Love the planet and your wardrobe. Made to be long-lasting, sustainably-crafted clothing is made from higher-quality materials. Sustainable brands also use eco-friendly techniques that save water and create a smaller carbon footprint. Shop for new pieces or choose previously loved items from a thrift shop. Get inspired with these local picks.
1. Natural Elegance.
Breezy and beautiful, this cotton kaftan provides timeless glamour. The mesmerizing pattern is block-printed by hand. One of the world’s oldest dyes, the natural indigo creates a classic deep blue color, a hue prized in luxury items of the ancient world. Cotton Kaftan, $115, Allison Clothing Company and Boutique.
2. Denim Icon.
Lasso the style of cowboys on the wide open range. Hard-working and durable, these comfortable jeans are ready for all of your daily adventures. Wrangler is on track to achieve its goal of 100 percent renewable energy and 100 percent sustainable cotton by 2025. Men’s Wrangler Jeans, $12.50, Lucky Finds Consignment Boutique.
3. Recycled Warmth.
Soft and warm, this fleece pullover is perfect for a long walk. Made with recycled materials, Patagonia products are sewn in Fair Trade factories. Built to last, the cheerful aqua color and kangaroo pockets will keep you cozy and stylish. Patagonia Aqua Blue Fleece Pullover, size XS, $59.99, From the Heart Consignment Shop.
4. California Cool.
Add a touch of trendy animal prints to any outfit. California-inspired, these sneakers are all about creating a laidback, breezy vibe. Blowfish’s vegan-registered shoes are free from any animal products to prevent animal cruelty and create a lower carbon footprint. Blowfish Malibu Cheetah Sneakers, $11.50, Lucky Finds Consignment Boutique.
5. Long-term Leggings.
Get centered during your yoga practice. A brilliant floral print adds joy to these breathable, quick-dry leggings. Focused on supporting women and girls, 80 percent of Athleta’s materials are made with sustainable fibers. A solar farm powers the company’s US operations. Athleta Gray Floral Leggings, size M, $29.99, From the Heart Consignment Shop.
6. Eco-conscious Cardigan.
With its creamy neutral hue, this cardigan complements so many outfits. Eileen Fisher takes pride in using organic and recycled materials while limiting chemicals. Style this cardigan with a variety of colorful tops, and take advantage of those convenient front pockets. Eileen Fisher Cream Knit Cardigan, size XXS, $69.99, From the Heart Consignment Shop.
7. Sleek and Sophisticated.
Glide into silhouette-flattering jeans. This slim fit is an alternate take on skinny jeans. Made with recycled water and renewable energy, Liverpool jeans have a low environmental impact. Comfortable stretch and functioning front and back pockets make them your go-everywhere pants. Liverpool Gia Glider Black Jeans, $98, Bella Jules Boutique.
8. Fuchsia Goddess.
Make every day feel like a special occasion. This silk slip dress is hand-dyed with a brilliant and bold tie-dye pattern. The high absorption rate of this low impact dye creates a stunning color that results in less wastewater. Silk Slip Dress, $290, Allison Clothing Company and Boutique.
9. Dynamic Tie-Dye.
Channel the breathtaking beauty of the night sky. Hand-dyed, this ribbed maxi-dress provides a body-hugging fit with a unique pattern of celestial blue shades. Committed to ethical production by skilled artists, this dress is made of eco-friendly, sustainable materials. River and Sky Galaxy Weekender Dress, $149, Bella Jules Boutique.
10. Hand-printed Artistry.
Support sustainable incomes for traditional artists. Made of organic cotton, this one-of-a-kind blouse features a stunning floral print that’s block-printed by hand. Wear with black pants and heels for a night out, or try jeans and flats for a festive weekend look. Cleobella Christy Blouse, 30 percent off $110.60, original price $158, Bella Jules Boutique.
Shop Your Wardrobe
To increase the sustainability of your fashion choices, shop your own closet and dresser. Take inventory and rediscover pieces you may have forgotten. Donate any items that don’t fit your style or swap with friends. Make any needed repairs or alterations to pieces you love so you can continue wearing them.
Once you’ve gathered your favorite pieces, take a closer look to reveal their possibilities. Mix and match pieces to create new outfits. Let your imagination soar. For starters, take a favorite skirt or top and use it as the foundation for your outfit. Explore all the options and experiment with combinations you’ve never considered before.
Harness the power of accessories and include jewelry, shoes, scarves and belts. Challenge yourself to see how many variations you can create by adding different accessories to the same top and bottom.
Every time you discover a combo you like, take a picture with your phone to document it. You can also use an app like Stylebook or Smart Closet to save all of your outfit combinations. These apps can help keep track of what’s in your closet so you can avoid buying duplicate pieces and can also provide stats on how often you wear an item.
Sources
Allison Clothing Company and Boutique
522 Penn Avenue, West Reading
484.709.2563
Bella Jules Boutique
700 Penn Avenue, West Reading
610.208.0600
From the Heart Consignment Shop
4600 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring
Women’s Boutique: 484.509.4441
Lucky Finds Consignment Boutique
703 Penn Avenue, West Reading
610.743.3497
