Sustainable Workwear Edit
I designed this sustainable-inspired capsule wardrobe with chilly, late winter/early spring days in mind! It’s a neutral palette, and therefore many of its pieces are “seasonless” and so versatile!
Boxy Knit T Shirt 2. Roll Neck Sweater 3. Sleeveless Two Piece Dress 4. Cashmere Black Scarf 5. Black Cropped Flare Jeans 6. Almond Heel Mule 7. Thermal Mockneck Sweater 8. Vetta Two Piece Halter Dress 9. Tailored Blazer 10. Chelsea Boot 11. Silk Blouse 12. Recyled Wool Coat 13.Striped Tee 14. Driving Loafers 15. Pleated Straight Trousers (White) This content may contain affiliate links. If you click these links and make a purchase, I will earn a commission.
I am learning that “sustainable fashion” is an umbrella term up for interpretation by brands and consumers. And it’s still kind of a new frontier. What does it mean? I am a little intimidated by this topic, for fear of being incorrect in what is and what is not sustainable. So, let’s just call this a little stream-of-consciousness thinking on what it may mean to be sustainable. First and foremost, when I think of sustainability, I think of making fewer and smarter wardrobe decisions that benefit the wider world. It’s a formula of reducing waste and impulse buys, while increasing utility and thoughtfulness. Perhaps in the fashion world, the word “sustainable” indicates a solutions-based way of dressing.
Being sustainable can mean a garment is ethically made. It can mean that fabrics can be certified organic, or workers making the garments are paid fair wages. Or, it can indicate craftsmanship. Perhaps to some, a sustainable wardrobe equates to a green wardrobe, where one dramatically reduces their fashion carbon footprint by thrifting everything and wearing only a select few things. Is “sustainable fashion” the same as “slow fashion?”
Maybe “sustainable” fashion indicates the type of materials and resources used to make a garment. Some fibers are biodegradable, or blended, or simply use less resources in the manufacturing process. The technology and quality of these fabrics have really come a long way in the past few years, evolving from solely natural fiber materials (for some reason I am thinking of hemp) to clothes made from recycled water bottles (!!!).
Finally, perhaps “sustainable” fashion can be defined by some as simply choosing clothes for optimal durability and versatility. Wearing a season-less wardrobe, capsule wardrobe, or one piece multiple ways can all be examples of this. I admire a good capsule for its utility, but I think that this capsule above is not just for mix and match-ability, but rather for fabric quality, versatility, and wearability. Phew, it is HARD to shop with this criteria! But I think if we all did a little more research or even reflecting as to how to be more sustainable with our clothes, it would do a great deal of good.