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The Best sustainable coats & jackets For Winter 2023-2024

Winter is here, and it's time to bundle up in style while caring for the planet. Finding the perfect winter coat that combines warmth and sustainability can be a daunting task, but fear not! We've got you covered with our guide to the best sustainable winter coats. With a focus on eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing, these coats not only provide excellent insulation against the cold but also allow you to make a positive impact on the environment. From recycled polyester and organic cotton to innovative cruelty-free alternatives, these coats prioritize sustainable practices without compromising style. Whether you're looking for a cozy parka, a sleek puffer, or a chic wool coat, our selection will keep you warm and guilt-free this winter. Say goodbye to harmful chemicals, excessive waste, and unethical practices – these sustainable winter coats are the ultimate combination of fashion and eco-consciousness. Embrace the winter chill with confidence, knowing that your choice of outerwear aligns with your values. Stay warm, stylish, and environmentally friendly with our top picks for sustainable winter coats.

What are Sustainable Winter Coats?

When it comes to a sustainable coat, there are many things we look for - Who makes it? What is it made from? Can we wear it for years to come? Transparency is essential to us when shopping. We want to ensure the coat is made by someone paid a fair wage and has a low environmental impact.

Sustainable Materials Used in Coats

We want to find the warmest of the warm fabrics when it comes to winter coats. Some of the best eco-friendly fibers to look out for include recycled polyesters (great for making puffier coats, waterproofing and vegan alternatives to down), organic cotton (typically used for outward appearances rather than warmth), and responsible wools (either recycled or humane).

our top picks for sustainable winter coats & jackets:

1. Apu Lightweight Puffer

Brand: PAKA

Price: $279

If you travel a lot in the wintertime, this jacket is made for you!

The Apu Lightweight Puffer is packable, insulated with their signature alpaca fur PAKAFILL®, and lined with bluesign® Certified Nylon. This is the type of jacket you want for the outdoors!

Find it in Storm (pictured), Black and Rose.

Founded in Peru, PAKA has created a natural, sustainable clothing line for those who love the outdoors. They believe using eco-friendly materials like their super soft Royal Alpaca can connect consumers more to nature and sustainably support small communities.

Their products are fully traceable from the fiber source, each product features a QR that shows the consumer the farm where the fiber was harvested. Even the dyes are environmentally friendly (OEKO-TEX & GOTS certified), and the packaging is biodegradable. We love that PAKA is a certified B-Corp that works hard to create a better, sustainable future for the fashion industry!

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2. LEAMINGTON Short Orange Puffer Jacket

Brand: culthread

Price: $271

Are you looking for a bold statement jacket?

The Leamington puffer, with its diamond pattern, matte finish, and vibrant orange color, will surely add something special to your winter wardrobe.

The jacket has a rain hood, is easily packable, a reverse zip and has inside / outside pockets.

All the fabrics used to create this jacket are sustainably sourced and feature a recycled rainproof outer-shell fabric, recycled lining fabric, post-consumer recycled plastic bottle insulation, and recycled zipper & buttons. Their jackets are very practical as they are warm and lightweight. You can also find this jacket in black.

Culthread also reuses its leftover materials in new designs, makes everything in small batches to avoid overproduction, and uses laser cutting technology to reduce material waste. They are a slow fashion brand that encourages sustainable consumption, and all products are ethically made in their own factory with 100% transparency. 

Plus, each of its products comes in a cool laundry bag made from deadstock fabric and production offcuts!

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3. Woven Safari Jacket

Brand: Pact

Price: $118

Pact is one of our favorite places for organic cotton clothing because it's more affordable & the quality is excellent.

Their cotton is GOTS certified & all of their clothing is made in a Fair Trade Certified Factory.

This style & color is a classic for your wardrobe and great for climates that experience mild winters.

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4. Cloud Shell Packable Puffer

Brand: tentree

Price: $84-168

Made with 100% recycled polyester, this puffer is perfect for the travelers! The shell & lining are Bluesign certified, and the entire garment can easily pack into its included bag or within its own pocket. Every item you buy from tentree plants 10 trees as part of their target to plant 1 billion trees by 2030. In addition, tentree's partner factories are regularly audited to ensure they comply with the brand's Code of Conduct and international labor standards.

