SUSTAINABLE STYLE INFLUENCER BEATRICE TURNER

I came to the UK to study fashion business but ended up meeting my husband and having kids, and never really used my post-grad degree, which I don’t regret in the slightest. My idea about fashion has changed so much in the last few years that I would’ve hated having a “traditional” fashion job, pushing overconsumption and trying to keep up with trends.

It was something my parents always taught us, especially when it came to creating less waste and being mindful of how much we consumed. However I didn’t put much thought into it until moving to the UK and having children. The amount of waste babies create is insane! I quickly figured out that I needed to find a more sustainable way of living that was less impactful.

Coming from the fashion industry, I knew exactly how the behind-the-scenes worked and how exploitative it can be. But it wasn’t until the Rana Plaza collapse happened, leading to the death of more than a thousand garment workers, that I realised I needed to be a voice for change and I shifted my social media - where I gave styling tips - to speak out against fast fashion and show more ethical ways to consume fashion.

I love how much people want to learn and change. I don’t like preaching and don’t think anyone can be 100% sustainable, and my audience feels this. We have great conversations and give each other tips. I also get to meet some wonderful people that are doing great things for the planet.

Absolutely! Every purchase we make is a choice, demonstrating where you want the fashion industry to head to. If we show the big companies, who are responsible for this pollution, that we are not buying into their business model anymore, they’ll be forced to change.

Shop secondhand first! I think a lot of people would be surprised by how easy it is to shop secondhand, either from charity shops, vintage shops or online; there’s so much great stuff out there, barely worn and stylish. If you can’t find what you need secondhand, shop from the vast number of amazing sustainable brands available now.

The real motto here though, is to shop less and be more mindful - think about how much wear you’ll get from that piece, what it’s made of (favour natural materials), and if you really want it or you’re just falling for a marketing trick. If you love your clothes you’ll cherish them and they’ll last longer, resulting in a much more sustainable way to consume fashion.

I’d love to see more people rewearing what they already own, something secondhand or rented. Other than being appropriate for race day, I’d love to see their personality come through what they’re wearing. Let’s hope as many people as possible won’t buy a brand new outfit to wear for just one day.

Find Beatrice’s blog at thefairedit.com and follow her on Instagram @beatriceturner

01. Shop your closet: Shopping your closet means creating outfits from clothing and accessories that you already own. It can be a helpful way to make the most of your existing wardrobe without spending money on more stuff.

02. Rent: Carrie Symonds married Boris Johnson in a rented dress, showing everyone that you can look incredible and be sustainable at the same time. Clothes rental services are not only Earth-friendly, but offer you a way to access designer pieces that you couldn’t ordinarily afford.

03. Shop preloved: the secondhand and vintage market is full of amazing gems that usually feel like they have never been worn. It’s a great way to find something unique and stand out from the crowd.

04. Shop sustainably made: typically companies who put the environment and their garment workers first also create high quality pieces that will last you a really long time and resist the quick trend cycle. These are the ideal option to go to if you’re buying a new outfit for the races.

05. Do the 30-wear test: if you buy new, think to yourself: how many times will I wear this piece again? If you say more than 30 times then it’s okay to not buy the most sustainable outfit available, as you know it is an outfit you can wear for multiple occasions, therefore reducing its impact on the environment.