Most people don’t find fashion to be of importance so much so that fashion degrees are assumed to be a waste of tuition. However, with fashion being one of the major contributor to global pollution, your closet and buying decisions do make a difference. An industry driven primarily by tradition, we can affect change by forcibly changing production lines and becoming a more informed consumer with future-focused buying habits. The pioneers of 2017 ran so today’s eco-ethical brands could walk into 2022 with new and improved practices; therefore, bringing all of us modern, low-impact pieces. 

There are three notable trends I’m sure we’ll see paraded throughout the summer. Here are a few sustainable alternatives for them, so you don’t have to compromise style for sustainability.

The Mini Skirt

Loungewear lines skyrocketed during the pandemic as folks were thrusted into remote work. Life sure is a lot easier when you can roll out of bed and only have to get dressed from the top-up. This summer, markets are responding to COVID fatigue as the masses are sleighted to seek outdoor activities now more than ever. Collectively, it seems the people are demanding wears that show the legs that have been hidden underneath thermal wear and chunky knits. 

Instead of turning to fast-fashion figure heads like ASOS, ZARA and Fashion Nova, you can get your mini skirt fix at Reformation. A brand known for cutting down the waste of garment design from start-to-finish, their Margot, Veranda, Benson, Robbie, and Flounce skirts will fulfill all of your 90s call-back needs. Offered in retro-inspired prints, each design details sustainability stats, such as: gallons of water saved, diverted waste, and the offset of carbon dioxide emissions. Get curated recommendations and find the right fit with thigh-high slits available in sizes 12 to 24. For unisex options, A.BCH and Tonlé provide animated prints that harkon back to Alexander McQueen’s angst, with the latter being the most affordable option. If you really don’t want to break the bank, go against the grain by adding a Thinking Mu composition fit to your wardrobe.

The Moto Look

The defiance continues with simplified and reimagined moto jackets. Will’s Vegan Store and Deadwood make third pieces out of bio-based materials and giving water bottles a new life. Both e-boutiques are doing their part to source and produce premium, toxic-free, plastic-free plant leather goods by repurposing deadstock and common grocery products. Mushroom, cactus, and pineapple leathers are the better, smarter option for conscious shoppers, as they’re typically compostable and free of the toxic chemicals synthetic leathers bring.

Use this spring and summer as an opportunity to layer cruelty-free leather jackets on top of slouchy, super-wide denim. Or, bring back the portion-play of the 90s by pairing Deadwood’s Wren, Frankie, or Joan jackets with a classic slip dress, cami and board shorts combo, or laid back overalls. Rest assured knowing that reaching for a throwback look won’t add to the global climate change crisis with carbon neutral pieces designed to keep the circular lifecycle going. 

The Well-Tailored

The longlines and impeccably-shaped shoulders and bodices of the not-so-distant Y2K era have reappeared. You may have become used to wearing hoodies and tracksuits mosying around your apartment, but throwing a well-tailored blazer atop monochromatic ‘chill-only’ attire has become fully acceptable again.

Minimalists everywhere have probably heard of Vetta Capsule at one point in their downsizing and decluttering. For those who don’t know, the functionality-first brand is known for helping consumers build sleek capsule wardrobes. Ready-to-wear capsules can be purchased together or items can be handpicked at random. The City Capsule features the wide-leg trousers and crisp button-downs a 2000s babe could ever dream of, but these notable staples are made using less water thanks to the use of biodegrable Tencel. If you really wanted to take advantage of the fashion cycle to re-live all of your nostalgic days, Vetta’s Edgy Capsule brings the drama and versatility to traditional, clean-cut silhouettes.

Find sleek pants and blazers at the GAP of sustainable fashion, Everlane. Celebrate loose, tailored fits hallmarked by the 80s (and early 90s) with releases named after the decade. With transparent pricing and ethical factory partnerships, don’t let the summer get away from you before you get the chance to tuck an oversized sweater into a sharp-looking drape pant; a look to be adorned with a square toe heel, fisherman sandals, or platform sneaker.

It’s not too late to stock up on your wardrobe. Instead of turning to the ZARAs, TopShops and Urban Outfitters types, don’t be afraid to give ethical fashion brands a try. Consult The Good Trade, The Quarterrican (now known as Sustainable Queer), and Sustainably Chic for consistent style guides. Visit FashionRevolution.org to learn more and stay up-to-date on industry happenings and initiatives. Most folks assume sustainable fashion consists of frumpy styles or linen-only pieces. However, sustainable fashion is not just trendy, but it is also responsible. Becoming part of the movement is more about knowing where to shop, how to filter your search, what brands to follow, and the key words to spot. You don’t have to break the bank either. Eco-focused brands also have seasonal sales and promotions, and thrifting is a great way to build a more mindful wardrobe on a budget while giving clothes new life.

Images by Vogue UK