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5. Johnson Coat

Brand: Sezane

Price: $405

If you are looking for classic, timeless coats, this is the brand to check out. This is their signature coat, which comes in black, camel & navy colors. We’ve only started adding this brand to Sustainably Chic over the last couple years because their sustainability efforts have increased significantly. They are much more transparent and use many sustainable certifications - and are a Certified B Corp Brand. We also think the quality is impressive!

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6. Oscar Nipped Waist Coat

Brand: Reformation

Price: $398

Made from recycled wool, the Oscar Nipped Waist Coat will upgrade your everyday outfit to classic and chic in an instant. The brand Reformation initially sold vintage clothes in a small store in Los Angeles. It quickly expanded and now makes clothing, wedding dresses, and shoes for women - and has a great selection of coats & jackets! The company has been carbon-neutral since 2015, & aims to become carbon-positive by 2025. It also partnered with Bluesign and Oeko-Tex to ensure it safely manages chemicals in its supply chain.

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7. Nano Puff Hoody

Brand: Patagonia

Price: $289

Patagonia is always a good choice for snow!! The Nano Puff Hoody is warm, windproof & water-resists.

Its PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco is made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester with P.U.R.E.™ technology, wrapped in a 100% recycled polyester shell and lining.

This jacket is ideal for traveling & adventures because it is very lightweight & compressible.

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8. Teddy Vegan Fur Jacket

Brand: Bernardo

Price: $180

The perfect cozy, snuggly teddy bear coat for winter!

Bernardo’s Teddy Vegan Fur Jacket is animal-friendly and insulated with their Ecoplume, created from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. This jacket is lightweight & layerable and great for multi-season wear. You can also find it in a beautiful cream color. 

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9. Southport Overcoat

Brand: The Checkroom

Price: $895

Made to order in Chicago, The Checkroom is a line of classic-inspired statement coats for modern women. To make their overcoat line, they partner with American Woolen, which is one of the few remaining wool mills in the United States. These coats are designed to truly stand the test of time, not only in their design but in the quality of craftsmanship. This coat will last you a decade or more! Plus, The Checkroom’s outerwear line comes in 13 different sizes, including ones for plus, tall, and petite women.

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10. Eco Down Jacket

Brand: Apricot

Price: $199

This jacket is made with a 100% recycled polyester RipStop shell and high-quality synthetic down made from recycled plastic bottles. Apricoat loves the planet, and knows you do too, offering stylish, sustainable and functional gear for any and every adventure. All products are made from 100% recycled materials with as much as 300 plastic bottles per jacket, and can also be sent across the globe with carbon-free shipping. Apricoat products are also produced based on waste reduction and spoilage free practices (pre-orders), & meets fair labor factory certifications.

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11. Dorset Car Coat

Brand: Outerknown

Price: $128

The Dorset Car Coat is a double-breasted oversized cocoon sherpa coat made with 100% recycled polyester, which is created using raw waste like old water bottles.

This coat is perfectly oversized for easy layering across the seasons and has front pockets!

Pro surfer Kelly Slater is behind this Fair Labor Association-accredited brand which makes garments that, 90% of the time, are made of recycled, organic, and ‘regenerative’ materials.

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12. Norseland Insulated Parka

Brand: REI

Price: $199

Not only is this coat super cozy and warm with a fleece-lining, but it’s a great price!

The materials used to make this insulated parka reflect their love for people and the planet through the use of recycled materials, bluesign®-approved materials, and down certified to the Responsible Down Standard. Find this coat in 5 different colors from sizes XS-3X.

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BONUS: Reusable Hand Warmers

Brand: Aurora Heat

Price: Starting from $79.99

Inspired by Indigenous tradition, Aurora Heat offers reusable fur warmers to keep you warm throughout the winter. With natural insulating properties, they help to retain the heat your body naturally generates. Their body warmer and breast warmers are the perfect, discrete addition to your winter wardrobe: just wear the fur side facing your skin, and the grippy texture of the leather side will help keep them in place against your clothing.

If your extremities are also vulnerable to the cold, consider their hand warmers as well, which can be easily worn in your gloves, mittens, or tucked into your pockets for whenever you need cozy warmth.

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A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MINIMALIST FASHION

Nowadays, the average American buys around 68 pieces of clothing every year. This number is all the more surprising when we think about how many clothes we already have in our wardrobes. 

