In this day and age with depleted resources and the impact human life has had thus far on the environment, sustainability isn’t just a fad or trending hashtag. Incorporating more sustainable practices in fashion – beginning from sourcing and manufacturing down to how we buy – will become ever more important. One specific issue that affects us all is the water usage in the manufacturing process. This depletes the amount of safe drinking water in the world which is already impacted by other industries and human waste. Sustainability is also closely related to ethical practices, such as fair trade. Fair trade practices promote healthy working conditions and truly competitive compensation and benefits plans.
Luckily, sustainability does not equal boring sacks of clothing. Case in point, this dress by Reformation reminiscent of a picnic in the South of France. I wore the dress with vintage mule shoes that I got at a vintage show last year. To help you incorporate more sustainable options in your shopping, I’m sharing several sustainable fashion brands, places to purchase secondhand clothing, and where to resell clothing.
Sustainable Fashion Brands
Here are some of the best shops to get sustainable fashion that’s still cute and on trend.
- Reformation HERE
- H&M Conscious HERE
- Veja (via Anthropologie) HERE
- ASOS Eco Edit HERE
- Outdoor Voices (athletic clothing) HERE
- Everlane HERE
Buying Secondhand
Buying secondhand reduces waste. While not exclusive, thrifting is actually now one of my first options I choose while shopping. The best part is you can usually save money!
- ThredUP: An online secondhand shop that accepts all kinds of brands and seriously affordable prices. Shop here!
- The RealReal: An online luxury consignment shop. Read more from a previous post here!
- Local thrift shops: My favorites are Buffalo Exchange and Beacon’s Closet in NYC.
Resell/Consign/Donate
Please, please, please don’t just throw out your (gently used) clothing. Resell or consign clothing to make a few extra bucks, or donate your clothing to help people in need.
- Buffalo Exchange: One of my favorite thrift stores, Buffalo Exchange also accepts clothing to sell or trade. I usually get the trade – you get 50% of the resale value. Selling gets you 30% of the resale value in cash.
- Goodwill: If reselling doesn’t matter, donate clothing to a local Goodwill!
Shop below my hand picked cute, sustainable clothing!
-Gisel
Shop Sustainable
eco fashionfair tradereformationsustainabilitySustainable fashionvintage
Cass Butler says
Consider me further informed! Thanks for highlighting this issue. I recycle my clothes but I didn’t think about this perspective. Definitely food for thought (and action).
Gisel says
Thanks so much, Cass! Glad you took something new out of this post 🙂
Minnelle says
Yes! Donating clothing is a great way to give back 😊
Gisel says
So true! Thanks for stopping by Minnelle 🙂
Liz says
Sustainable products are so important no matter what they are. I hate wasting things and clothes isn’t something we often thing of as producing waste, but it definitely does!
Gisel says
So true, Liz! Sustainability should be considered with all products – clothing is just the start.
Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Emily Soto says
This is such a great post! I love that dress!
Gisel says
Thanks so much Emily 🙂
Shruthi says
Ooooh girl those shoes!! All the heart eyes. I love sustainable fashion <3
Gisel says
Hehe thanks so much Shruthi!
Ria Smith says
I love this post so cute and loving the outfit
Gisel says
Thanks, Ria!!
Anna says
These are great tips! Love that dress! XO ~Anna http://www.pepperedinstyle.com
Gisel says
Thanks so much, Anna!
Leah says
Super cute dress, love the plaid print!
x – Leah
http://www.ellemaebloom.com
Gisel says
Thanks,Leah!
Laura Mitbrodt says
Your dress is so cute, I love the plaid
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Gisel says
Thanks so much, Laura!
FASHION TALES says
I don’t like to waste and I think ethical fashion is important, I used to own an eco-friendly boutique so I definitely understand. We donate to charity shops often. It’s difficult at times to buy one-hundred percent sustainable for everything in the home, but when it comes to fashion it is certainly achievable.
Gisel says
I so agree! It’s so important to at least TRY (it’s difficult, but possible) to incorporate sustainability around the home. Clothing is a start, and a way to decrease the human impact on the environment.
Thanks for stopping by!
Shannon says
I LOVE this post! As a fellow Ref fan, it’s so cool to see other brands follow suit. It really makes you realize that there are people behind the clothes & the effect on the planet! Ethical living is always the way to be 🙂 and not to mention, it’s totally chic!! xx Shannon || http://champagneatshannons.com
Gisel says
Ethical can most definitely be chic! Thanks so much for the love!