This post was originally published in March 2016.
You've done the research, talked to some friends about it, and decided it's time to quit fast fashion once and for all. Like any obsession (yes, those too-cheap prices and fast-moving trends can be addicting), it's not going to be easy to stop cold turkey. But, it will be worth it.
But where do you begin when walking into Forever 21 and buying a selection of shoes, jewelry, and clothing on a whim is no longer an option? And how do you find a brand you can trust — one that's ethical, sustainable, and fashion-forward, too? The selection of retailers ahead will help get your green shopping plan off the ground, proving that it's possible to buy everything from underwear to swimsuits to workout gear without compromising the quality of clothing, and the living and working conditions of the people making it. Remember, ethical fashion doesn't necessarily equate to off-trend and unattractive items — and these stores prove just that.
What: Minimalist Go-Tos
Where: Siizu
For Siizu, sustainability is not merely a promise — it's a driving force behind every decision, and it all begins with the fabric. The brand is dedicated to exclusively using textiles that are 100% organic and eco-friendly (even the packaging is completely recyclable!). You can count on this site for no-fuss, streamlined pieces that can still be styled to suit your vibe.
Siizu Shirt Dress, $138, available at Siizu.
What: Basics That Won't Break The Bank
Where: Everlane
Spending more than $100 on an item that's considered a "basic" can be tough to swallow, but at Everlane, all your basics needs are sorted. Plus, you always know exactly what you're paying for, thanks to the site's transparent pricing promise on each product. You get to see the item's retail price, along with a complete breakdown of what it actually costs to make.
Everlane The Silk Tank, $58, available at Everlane.
What: Soft Silk Staples & Leather Goods
Where: Cuyana
If you're shifting to a less-is-more lifestyle, San Francisco-based label Cuyana should be on your radar. It's a brand that believes in having fewer, better things, with a selection of silk tops and minimalist leather accessories that will complete your grown-up wardrobe once and for all.
Cuyana Silk Open-back Top, $195, available at Cuyana.
What: Workout Clothing
Where: Outdoor Voices
When a brand is a favorite of Lena Dunham and Man Repeller's Leandra Medine, you pretty much know it's going to be good. So, it's no surprise that we've fallen for Outdoor Voices' minimalist (and flattering!) athletic wear. It's designed here in New York City and produced responsibly in carefully selected factories. You won't find these lust-worthy fabrics and color palettes anywhere else (especially in the fitness realm), and speaking from my own experience, the quality is top -notch.
Outdoor Voices Tri-tone Kneecap Legging, $75, available at Outdoor Voices.
What: Contemporary Separates
Where: Yooxygen
Did you know that Yoox (the online retailer that recently merged with Net-a-Porter) had its own environmental sustainability program? Yooxygen, which launched in 2009, is stocked with tops, dresses, skirts, and more from a selection of sustainable-minded, moderately priced brands that can be mixed and matched into a cohesive, slow-fashion wardrobe.
Annie & Jade Shirt, $345 $295, available at Yooxygen.
What: Special Occasion Dresses
Where: Reformation
Reformation has already been our go-to for date-night and wedding-appropriate dresses for a while now, and it's just the cherry on top that it's a business founded on the idea of fashion and sustainability co-existing. Every limited-edition collection is manufactured at the brand's factory in Los Angeles — plus, it uses all recycled hangers and packaging. Don't forget to check out the "RefScale," either, which breaks down and tracks the environmental impact of every garment for sale on the site.
Reformation Adriana Dress, $198, available at Reformation.
What: Under-$100 Finds
Where: Ethica
While this site is a great one-stop shop for ethical fashion and emerging designers across categories, we specifically like hunting for all of the awesome under-$100 steals, like this striped cropped turtleneck that has us dreaming of summer.
Edith A. Miller Turtleneck Crop Top, $66 $40, available at Ethica.
What: Wear-Everyday Jewelry
Where: Melissa Joy Manning
Forget $2.90 necklaces and rings that turn your fingers green after one wear. For exceptional, high-quality, handmade jewels that suit every personality, Melissa Joy Manning has become our mainstay. The designer offers everything, from a simple pair of earrings you never have to take off, to unique, one-of-a-kind splurges perfect for special occasions.
Melissa Joy Manning Herkimer Diamond Hug Hoops, $200, available at Melissa Joy Manning.
What: On-Trend Pieces
Where: H&M Conscious Collection
We know, we know. H&M and the term "fast fashion" tend to go hand in hand. But, have you checked out its Conscious line? This section of H&M promises to be good for people, the planet, and your wallet, and is built on seven sustainability and ethics-related commitments. Plus, it's still stocked with the on-point trend items you've grown to love the brand for (and a solid set of basics, too).
