Let Emma Watson be an example to us all: yes, it is possible to rep an entirely eco-friendly wardrobe without sacrificing one’s personal style or missing out on all the great trends. Still, it’s not exactly easy.
Shopping responsibly means looking at brands that are doing good in some way and/or sourcing their materials sustainably, which, sadly, eliminates many a cool-girl favorite. Plus, given that you don’t share Watson’s paycheck, you’ll also need to adopt a buy-less-spend-more mentality. (What can we say, higher price points are the cost of doing business in an ethical way.)
Still, a greener wardrobe is definitely worth your time, effort and money. According to Business of Fashion, fashion is one of the most polluting industries, second only to oil. It also produces more carbon emissions than international flights, per a study conducted by Dame Ellen MacArthur’s Foundation. And then there’s the human rights aspect. Remember when, less than five years ago, a building in Bangladesh’s Rana Plaza — home to five garment factories — collapsed and killed over 1,100 workers?
Let’s be a part of the change, shall we? Obviously, the most eco-friendly thing to do would be to not shop at all, but we’re not here to make martyrs out of you. Rather, do what you can and dress how you like by shopping this season’s hottest trends — grandpa sneakers, Canadian tuxes, glitter boots — the sustainable way. Click through the slideshow for 15 cool, eco-conscious pieces, along with some shopping tips.
Also, it doesn’t get more sustainable — and fun — than shopping vintage.
How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #1
TREND: Slits, Dresses Over Pants
ECO-PICK: Baserange Shaw Long Sleeve Kaftan, $159.42 at Baserange
Baserange — maker of minimalist, sporty-yet-feminine apparel, underwear and swimwear — has been a cult favorite for some time now. For cozy athleisurewear and cool, kaftan-style dresses made from natural fibers like bamboo and organic cotton, look no further. (Note: said dresses are perfect for layering over ribbed knit pants or terry sweats.)
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #2
TREND: Statement Sleeves
ECO-PICK: Naadam Palladia Open Stitch Long Sleeve With Ruffles, $275 at Naadam
Though known for its simple crewnecks and tees, ethical cashmere line Naadam now offers a variety of sweaters with fun details like cut-outs, slits and ruffles. Get your sustainable, elegantly crafted (bell-sleeved) knitwear here.
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #3
TREND: Hoop Earrings
ECO-PICK: Melissa Joy Manning 14-Karat Gold Hoop Earrings, $390 at Net-a-Porter
Hoop earrings have quickly replaced chokers as fashion girls' go-to accessory. These delicate, everyday hoops by Melissa Joy Manning are lovingly handmade from recycled 14-karat gold. And for those who prefer a bit of funk, might we suggest this quartz, emerald and labradorite-strung pair? Alternately, Bella Hadid has been spotted out and about (on multiple occasions) in this eco-friendly Bagatiba set, which rings in at only $160, because hollow. In fact, Bagatiba has a pretty impressive (48-piece) eco-friendly necklace and earring selection that's definitely worth a browse.
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #4
TREND: Micro Bags
ECO-PICK: Mlouye Micro Convertible Bag in Steel, $410 at Mlouye
All of Mlouye's bags are manufactured at a family-owned factory in Istanbul, in the city Meb Rure where the brand's founder and designer grew up. The line has everything from lantern-shaped mini bags to laptop-size totes, all for $500 or less. This fuzzy, slate-blue shearling bag is a standout among standouts. Frankly, we're shocked Kendall Jenner hasn't added it to her mini purse collection (yet).
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #5
TREND: Wide-Leg Trousers
ECO-PICK: Where Mountains Meet Collette Culotte, $225 at Where Mountains Meet
With New York-based sustainable label Where Mountains Meet, you come for the handloomed textiles and knitwear — done by artisans in India and Guatemala, a women's cooperative in Bolivia and a fair trade organization in Peru — and stay for the quality, un-basic basics. To wit: right now the site features quite a few pairs of amazing, structured wide-leg trousers, most of 'em on sale.
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #6
TREND: Glitter Boots
ECO-PICK: Brother Vellies Stardust Kaya Boot, $595 at Brother Vellies
Handmade in South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Morocco, Brother Vellies' flirty, fanciful shoes are a prime example of why you should buy less and spend more. Founder and creative director Aurora James is creating and sustaining artisanal jobs within Africa while making shoes that, despite being kind of trendy, will remain collectors' items and wardrobe favorites long after the fads that begat them — in this case, the Chanel and Saint Laurent-fueled glitter boots craze — have faded.