Because of the boom of fast fashion and the production of cheap clothing, our closets are overflowing, and most of us do not even wear half of our clothes!

Thankfully, in the past few years, many conscious consumers have decided to stop overconsuming and accumulating more and more pieces. They have chosen to embrace slow, minimalist fashion. 

But what is it exactly? In this article, you will learn more about minimalist fashion, its benefits, and how to incorporate it into your life. 

WHAT IS MINIMALIST FASHION? 

Minimalist fashion is the practice of having a small number of clothes in your wardrobe. You usually only choose to keep your favorite pieces, all of which are functional, fit your body well, and suit your personal style. These are pieces you truly love, feel comfortable in, and want to wear over and over. 

Minimalist fashion is about letting go of excess clothing and shoes that no longer bring value to you, and cherishing the few pieces that bring you joy and make you feel confident. It is also about shopping intentionally, saying no to overconsumption, and not wanting to keep up with the latest trends all the time. 

When you embrace minimalist fashion, you believe that having fewer but better clothes is actually better than having more. You become aware of the terrible consequences fast fashion has on people and the environment, and you want to do something about it. 

What’s more, you start consuming slowly and thoughtfully while being happy with the pieces you already own.  

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MINIMALIST FASHION?  

Applying minimalism to fashion and your wardrobe can be truly life-changing as it comes with many benefits that you can reap immediately! 

Having fewer clothes to choose from means that you experience less decision fatigue in the morning, and you spend less time thinking about what you are going to wear that day.  

You also have less clutter in your closet, which helps reduce stress and overwhelm and makes cleaning a lot easier. Packing for a trip and traveling is a breeze, and moving houses is less chaotic when you have a smaller wardrobe. 

Not buying clothes all the time and becoming a mindful consumer is also incredibly good for the planet! It means that fewer resources need to be produced or extracted from the earth to make all these clothes, and less clothing ends up being discarded in landfills. Plus, when you have less, you usually take better care of your pieces, making them last longer.  

Another great benefit of not buying so many clothes is that you end up saving a lot of money, which can help you pay off debt quicker and be more financially secure. 

Decluttering the excess can also help you discover your personal style as you start to understand what you like wearing and feel comfortable in. 

Finally, having less teaches you contentment and to be grateful for what you have instead of always wanting more, thus contributing to your overall happiness in the long run. 

OUR 9 BEST TIPS TO CREATE A MINIMALIST STYLE

The following tips will help you embrace minimalist fashion and create a minimalist style!  

Stop buying clothes all the time 

When shopping is a hobby and we have gotten into the habit of buying clothes whenever we want, we start accumulating pieces and our closets become fuller and fuller over time. 

If you want to give minimalist fashion a try, refrain from buying clothes all the time. Set a buying freeze for a few months and only purchase things you absolutely need during that time. You probably already have everything you need in your wardrobe! 

Be honest with yourself and only replace things as they wear out or when you truly need something. 

Declutter clothes you never wear

Take inventory of everything you have in your closet, and declutter anything that does not fit anymore or is not your style. Also, get rid of anything you do not like or feel comfortable in, or things you simply never wear. 

Doing this will help you understand what you like wearing and what your personal style is. Plus, it will create so much space in your closet! 

But please, declutter clothes and shoes responsibly by selling, donating, or recycling them. 

Create a capsule wardrobe 

A great way to apply minimalism to your wardrobe is to create a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a small, thoughtfully curated selection of interchangeable clothes that we love wearing every day. 

Decide on a number that works well for you, and build from there. If you do not know how many clothes are enough for your life, give Project 333 a try! It is a challenge that invites you to dress with only 33 pieces of clothing for three months. At the end of the challenge, add or remove some pieces according to your preferences. 

Of course, take your lifestyle into consideration. You might probably not need as many dress shirts if you work from home as if you went to the office every day. And remember what your priorities are. Do you value more comfort or style?  

Keep your favorite pieces and do what works best for you! If you need more help and inspiration, check out our article about capsule wardrobes and how to build one!

Choose a color palette and try to stick to it

When creating a minimalist style, see what colors you like wearing. Choose a color palette you love, ideally with colors that go well together, and try to stick to those colors when adding new pieces in the future. 

By doing this, you will make it easier for you to create outfits and mix and match pieces! 

Also, if you think neutral colors are boring, that is perfectly fine. You can have a minimalist wardrobe AND wear bright, bold colors! 

