Slow Fashion This Spring

Shop Local, Choose Well & Get Creative

Spring is the perfect time to open the wardrobe, pack away some of those heavy winter layers and think about what we really need for the season ahead.  But perhaps this year, instead of simply buying more, we can think a little differently about fashion.

Slow fashion is about choosing well, buying pieces we genuinely love and thinking about where our clothing comes from. It might mean investing in beautiful natural fibres, choosing something locally made, discovering a pre-loved treasure, repairing or reinventing something we already own, or simply becoming a little more considered about what we bring home.  It’s less about following the latest trend and more about developing your own style – boutique, classy, individual, practical, quirky or completely creative.

And here in Geraldine, there are plenty of ways to do it.

Choose quality and wear it well

One of the simplest ways to embrace slow fashion is to choose quality pieces that are made to be worn again and again.  Natural fibres such as wool, merino, possum merino, alpaca and linen are wonderful examples. They work across seasons and, when cared for well, can remain part of your wardrobe for years.

But slow fashion doesn’t mean you have to stop buying new clothes.  It can simply mean buying differently.

Instead of an entirely new outfit, perhaps it’s one beautiful piece that works with several things you already own. Maybe it’s investing in a good-quality merino that comes out every winter, a linen shirt you’ll wear for years, choosing something locally made rather than something mass-produced or maybe just supporting a Geraldine retailer rather than heading to the Big Smoke!

Sometimes one carefully chosen addition is all you need.

Give pre-loved another life

Some of the best fashion finds are the ones that have already had a story.  Shopping pre-loved gives good clothing another life, keeps perfectly wearable pieces in circulation and gives you the chance to find something a little different.

And second-hand certainly doesn’t mean your whole outfit has to be second-hand.

Mix it up.

A pre-loved jacket over a beautiful new linen top. A favourite pair of jeans with a locally made woollen piece. A second-hand dress with beautiful jewellery. Or a quality new merino garment that works with half a dozen things already hanging in your wardrobe.

It could even mean pulling something from the back of your own wardrobe and finding a completely different way to wear it.

Style doesn’t have to come straight off a mannequin – and some of the most interesting outfits don’t.

Fashion can be creative too

This spring, two Geraldine businesses are taking the idea of looking at fashion differently one step further.

Geraldine.nz sponsor Barker’s of Geraldine, together with our member Tink Up, are bringing fashion, creativity and community together with A Fusion of Fashion & Food, being held at Barker’s on Friday 30 October.  As part of the event, local schools and young people are being challenged to create wearable outfits or fashion accessories using Barker’s labels.

Something most of us wouldn’t look twice at suddenly becomes the raw material for fashion.  That’s really what this whole slow-fashion conversation is about – looking at things differently.  Fashion doesn’t always have to be about what’s newest or what’s trending. It can be about craftsmanship, creativity, individuality and appreciating beauty in unexpected places.

The young designers’ creations will form part of the October event, bringing together fashion and food while also raising funds for the Social Workers Trust and the important work they do for our tamariki.

We can’t wait to see what our young people come up with.

This spring, shop a little differently

Slow fashion doesn’t need to mean following a strict set of rules – and none of us needs to do it perfectly.  It can start with simply stopping before your next purchase and asking:

Do I love it? Will I actually wear it? Is it made to last? Could I find what I need locally? Could I find something pre-loved instead?

Maybe this spring you buy one beautiful quality garment instead of three cheaper ones. Perhaps you discover linen, alpaca or merino. You might find an unexpected second-hand treasure, repair something you’ve forgotten about, add a beautiful accessory, or mix a new local purchase with clothes you’ve owned for years.   Most importantly, have some fun with it.

Because when we buy less, choose well and shop local, we’re doing more than creating wardrobes with personality. We’re supporting local retailers, craftspeople, makers, volunteers and businesses and helping keep money circulating within our own community.

Find your style right here in Geraldine

Ready to have a look? You don’t have to travel far. Geraldine has some wonderful places to start your slow-fashion treasure hunt.

Country Rumours
This is local in every sense of the word. Discover locally handmade woollen and leather garments showcasing traditional skills and craftsmanship, in a shop run by local volunteers. Clothing with a story and a wonderful way to support local makers.

The Tin Shed
Another Geraldine destination for beautiful quality clothing and natural fibres, including warm possum merino. A great place to hunt out those pieces you’ll still be happily pulling from the wardrobe years from now.

Geraldine Alpaca Centre
If natural fibres are your thing, this is one to explore. Find beautiful alpaca and possum merino clothing, or even wool to take home and create something yourself. Perfect for those South Canterbury days when spring suddenly feels suspiciously like winter!

AOK Clothing
One of our newest Geraldine.nz members, AOK is all about timeless style and beautiful natural fibres, with quality pieces designed to be enjoyed season after season. From soft merino and merino possum knitwear to elegant everyday clothing, comfort, versatility and easy layering are at the heart of their range.

Fox & Thread
For lovers of relaxed natural fabrics, discover beautiful linen clothing for the warmer months alongside merino pieces perfect for layering. A lovely combination for creating a wardrobe that moves easily between seasons.

Tink Up
Our gorgeous local women’s fashion boutique, tucked upstairs at the junction of Talbot and Cox Streets. Tineka has a wonderful eye for seasonal fashion and helping women put together outfits that make them feel stylish and confident. Find that one new piece that gives old favourites a completely different look.

High Street Stitch & Print
Don’t overlook High Street Stitch & Print when you’re looking for clothing either. They stock a great range that can be bought straight off the shelf, or you can make it your own with printing or embroidery of your choice.

Talbot Silver
Sometimes you don’t need new clothes at all. A beautiful piece of jewellery can completely change an outfit, and a special piece can be worn and loved for years.

Rosie’s & the Red Cross Shop
And finally, leave some time for a good old-fashioned treasure hunt. Our local second-hand stores are perfect for finding pre-loved pieces to mix with your existing wardrobe or something new from one of our local retailers.

This spring, forget about chasing fast fashion. Choose quality, embrace creativity, find your own style and enjoy shopping a little differently.

You might just find exactly what you’re looking for right here in Geraldine.