Fall is officially well underway! And I love warm weather and summer sunshine as much as the next girl, but there is something deep inside my witchy, little soul that loves when the leaves start turning and it’s time to bust out the beanies. While fall Fashion Weeks might be focusing on what is coming next spring, we regular folks are just now starting to think about our fall wardrobes. A big trend though, that I’ve been seeing pop up again and again for new fashion trends, is sustainable fashion. So I thought I’d do a little round-up of fall fashion trend-sustainable fashion for you!
Sustainability has slowly been making its way into the fashion world for the past few years. More and more brands are either starting out with a sustainable model in mind, or they’re working on ways to bring a greener element to their long-standing business. I’m here to give you some of the easiest ways you can start bringing sustainability to your closet.
1. Shoes from plastic bottles
I’m sure by now, unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve heard of the shoe brand, Rothy’s. Known for their stylish, pointed-toe flats, they’ve branched out into several different styles since their conception. And right from the start, Rothy’s is all about sustainability. Not only are their shoes knitted from thread made from recycled plastics, but when your shoes get worn out, you can send them back to be recycled! I bought a pair of their rounded-toe flats and have not stopped wearing them. The absolute best part? You can just toss your Rothy’s in the washing machine when they start to get dirty. That’s right, a machine-washable flat that can easily be dressed up or down! I’ve had mine for several months now, and I can safely say, these shoes will be a staple in my wardrobe. And while they might be a little pricey (they start around $130) they’re worth it. Mine haven’t started to wear at all! So they hit all the sustainable checkboxes-recycled materials for production, recyclable when you’re done with them, and longevity in your closet. Plus, you can typically score $20 off your first order with Rothy’s!
2. The New Thrifting
We’ve all been there. Maybe we bought that top with the best of intentions for wearing it out multiple times, or we went hard on the leggings at Lululemon when we were in our gym-girl era. And now, they’re collecting dust in the recesses of our closets and dressers. Or maybe you’re looking for that super cute top from last season. And let’s not forget, to dip our toes into the luxury brand market. Rather than hitting up garage sales or that weird-smelling thrift shop in your small town (come on, you know what I’m talking about), try one of the many online reseller sites! Poshmark, ThredUp, Depop, and The RealReal are all sites where you can search for that specific thing you just have to have. Or those leggings gathering dust? Turn them into cash by selling them! I’ve bought and sold several things on Poshmark, and it’s super easy to do. If you’ve been coveting a designer handbag, check out The RealReal. They authenticate their merchandise, so you know you aren’t buying a random knock-off someone is trying to pass off as the real deal.
3. Rent Ready to Wear
Wedding season might be winding down, but that doesn’t mean the partying is over! You’ve got holiday parties coming up, dinners for work, or even just a hot date night. You want something to look special, but the mall just isn’t fitting your needs. Have no fear, RenttheRunway is there! Formerly a place to get those high-end designer dresses for special events, RTR has branched out into everyday wear as well. You can get tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories all with a simple click of the button on your mouse. And don’t worry about those dry-cleaning bills, y’all! You simply wear and return, and the fab folks at RTR take care of the dirty work. And trust me when I say, RenttheRunway is size-inclusive! Not only do they send you the size you pick, but they send a backup size as well.
4. Spend Wisely
Fashion is constantly evolving. Or at the very least, circling back quite often to styles from previous years. I can honestly say, going into the shops now is eerily similar to going shopping when I was in high school. But I digress. My point is, every other week the hot item of the moment is hitting the shelves. But that doesn’t mean you should always run out and buy each and every one. Decide what really suits you and your body type. And then, invest a bit of money in quality clothes. And I’m not saying spend $80 dollars on a plain white t-shirt (although if that’s your jam, have at it). I’m talking about jeans, coats, sweaters, etc. Things that will rarely change in the fashion landscape. Some items, like coats, you can find second-hand in great condition. While a good quality t-shirt can last for a few years if you’re like me and prone to spills, maybe steer clear of those $80 gems and look a little lower on the price spectrum. As for the it pieces of the moment? Pick one or two of the season’s must-haves to cycle into your wardrobe.
And that wraps up my four tips (I don’t know if I would call them tips per se) for the fall fashion trend-sustainable fashion. And I 100% am right there with you in the everything-is-more-expensive boat, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you’ve been wanting to make a change towards a more sustainable lifestyle but you’ve been finding it a little tougher on your wallet. Start small, and over time you’ll find that you are only steps away from your big goal that felt miles away in the first place!
