10 Sustainable Do's and Don'ts Of 2022 Summer Fashion
DO get excited that summer is almost here.


It's still cold in New York City and so I am willing the warm weather by thinking about all the great fashions ahead. But, of course, with every new season comes a new set of trends and stupid rules. So below I made up some new ones just for us.
Do wear cutoffs and DIY clothes.
This is a public service announcement that DIYing your clothing is actually fun and not reserved for your youth. Cut those pants that you never wear, and make them into a cut pair of shorts. Chop the sleeves off that ugly t-shirt and make it into something cute. Hell, tie-dye like its summer camp and you’re just a kid looking forward to a night of s’mores ahead. (I never went to summer camp but in my dreams that's what happens).

Via Getty Images
Don’t buy swimwear without doing your research.
Swimwear is such a vulnerable piece of our wardrobe. I have so many suits that I don’t wear because I got the wrong size or looked at the model instead of looking at the measurements. Know what type of bottoms work for you, and feel most comfortable. Importantly, double check the return policy because some brands are final sale on swim.
Do recycle the clothing you plan to get rid of.
If you are going through your summer clothes and only to realize that 2019 was the last time you wore something, don’t just throw it in a bin. Recycle, sell or upcycle it.
Don’t let anyone tell you that you need to wear more color.
I know all black in the summer can make you hotter, but I love a black dress or black shorts. No need to fear the all-black in the summer haters.

Via Getty Images
Do wear more color if you want to.
That said, if summer is the time for you to try wearing hot pink or bright yellow give in and have some fun.
Don’t be afraid of boots.
Hear me out - boots look cute with everything. Sure, you might have a little ankle sweat, but it might be worth it for the look.
Do let your sunglasses do the talking.
If there is one piece of your outfit that is going to sing, I’d argue it should be your sunglasses. They protect your eyes and can make or break the outfit.
Don’t give in to all the summer sales.
There will be sales, and they will be good. That being said, I'd advise that you shouldn't even look if you don't really need to shop them.
Do go vintage shopping on your vacation.
The best part about exploring a new place is checking out the vintage in the area. Make a map of the best shops and see where it can take you.
Don’t feel like you need to change for the season.
Yes, we all love hot girl summer, but if you are feeling like a coastal grandma or a person who watches television on the couch - don’t feel like you need to change. That will just lead to unwanted clothes.
Further reading:
Spring Cleaning Your Closet? Think About These 5 Things Before You Do
There's a Mountain of Unsold Clothing in the Chilean Desert
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Thank you for reading!!
This Stuff is a newsletter by me! fashion journalist, Alyssa Hardy. Three times a week, I unpack the ways our clothes impact the world through news, essays, interviews and more. Subscribe for free here and follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.*