Sustainable September: How to Do a Seasonal Wardrobe Edit & Get Inspired for Autumn Winter 25

September always feels like a reset. As the seasons shift, our wardrobes change too, and it’s the perfect time to edit, refresh, and donate with purpose.

This year, I’m partnering with Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care to support Sustainable September and highlight how you can give clothes another life. With just a little intention, you can create space in your wardrobe, keep clothes in circulation, and help raise vital funds for hospice care.

Step 1: Start with a Clear Out

Take everything out of your wardrobe (if you’re short of space, do it in stages by product type). It may feel daunting, but seeing it all laid out is the only way to be truly honest about what you own.

👗 Stylist Tip: Try things on. If it doesn’t fit or you don’t feel comfortable in it, move it to your charity shop or recycle pile. If you love it but it needs tweaking, consider simple alterations - a hem taken up, or a dress refreshed with fabric dye can give a piece new life.

Try things on

Step 2: Review Your Summer Wardrobe

Before you pack summer pieces away, ask yourself:

• Did I wear it this season?

• Does it still fit and flatter me?

• Does it suit my lifestyle now?

👗 Stylist Tip: Pieces you didn’t wear, don’t love, or no longer fit your life can be donated or recycled responsibly.

Declutter or Keep?

Step 3: Edit Your Autumn/Winter Wardrobe

As you bring out your autumn pieces, be intentional:

• Keep only what excites you to wear.

• Spot gaps (a statement coat, knitwear in seasonal tones, better boots) and make a wish list to refer back to when you’re out shopping.

👗 Stylist Tip: Take photos of favourite outfit combinations as you try them on. Stick them inside your wardrobe door, instant inspiration for busy mornings.

Outfit photos from your Wardrobe Edit save time

Step 4: Donate Responsibly

Not everything belongs in a charity shop bag. Use this quick guide:

✅ Donate to Rennie Grove Peace shops if:

• Items are clean, good quality and in sellable condition.

• They’re free from stains, holes or heavy wear.

• Shoes, bags and accessories are intact and wearable.

♻️ Take to a textile recycling bank if:

• Clothes are damaged, stained, ripped or bobbled.

• Shoes are broken beyond repair.

• Anything you wouldn’t feel comfortable buying yourself.

By donating thoughtfully, you make the best use of volunteers’ time and ensure your clothes raise the most money possible.

Examples of good quality donations

Step 5: Style with Fresh Inspiration

Once your wardrobe is edited, use trends as a lens to refresh what you already own. This season, look to AW25 inspirations like heritage checks, statement outerwear, rich autumnal tones, leopard print and feminine details. Most of the time, the building blocks are already in your wardrobe, it’s about reimagining them in new ways. Why not go shopping in your local Rennie Grove Peace shop or online in their eBay shop to add some carefully selected new items for the season ahead?

👗 Stylist Tip:  Don’t forget accessories. Adding jewellery or scarves to hangers can remind you to elevate everyday outfits next time you wear them.

Model from our Rennie Grove Peace x Luxe Leopard Lifestyle Preloved Catwalk Show

Give Clothes Another Life and Get a Stylish Tote Bag!

This September, Rennie Grove Peace are celebrating sustainable fashion with a special incentive, receive one of my limited edition “Style with Purpose” recycled cotton tote bags when you:

• Spend over £20 in store* 

• Buy a Charity Shop Gift Card* 

• Donate 3 bags of high-quality items*

It’s a simple way to reset your wardrobe, support hospice care, and carry your values with you.

September is the perfect moment to align your wardrobe with your values. By reviewing what you own, donating responsibly, and styling with intention, you’re giving clothes another life and making a real difference locally.

*Terms and Conditions – Tote Bag Giveaway

This promotional offer is valid exclusively at the following participating stores: St Albans St Peter’s Street, Victoria Street, and Fleetville, and is subject to availability while stocks last.

Customers or donors are eligible to receive one complimentary Alex Standley tote bag under any of the following conditions:

1. With every transaction of £20 or more in a participating store;

2. With the purchase of a Charity Shop Gift Card in a participating store;

3. Upon donation of three bags of high-quality items to a participating store.

Rennie Grove Peace reserves the right to amend or terminate this promotion at any time without prior notice. Distribution of the tote bags is subject to the discretion of the Shop Manager.