H&M Conscious Ribbed Turtleneck Top, $24.99, available at H&M.
What: Plus-Size Staples
Where: Hackwith Design House
Options for plus-size clothing are already limited, and when you cut fast fashion out of the picture, the selection of clothing becomes even smaller (and the styles can become, well, not so cute). Hackwith, on the other hand, is the total opposite — this made-in-America, boutiquey brand has a clean and simple aesthetic that, most importantly, flatters everyone, regardless of shape or size.
Hackwith Design House Amelia Jacket, $275, available at Hackwith Design House.
What: Technical Wears
Where: Patagonia
Should the weather (or your wardrobe) require a parka or winter gear, look no further than Patagonia, a cold-weather company that's been a favorite of eco-friendly shoppers since the beginning. From its anti-Black Friday move, to allowing all of its products to be recycled, this brand is consistently taking action to be more socially responsible.
Patagonia Women's Down With It Parka, $299, available at Patagonia.
What: Going-Out Clothes
Where: ASOS Green Room
Similar to H&M's Conscious collection, ASOS (another huge fast-fashion retailer) has also built a separate edit of eco-friendly everything, from handmade jewelry to vintage gems. It's filled with easy skirts and dresses for events and going out, so this site should be added to your bookmarks if you're easing out of the world of fast fashion — but still need a spot to score trendy and affordable pieces.
ASOS Soft Wrap Midi Skirt with Splices, $52, available at ASOS.
What: Office Attire
Where: Svilu
This higher-end sustainable label is reliable for work-ready items — especially easy, throw-on-and-go dresses that still look super-polished. The prices aren't necessarily the most affordable, but keeping the cost-per-wear in mind, you'll likely be getting your money's worth.
Svilu Draped T-Shirt Dress, $635 $254, available at Svilu.
What: Swimwear
Where: Vitamin A
Aside from selling great suits, Vitamin A is taking innovative strides toward sustainability with its creation of EcoLux, a swim fabric produced in California using recycled nylon fiber; as well as its use of special technologies that extend the life of swim products. You can read more about its efforts here.
Vitamin A Parker High Neck & Camden Bottom, $147, available at Vitamin A.
What: Handbags
Where: Freedom of Animals
If you think your only options for an everyday carryall are fast-fashion or luxury labels, think again. Freedom Of Animals is the happy medium when it comes to price points for stylish handbags, plus it's sustainable and cruelty-free, too.
Freedom of Animals Melia Lia, $360, available at Freedom of Animals.
What: Undergarments
Where: Base Range
Considering we wear them everyday, we shouldn't overlook the quality or origin of our undergarments. Using high-quality, organic fabrics, and making efforts to minimize environmental impact, Base Range offers everything you need for your underwear drawer and beyond in soft, easy silhouettes anyone would be crazy not to love.
Base Range Demi Bra in Knot Cotton, $71, available at Base Range.
What: Shoes
Where: Brother Vellies
Paint-splattered loafers? Furry slides and crazy gladiator sandals? You can find all of these and more from Brother Vellies, which handmakes shoes in South Africa, Kenya, and Morocco, while focusing on sustainable processes with its leather, dyes, and overall carbon footprint.
Brother Vellies Art School Shoes, $285, available at Brother Vellies.
What: Loungewear and Basics
Where: kowtow
These days, it feels like every brand has expanded into loungewear. But kowtow is doing it right. Promising "certified fair trade organic clothing that is ethically and sustainably made from seed to garment," there's no excuse to not stock up on tees and joggers this year.
kowtow Building Block Pant, $135, available at kowtow.
What: Denim
Where: Levi's
If you're a denim maven, you likely already own a pair of Levi's. Now you can know for sure that they were a guilt-free purchase. Over the years, the company has made positive strides toward minimizing its environmental impact by using less water, better cotton, and committing to sustainable factory practices, to name a few.
Levi's Wedgie Fit Jeans, $88, available at Levi's.
What: Occasional Splurges
Where: Maiyet
For a sustainable brand with a real luxury, high-end feel, shop Maiyet and its abundance of artisan-made collections. The clothes are made in places like India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Mongolia, Peru, Bolivia, Japan, and Thailand. And you'd be hard-pressed to find pieces as special as the ones from this environmentally sustainable retailer.
Maiyet Hazel Whipstich Flat Ankle Boot, $895, available at Maiyet.
What: Cozy Sweaters and Winter Layers
Where: Zady
Zady is all about the slow-fashion movement, from environmental and social, to economic sustainability. In fact, you can get a pretty in-depth breakdown of each item's creation right on its product page. We particularly look to the brand for great, cozy layerables that we can wear a million different ways all winter long.
Zady .09 Natural Chunky Knit Sweater, $230, available at Zady.
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