Prioritize versatile, multipurpose pieces 

The key to embracing minimalist fashion is to make sure the clothes you have are versatile, feature mostly classic silhouettes, and can be worn with most other pieces. You want to build your wardrobe around some solid basics, like white T-shirts, jeans, or a little black dress.  

For instance, it is great to have pieces you can easily dress up or down, or clothes you can use as a staple in the summer and a layering piece in the winter. 

Also, focus on having timeless clothes that do not go out of style over trendy pieces that you will not want to wear a year from now.

Become a proud outfit repeater

In today’s society, we are taught to think that we should wear a different outfit every day and that we should not wear the same shirt every week. 

But if you want to have fewer clothes, you have to be okay with becoming an outfit repeater. It is perfectly okay to wear the same sweater two or three days in a row or wear the same dress every time you go out with friends. 

Reusing your clothes over and over again is actually the most sustainable thing you can do to reduce their environmental impact! 

Learn to keep things interesting

When we have a minimalist wardrobe, it is important to try and keep things interesting so we do not get bored with our pieces.

So try to be creative! Think about different ways you can style your clothes and see if you can create new outfit combinations. You can also wear different accessories, like scarves, belts, and jewelry.

Also, keep out-of-season clothes stored away and out of your closet. That way, you will feel more excited when you take them out of storage. They will feel almost like new! 

When you need something new, invest in quality over quantity

Minimalist fashion is all about investing in quality pieces that are made to last for many years.

When we only have a few pieces to choose from, we want them to be well-made and durable. They need to stand the test of time because we are constantly reaching for them. Not to mention high-quality clothes are much more enjoyable to wear.  

Yes, they are usually more expensive, but they are worth it in the long run! 

If you need new pieces for your wardrobe, check out these sustainable clothing brands. They sell high-quality, timeless, and versatile basics you will love to have in your minimalist wardrobe! 

Make your clothes last 

Take good care of your clothes so they last as long as possible. Wash them less frequently, read fabric care labels carefully, wash them in cold water, and air dry them if you can. 

That way, you will not have to buy as many clothes over time. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Embracing minimalist fashion is a great way to make your wardrobe more sustainable. 

By slowing down your consumption and getting rid of the excess, you also create a wardrobe full of clothes you love and look forward to wearing each and every day. 

And that is a wonderful feeling.

Less is truly more! 

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About the Author

Eva Astoul is a French freelance writer, specializing in content related to sustainability, simple living, and a growth-focused healthy lifestyle.

She runs her own blog, Green With Less, to inspire people to live a more minimalist and sustainable life.

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Image: Bhava

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The Best Vegan Shoes That Are Also Sustainable

They’re the last thing we put on before heading out the door and yet they can make or break an outfit. Shoes are something that we put a lot of thought into before buying, and choosing the right brand to shop with is the first step in the process. 

We’re all trying to be more conscious about what we wear, and for some people, opting for vegan shoes instead of animal-based ones is the compassionate and environmentally friendly way of doing that. In this post we’ll take a look at what vegan shoes are made of, why they may be the more sustainable choice, and which brands are the ones to check out when you’re next shoe shopping!

Why should you shop vegan shoes?

The main reasons why people opt for vegan footwear are ethical and environmental. Animal welfare is a big issue in the fashion industry and choosing vegan alternatives is the best way to ensure you’re not contributing towards unnecessary cruelty towards animals. Cows, pigs, goats and sheep are commonly used to make leather shoes, and most of the leather produced today comes from countries with less or no animal welfare protections. 

The environmental impacts of using leather for fashion is also a key driver for people who are switching to animal-free alternatives. From the toxic chemicals used in tanning leather, to the high amounts of water and land use required to raise the animals, the damage caused to the planet by leather is no longer deniable. 

What types of materials are used for vegan shoes?

The main material used for footwear is leather, and so the vegan alternative to this would be any synthetic or natural-based leather that doesn’t include any animal ingredients. There are more vegan leathers coming into the fashion industry all the time, such as fruit waste leathers and bio-based materials, as well as some more traditional materials like cork, natural rubber and cotton. Even the glue used in footwear is sometimes made with animals, so vegan shoes will always use an alternative adhesive.

our top picks for sustainable vegan shoe brands

1. Nae Vegan Shoes

Materials: Piñatex, AppleSkin, Cork

Price: $39 - 248

Portuguese vegan footwear brand Nae Vegan Shoes (standing for No Animal Exploitation) was founded in 2008 and is well known for their beautiful animal-free footwear. Their sandals, sneakers, boots and heels, all with European-inspired designs, are made with Piñatex, AppleSkin, cork, rPET, and On Steam Bioeco, the first ecological microfiber obtained partially from corn and recycled polyester. 

