You can feel good fall fashion

Photo via Unsplash

Despite the often dramatic nature of the climate crisis, we as individuals have more power than we think – by investing in sustainability in all areas of our lives, we can make a huge impact. Consumers hold the power to address climate change through our everyday choices, choosing brands and companies that align with our values.

One industry where making eco-friendly decisions is particularly challenging is the fashion industry: the industry is constantly under fire for prioritizing quantity over quality and ethical production methods for lack of fair and sustainable practices. Moreover, many well-known fashion brands have been found guilty of greenwashing, a deceptive practice that involves branding products as more sustainable or ethical than they actually are. In recent years, however, there has been an increasing number of brands dedicated to sustainability, transparency and integrity.

Advertisement A

As consumers, we are constantly looking for fashion to express ourselves and feel good about. But figuring out how to navigate the uncertain world of high-end fashion with an eye toward sustainability and impact can feel simultaneously limiting and overwhelming. These six items and brands are just a few. Worth itSustainable options for green-washed brands you love–The world of sustainable fashion is full of sophisticated options for even the pickiest of shoppers.

Retail Price: $285

Photo provided by NOIRANCA

With a look that is at once classic and experimental, ALICE by NOIRANCA combines fun with sophistication and luxury. Make sure to take a separate bag for cleaning. ALICE’s teardrop shape adds a stylish sparkle to any outfit when worn as a crossbody bag, shoulder bag or purse. Available in a variety of colors and made from 58 percent recycled polyurethane from NOIRANCA’s PETA-approved vegan leather, ALICE is a fantastic alternative to its leather counterparts.

Advertisement b

NOIRANCA is a brand that specializes in creating timeless bags and is committed to sustainability across the board. Always striving to offset their carbon footprint, the company not only ensures product traceability and transparency in their production process, but only works with exclusive suppliers who meet strict sustainability standards. In addition, NOIRANCA avoids toxic chemicals commonly used in bag production and prioritizes safe, healthy and fair conditions for all of their artisans.

Retail Price: $740

Photo courtesy of DUKE+DEXTER

These single penny loafers from DUKE + DEXTER are handcrafted and hand painted to order by a dedicated team of artisans in England. The colorful design is both a bold and delicate statement. Want something different? DUKE + DEXTER will connect you with an artist to make your custom design a reality. These classic loafers are available in a variety of colors, from white to green to black.

“Shocked by the many shocking practices in the fashion industry,” DUKE + DEXTER ensures that all their materials are sustainably sourced and releases collections in limited runs to avoid excess waste. Their artisans hand-pick each piece of leather, suede and fabric. In addition, the brand’s shoes are designed in a family-oriented workshop in London. Returning to old production practices allows DUKE + DEXTER to ensure transparency across all of their brands. At every step of the process, they know where each material comes from and the names of their workers.

Retail price: $4,400

Photo provided by Dalliance

Or & Elle is one of the first diamond atelier brands to bring sustainable practices to the world’s top luxury jewelry. With a single gold band interrupted and surrounded by a thin diamond ring, this minimalist gold bracelet is a wonderful accessory or gift for any occasion.

From Antwerp, Belgium, Or & Elle was founded to implement sustainable and transparent manufacturing practices in an advanced industry. Working only with lab-grown diamonds and recycled 18K gold, the brand eliminates mining and middlemen throughout their supply chain. SCS Global Services selects and employs third-party accredited laboratory partners. In addition, Orr & Elle handcraft their jewelry in their family-run atelier in Antwerp to ensure that each piece is fully recognizable, 100 percent climate neutral, and of the highest quality and care.

Retail Price: $188

Photo provided by Taylor Stich

The Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt lives up to its name, combining a rugged and durable construction with a fine lining made from recycled nylon and polyester. In addition to being the perfect shirt for any occasion, the utility shirt features Taylor Stitch’s signature California collar, handwarmer pockets on the side seams and through the chest for extra storage.

Taylor Stitch is a brand built on five pillars of sustainability: sourcing responsibly, building, closing the loop, creating community and giving back. Their manufacturing materials are recycled – even their packaging is made up of 80 percent recycled bags, labels and tags. Taylor Stitch understands the importance of sustainability not only as an element of quality, but also as an important tool to help the brand and its customers reduce waste. The brand has a “long-term warranty” program that allows customers to repair any of their Taylor Stitch garments if necessary.

Retail Price: $990

Featured on the Gabriela Hearst Fall Runway, the Freddie Dress is crafted from high quality wool, silk and cashmere with a cinched waist, flared hemline that exudes professionalism and personality. Its elegant simplicity allows it to be combined with a variety of different pieces for a modern and classic look.

Gabriela Hearst and her iconic brand are strong competition for non-sustainable luxury fashion brands such as Hermès. Hearst is praised for her strict attention to detail and quality, and emphasizes sustainability in all of her collections and beauty shows. She is known for designing new clothes made from threads and fabrics she has already collected, and for reducing waste by adopting a “plastic-free policy”. Hearst is also the creative director of Chloe, another luxury fashion brand with impressively clear and sustainable goals, from reducing their impact on the environment to promoting gender equality.

Retail Price: $799

Photo courtesy of Nordgreen

The Guardian watch is a stylish staple crafted with a premium brushed metal finish, recycled stainless steel and sapphire crystal glass. Designed to last over 100 years, Nordgreen takes a scientific approach to period wear. Every aspect of the watch is important, playing a specific role in the function of the watch and built with longevity in mind. Nordgreen describes this single watch as “a symbol not only of concern for the environment and humanity, but also of actively cultivating mental and character strength.”

Nordgreen’s first step in creating the watch was to conduct a circularity and sustainability study to determine which aspects of watchmaking cause environmental damage. They then selected the best, highest quality alternative materials for each part of the Guardian to create one of the most durable watches in the world. Nordgreen is a brand that strives for circularity, sustainability and transparency in each of its products, adhering to strict sustainable and ethical standards across the board.