Rentals are a stylish and sustainable go-to, particularly if you have an occasion on the horizon. There are a hub of fashion rental services in Ireland right now, Rag Revolution, By Borrow and the new rental facility at Brown Thomas Dundrum being just a few notable mentions. The bigger the market, the better the service, too. Greens Are Good For You offers delivery and collection from your front door (plus a pop-up at the Royal Hibernian Way that’s worth a visit), while Happy Days stocks up to a size 20.

Main image and images below: Jason Lloyd Evans.

While the temptation to sweep the high street for a new season wardrobe is always there, consider buying some pre-loved pieces instead. The market for designer handbags is thriving (see our guide to buying a pre-loved designer bag here), equally, when it comes to clothes, going second hand is a prime opportunity to nab a collectable from a previous season, to find a cherished piece from an old collection (hello, old Céline) or to buy a designer staple at a more affordable price point. Bookmark websites like Vestiaire Collective, 1stdibs.com and eBay for designer pieces, Zalando and Depop are great for mid-range and high street buys (we’ve even heard of people bagging noted designer dresses on DoneDeal), set up alerts for your favourite pieces and start trawling. Tip: a quick check-in every day or second day is often more manageable than an hour-long trawl once a week. Equally, you’ll be in a better position to pounce when your much-loved piece is listed.

Reducing consumption calls for buying less, but buying better. Ask yourself: would the cost of those two (high street) lookalikes of your favourite mid-range dress equate to the original dress you’d lusted after – or more? A considered approach would be to buy the higher quality one, especially if it’s made using sustainable production methods – also, the likelihood is that it will wash better, fit more precisely and have a longer life span.

Buying online is great, but the only downside is the number of returns we amass, which all contribute to our carbon footprint. Thankfully, the growing number of virtual shopping services means you can harness the wisdom and style advice of staff in-store, all from the comfort of your own home. At Kildare Village, the virtual shopping service sets you up on a video or phone consultation with your favourite boutique, where you can make selections via WhatsApp. Meanwhile, Klarna is now offering a virtual shopping service through over 800 Irish websites, connecting you with in-store experts through live chat and video calls for a fuss-free experience.