Clothes Horse

 The "clothes horse" is galloping away and landfills are full of them. Most of us load up large bags and boxes of clothing and shoes to give away occasionally, but much of it ends up in a dumpster and then goes to the landfill. Attire can be inexpensive or not, according to what we can afford to pay. Even babies are now laden with fashion trends and demands by moms. Young mothers come together with others, and want their baby to look sharp with the latest togs and equipment lables. The baby could, of course, care less as long as it is comfortable. But by the time the child goes off to pre-school or day care and school, he and she, have been indoctrinated into how one must fit into style or not fit at all. The shoes have to be a certain kind as well as the body wear right down to backpacks including what goes inside. Youngsters are burdened with our adult goofiness from birth onward until some of the bad stuff, is sadly ingrained. Fashion rules. If those who create it, could, in some way, adapt, it would be beneficial to the world and all society except fashionista addicts. First of all, cheap means cheap and sure, you can find what looks a good copy of classy designs, but the fabrics show it after a couple of washings. I know, because I don't always want to put out wasteful money and having no compunction about buying cheap, I do it but often regret it. I like classic design, very good workmanship and excellent fabrics that wear well and stay looking newish.  But, this "like" is expensive, and most of us save  to get one or two essential pieces only, ones that will last a long time. A basic  tailored blazer, a tailored coat, a pair of pants that fit well and maybe a little black dress that will go anywhere, anytime, are usually what costs most, but they become the best investment. One wishes, somehow, manufacturers of clothing would use only good materials along with simple but changeable designs. Also, at good prices. Why not a blazer, skirt, dress and pants that can be converted to dress up or down? First of all, fit is essential, therefore, adjustable sizing helps. A blazer is loose and looks good over almost anything. Jackets could have easily replaceable buttons for example: gold or silver, ceramic or woods,patterned or not. A waist adjustable skirt that could be a mini, average or maxi hemline as well as detachable pockets, belts, and ties.  A plain, easy fit dress, one that has differing hem lines, over-skirts and detachable additions might work. Outlets could make a business of selling interesting garment  accessories rather than garments entirely. A basic coat for whatever climate one lives in, with, again, additions of collars, pockets and panels, for a change could be fun. Instead of scouting stores trying-on piles of clothing, one might feel better earthfootprint ways, shopping for accessories for our sustainable basic fashions. Care for basic materials such a cotton or wool, is often more simple than maintaining synthetics.  I don't iron, but steam which takes the labour out of laundry day. No lugging around an ironing board and whizzing iron. The garment is on a hanger and a few passes with steam do the trick. If we change our thinking on wearables, we'd keep the landfills down and the closets less crowded and our consciences relieved. Change is possible.