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2. Thousand Fell

Materials: Natural Rubber, Coconut Husk, Aloe Vera

Price: $125 - 135

Find your next pair of vegan sneakers with Thousand Fell. Created in different styles such as lace-up, slip-on, & court for both women and men, these shoes are known for their comfort as each sole is made from recycled yoga mats. Thousand Fell only sources materials that can either be biodegraded, recycled to make new shoes, or upcycled into materials for new projects. 

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3. Matt & Nat

Materials: Recycled PU, AppleSkin, Canvas

Price: $18 - 250

Canadian-based vegan brand Matt & Nat has specialized in footwear, bags and accessories since it was founded in 1995. You can find every style of shoe here, from sandals and heels to sneakers and boots. Most of their styles are in black, cream or neutral tones, making it easy to pair them with nearly everything in your wardrobe.

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4. Native

Materials: Bloom, Sugarlite

Price: $39 - 132

Native creates lightweight shoes and sandals in simple styles perfect for summer and boots that will keep you going through winter. Native uses innovative materials such as Bloom, made with algae and Sugarlite, a bio-based EVA made from sugarcane. You can even recycle your Native shoes and they’ll be turned into playground flooring!

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5. Vivo Barefoot *

Materials: Bloom, rPET

Price: $120 - 230

Vivo make barefoot style shoes for both performance and lifestyle, including sneakers, hiking boots and even amphibian shoes - made for adventures along the shore! Vivo use animal-free materials in their vegan collection including Bloom (made from algae) and Vamp (made from rPET).  

*Vivo Barefoot has a vegan collection but is not wholly vegan

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6. Stella McCartney

Materials: Alter Mat, VEGEA

Price: $550 - 1,895

Famously known for pioneering vegan fashion developments, British designer Stella McCartney has a huge range of vegan shoes if you’re looking for a touch of glamour. Check out their flats, sneakers, boots, wedges and heels in bold designs made with Alter Mat, a biobased vegan alternative to leather, and VEGEA, made from grape waste. 

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7. Bhava

Materials: Italian Vegan Leather

Price: $95 - 289

Committed to protecting the victims of the fashion industry (the animals, the planet and the people), Bhava only uses animal-free leather for their boots, clogs, heels, sandals and flats. Their shoes are handmade in Portugal and each pair is tested for durability on the streets of New York. 

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8. Rothy’s

Materials: Natural Rubber, Algae-Based Foam

Price: $119 - 189

Rothy’s creates shoes for women, men and children using various vegan materials, including natural rubber, algae-based foams, rPET, and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). Discover their flats, sandals, loafers, sneakers and mules in bright, colorful prints and versatile neutral tones.  

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9. Will’s Vegan Store

Materials: Bio-based vegan leather

Price: $58 - 124

The online vegan department store that makes shopping vegan shoes as easy as anything! Find classic brogues and sleek loafers, perfect for office wear or special occasions. Will’s Vegan Store uses a vegan leather made from bio oil sourced from organic cereal crops grown in Northern Europe in a carbon-neutral process.

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10. Veerah

Materials: Apple Peel, Bamboo, rPET

Price: $100 - 498

Veerah uses sustainable vegan materials to create its shoes, including alternatives using apple peel, bamboo, and recycled plastic bottles. Shop their sandals, pumps, flats, mules, and boots in gorgeous prints, bright colors and unique styles. We adore the bridal collection they’ve put together to help you find the perfect pair for your special day!

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11. Oka-B

Materials: Bio-based Material

Price: $38 - 78

For the cutest sandals and ballet flats, look no further than Oka-B. Originally made as a spa shoe, they feature arch support and massage beads to keep your feet pampered 24/7. All Oka-B shoes are made with a bio-based material that contains 45% soy by weight and is BPA, latex, rubber, and phthalate-free. Oka-B shoes are made in the USA & when you return your well-loved & worn shoes, they recycle them & send a 15% off coupon toward your next purchase. 

