you, Tiffanie Darke. It’s the book all us guilty normals have been waiting for. An informed fashion sustainability primer that reads with the accessible sass and charge of a magazine article. It will give you x-ray specs on your wardrobe without leaving you feeling weighed down by shame.” 
Kate Spicer, journalist, Financial Times and The Times 

“Tiffanie cuts through all the green-washing hype and lets you know the real cost of your wardrobe. You’ll never look at your closet’s contents in the same way ever again!” 
Patrick Cox, designer 

“Tiffanie’s writing on sustainability in fashion is clear-eyed and rigorous, but she also captures vividly the life-enhancing joy of fashion in everyday life—and how we can achieve that joy mindfully.” 
Lindsay Baker, BBC Culture 

“Tiffanie’s writing brings a fresh, sexy, and informative look into the current fashion climate and how sustainability needs to be at the forefront of every conversation. Every word Tiffanie writes is captivating, and her work couldn’t be more important for educating consumers, challenging brands, and celebrating those who are already leading us down a path of sustainability.” 
Emily Fenver, aka The Landerline 

“Fashion is such a powerful, creative, and entertaining force. I love how Tiffanie champions it and also has a clear vision about how we can all build a more sustainable future for our wardrobes and cherish the things we have for the long haul.”  
Anne-Marie Curtis, editor in chief, The Calendar Magazine 

“Tiffanie is a brilliant chronicler of all things fashion and brings her deep experience as a top-flight editor to explaining how the industry works and how our buying habits can create the change we need to save the planet. Her writing sparkles with insight, intelligence, and a deep commitment to enjoying and preserving the way clothes can make us feel better about ourselves and express our identity. But also an understanding of how the industry has to shift for that to go on being possible. An important voice.” 
Eleanor Mills, journalist and founder of Noon 

“Tiffanie’s writing is remarkable. She has an innate ability to tell a story in her writing that feels like a movie instead of a book.” 
Alexa Curtis, Be Fearless blog 

“Tiffanie’s writing on sustainability goes beyond the standard rhetoric, as she dives deeper into discussions to examine concrete and measurable ways in which companies—and consumers—can control and manage their environmental impact. With the perspective of a fashion lover, it is always inspiring to discover alternative ways to enjoy fashion without sacrificing environmental ethics.” 
Alison Hoetzel, Officina del Pioggio 

“Tiffanie’s writing is approachable, inspiring, and informative. A must-read.”  
Diana Verde Nieto, founder, Positive Luxury 

“When I want to commission a journalist to write about sustainability in fashion, Tiffanie is always my go-to for her knowledge, passion, and ability to take a difficult subject and make it joyful. Tiffanie’s boundless enthusiasm is infectious, and she practices what she preaches, proving you can love fashion and be green.” 
Lindsay Frankel, The Mail on Sunday, MailOnline 

“The impact Tiffanie’s writing has had on the Sustainable Fashion movement has been game-changing! She is a leading voice in bringing this vital issue into mainstream conversation, and the ripples of that on the trajectory of the fashion world are already being felt far and wide. This is a must-read book for everyone committed to living a sustainable and stylish life, as well as those who may still need a little convincing that it’s possible to do so.”  
Nicky O’Malley, Purposeful Partnerships Specialist, Global Action Plan

“Many fashion and sustainability experts have chimed in to sound the alarm on how much clothing the world consumes, especially in the form of massively polluting "fast fashion." But none have done it...


Marketing Plan

  • National and online publicity campaign to fashion media, environmental media, and news media
  • Trade advertising
  • Social media and digital campaign targeting fashionistas, environmentalists, and social justice readers interested in sustainability
  • Op-ed and article placement based on author's extensive media connections
  • Influencer campaign surrounding Fashion Week
  • National and online publicity campaign to fashion media, environmental media, and news media
  • Trade advertising
  • Social media and digital campaign targeting fashionistas, environmentalists, and social...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781506497006
PRICE $27.99 (USD)
PAGES 262

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Featured Reviews

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the advanced reader's copy of this publication.
What a comprehensive explanation on all things fashion from style to fabric. This book should be a must read for everyone from fashionista to causal shopper! I learned so much about what I should be buying and what I should be avoiding.
Well done!

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Whether you're a fashionista who cares passionately about sustainability, an environmental advocate seeking to learn more about the impact of fashion, or simply someone who wants to be a part of the change, What to Wear and Why is your go-to guide to a more sustainable future.

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“Carrie Bradshaw has a lot to answer for”

Darke has nailed it with this look at overconsumption of fashion, the ginormous amount of waste, greenhouse gas emissions, products made from materials that won’t disappear for years, slave labor in places like China and Bangladesh, and us as consumers mindlessly buying more and more with little thought to the impact on the world.
Time to fess up. I’m a hoarder. I have vintage clothes collected in the 70’s, clothing I adore that I can’t use and find hard to give away. I did find a home for a 50’s dress I loved, but that’s just one piece. How to repurpose clothing I don’t want to see dumped in Africa. That wonderful slashed to the waist velvet ball gown, and bolero jacket cut on the bias that had been a friend’s grandmother’s worn at a mayoral ball in the early 1900’s. I can’t let that go to someone who won’t love it. Yes, in the 70’s I wore it and felt fabulous.
I’ve taken a stand and won’t buy directly from Shein or Temu, supported by questionable labor and the People’s Republic of China. If you think world trade domination is not their focus I have news for you.
But what about Bangladesh, the horrific fire of Dhaka, that brought into focus what our grab for fashion, our throw away fashion knockoffs, is doing on a global scale.
I underlined so much of this book it looked like a redacted Wikileaks pages. That was before shoes even raised their head. Oh my 🤦‍♀️
My question to myself is I know what Darke is saying, I applaud her research and agree, so can I act on it or am I, like Carrie Bradshaw, going to ignore the ugly underbelly, the truth of the fashion industry. Can I reclaim an ethical stance? It’s not about guilt, it’s about the well being of our planet, and I might go further to say the stewardship given to us of this wonderful world that we humans seem bent on destroying. Capitalism and communism are seemingly aligned on this overwhelming production of clothing, although each comes from a very different perspective.
Maybe I can start with what doesn’t fit me anymore. Ouch! That will hurt! Do I need ten various track pants, joggers? No, but can I wean myself away from the insidious hold textiles and clothing exerts on me. I’m like a smoker or gambler trying to give up bad habits. It’s hard,
I’m trying to take Tiffanie Darke’s words to heart because I do care about workers and their rights, I do care about the environment and waste, about the biodegradability of products.
So to say Darke’s thesis is thought provoking is for me very true. Ironically, in the words of Nike, we all need to Just Do It!

A 1517 Media—Broadleaf ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

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