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #7
TREND: Trenches
ECO-PICK: Zady Khaki Trench, $350 at Zady
Originally launched as an e-commerce destination for sustainable labels, Zady has since downsized; it now sells only its house line of "essentials," plus some Veja sneakers. Not that its clean, minimalist wares are anything to sniff at. (Emma Watson is a big fan.) For instance, this crisp khaki trench, the wool for which was harvested in Uruguay, washed, spun and dyed in the northern Italian region of Piedmont, then cut and sewn in New York City's Garment District — Zady is big on traceability — is very in tune with the recent runways and won’t leave you feeling overdressed or underdressed on a chilly morning. (Of course, our favorite way to shop this particular Spring 2018 trend is to go vintage Céline. After all, there's nothing more sustainable than vintage.)
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #8
TREND: All-Red-Everything, Slip Dresses
ECO-PICK: Datura Ruby Red Slip Dress, $295 at Datura
The fashion crowd is now mildly obsessed with wearing head-to-toe red. (Understandable. One-shade ensembles are easy to put together and visually arresting, especially if you're working with red.) This ruby red slip dress by Datura — an environmentally conscious, online-only brand that specializes in chic, seasonless items that easily transition from day to night — makes a great layering piece. Get it before it's gone. (To cut back on waste and leftover materials, all of Datura's stuff is produced in small batches.)
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #9
TREND: Fanny Packs
ECO-PICK: behno Amanda Bag in Black, $395 at behno
Gucci's great and all, but it's not the most honest brand. For a fanny pack you can wear with pride — and without twinning with the world — shop behno. In addition to making really good ready-to-wear (in an ethical garment factory in Gujarat, India built and maintained by the company and its partner, local rural health nonprofit Muni Seva Ashram), the brand recently expanded into leather goods. Like its clothes, behno's bags, wallets, etc. are sleek and timeless, but with a hint of edge.
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #10
TREND: Over-The-Knee Boots
ECO-PICK: Rafa Stick Boot in Sloe, $650 at Rafa
These could easily be mistaken for Mansur Gavriels or Maryam Nassir Zadehs, but Rafa's lace-up boots — like the rest of its shoes — are 100 percent vegan and made in sunny L.A.
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #11
TREND: Canadian Tuxedos
ECO-PICK: Kowtow Formation Jacket in Denim, $308 at Kowtow
Kowtow Stage Pant in Denim, $258 at Kowtow
Kowtow is sort of like sustainable Tibi. All of its effortless-but-slightly-quirky clothes — including this denim duo — are made from ethically sourced materials. Other good for the environment/your closet denim makers include Re/Done, G-Star Raw and Levis, which just won honorable mention for best denim label from Project JUST, thanks to its Water Less initiative.
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #12
TREND: Chunky-Soled Sneakers
ECO-PICK: Stella McCartney Eclypse Metallic Faux Leather Sneakers, $625 at Net-a-Porter
Stand out amidst a sea of grandpa sneakers. These space-age Stella McCartney kicks are made from the designer's signature Skin-Free Skin (a 100 percent polyester faux leather), then finished with a rainbow sheen. The green-fashion crusader prides herself on her pleather — she once told Vogue that the greatest complement was when people couldn't tell the difference.
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #13
TREND: Safety Orange, Fringe
ECO-PICK: Edun Turtleneck, $401 at Yoox
Edun's core mission is to support business in Africa and spotlight the continent's rich, artisanal crafts — which it does, brilliantly. Season after season, we lust after its eye-catching — but totally wearable — designs. This fringed sweater, made in collaboration with craftsman in Madagascar and Kenya, is a perfect example. Safety orange FTW.
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #14
TREND: Retro Suiting
ECO-PICK: Reformation Sampson Blazer, $228 at Reformation
Reformation Dillon Pant, $148 at Reformation
Los Angeles-based retailer Reformation is arguably the number-one destination for on-trend, babelicious, sustainable wares. Ref offers a healthy selection of cool vintage finds, plus its chic, impeccably tailored house line is one of the few wherein you can find a 70s-inspired, Alexa Chung-worthy corduroy suit that's both flattering and environmentally good.
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How to Shop this Season's Biggest Trends — Sustainably #15
TREND: Oversized Blazers
ECO-PICK: Everlane The Oversized Blazer, $150 at Everlane
Everlane makes great basics, keeps its prices low and has well-documented transparency with its factories. As for the blazer, two words of advice: size up.
