Borrowed, not Bought: Sustainable Glamour for the Red Carpet

This week I completed a really exciting virtual styling project — two clients, both attending a high-profile red carpet event, and one big challenge: finding fully rented or second-hand evening looks in under a week.

Both clients were committed to sustainability, so buying something new was off the table. Instead, we explored rental platforms and pre-loved options, and the results were stunning — glamorous, unique, and completely guilt-free.

It was a reminder that we don’t always need something new to look and feel amazing. The fashion industry is responsible for around 92 million tonnes of textile waste every year, and in the UK alone, people buy over 50 items of clothing on average each year, many of which are only worn a handful of times. Meanwhile, tonnes of beautiful garments sit unworn in wardrobes — or worse, end up in landfill.

By turning to rental and second-hand, we reduced waste, avoided overproduction, and proved that sustainable fashion can still be red-carpet ready. And even when you’re in a rush, there are incredible resources out there — from designer rental services to high-quality vintage resellers — making it easier than ever to look stylish and stay planet-conscious.

It also made me think: sometimes, the best outfit might already be hanging in your wardrobe, or even in a friend’s. We just need a fresh eye and a little creativity.

That’s exactly what I offer through my wardrobe refresh service — I help you restyle what you already own, find new outfit combinations, and show you how to make the most of your existing pieces. The goal? To help you feel inspired by your wardrobe again, rather than always reaching for something new.

Because great style isn’t always about buying more — it’s about seeing what you already have in a new light.