It’s time to start wading through that wardrobe, gathering up your once-loved fashion items, donating them to an organization who gives to those who need it. 2010 is the year of compassionate fashion.

While you’re at it, take a moment to find an item you love. And I mean really love. Regardless of your attachment to it, make a choice to give it away. No strings attached. You’ll not only feel great for doing it, but the person (or charity) you gift it to will be grateful and maybe even love it more than you. Makes you feel warm inside, doesn’t it?

If you can’t beat the shopping bug in 2010, it’s a great idea to make a pact to only purchase goods that are good for you and the environment. No more inorganic anything. Buh-bye pesticide laden tees. See ya chemical-ridden jeans.

There’s another great fashion choice we can all make this year, and that’s making the choice to avoid buying any fashion item that’s made from animals. We’re even talking leather shoes and belts people. Jackets too.

There are hundreds of fab fashion pieces that have been designed without harming an animal (or human for that matter). Stella McCartney is just one designer who will only promote cruelty-free fashion. Cows and sheep won’t be the only ones to thank you for saving them, the planet will also benefit greatly from your choice to only wear kind fashion.

To find out how to get started on your new compassionate wardrobe for 2010, check out Peta’s Clothing Guide. Another great way to introduce some cruelty-free chic to your life is learning how to upcycle, or frequenting stores that make recycling animal-free fashion their mission.

If you have great ideas on how to incorporate compassion into fashion, we’d love to hear about them. Feel free to share your hints and tips in the comments section.

Photo courtesy Stella McCartney