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12. Etiko

Materials: Natural Rubber, Organic Cotton

Price: $20 - 95

Australian brand Etiko specializes in organic, vegan, feel-good fashion and has a range of footwear, including sneakers, flip-flops and flats. Using natural rubber and 100% organic cotton, they create Fairtrade footwear that you can feel good knowing your footprints are that much lighter on the planet!

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13. Okabashi

Materials: Bio-based Material

Price: $24.99 - 35.99

Okabashi makes vegan flip-flops, sandals, and ballet flats designed with circularity principles so they can be recycled at the end of their life. The shoes are made in the USA and are molded from a proprietary, recyclable material that is 40% US-grown soy by weight. Comfort is key to Okabashi, and each shoe is designed to last a lifetime - unlike your usual flip-flop.

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14. Thesus

Materials: rPET, cork

Price: $138 - 209

Thesus is a socially and environmentally progressive brand of outdoor footwear and accessories. Find weekend and rain boots, and stylish clogs in earth tones and bright yellows, greens and reds. Based in Canada, Thesus is BIPOC woman-owned and women-led, and they manufacture their footwear in Portugal, ensuring the workers are paid a living wage.

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About the Author

Sarah King is a freelance writer with a focus on vegan fashion, sustainability and ethically made clothes. She campaigns for change in the fashion industry through her blog and on her Instagram page.

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How to Create Sustainable Fall Outfits With The Clothes You Have

Once again, Fall is here, the season of crunchy leaves, chilly winds, and cloudy skies. It has then come the time for countless of us to bring out the cozier, heavier clothes to enjoy the colder, rainier weather that in many parts of the world characterizes this transitional season.

Whether or not you are a fan of Fall, there is no denying that the change of season inspires people to explore their personal style, spruce up their wardrobe, and have fun creating new, fresh outfits.  

 If you feel like freshening up your style for the new season, but you can't or don't feel like buying new clothes and accessories, then you are in luck because we have created a handy guide just for that.

So keep reading to get some sustainable (and budget-friendly) Fall inspo, and find out how to create new Fall outfits using the clothes you already have!    

First things first: do a closet inventory 

A step included in any good plan is identifying the resources you have at hand. So when it's time to create new Fall outfits, knowing what you are working with is a solid first step and an easy one at that, as it's easy to review them when you take them out of storage. 

This activity doubles as an occasion to see if there are any pieces you no longer feel like keeping with you and if some other neglected ones still make you happy and deserve a second chance. 

Once you figure out how many and what pieces you have, you are ready to start planning (and have fun with) your outfits. 

Don't put your summer clothes in a box just yet

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need new clothes to make new outfits, as you can make so many different outfits just by reusing the clothes you already own. That's right; you already have everything you need for your new Fall outfits!

A perhaps unexpected ingredient of these Fall outfits can be your favorite summer pieces. Even though they may make you think of iced drinks and white sandy beaches rather than hot beverages and falling leaves, summer clothes can be great building blocks for the outfits you'll sport during this transitional season.

The weather this time of the year can be highly fickle in many locations, and as we all know, it's much easier in changing weather to add layers that to take them off when it's needed, especially on the go. After all, that's why Fall is considered the perfect time of the year to experiment with layering.     

To have a go at layering some of your transitional and summer pieces, you can try wearing your summer dresses as tops under your jeans, trousers, or long skirts. You can also pair them with turtlenecks to wear underneath or even t-shirts if the weather in your area stays on the warmer side. If instead, Fall gives you an early taste of the colder season, you can pair tights with these outfits to keep warm.     

Adding tights or socks to your outfits can also make distressed denim, summer skirts, and shorts season-appropriate. Similarly, wearing taller boots can help you integrate summer clothes into your Fall outfits.

Use the magic of outerwear

As the weather gets colder, it's time to have some fun with outerwear: the main character of transitional and chillier weather outfits. For some, having to wear outerwear is a bummer; it can hide the rest of the fit and get a bit boring the longer you have to wear it.    

In Fall, though, thanks to the milder temperatures, wearing outerwear can add a bit of spice to your outfit rather than solely helping you stay warm.     

So if you own a well-fitting light jacket, trench coat, or blazer that you can layer on top of everything (even your PJs), you can use it to give your more lightweight, breezier looks some structure, some extra warmth, and some more Fall-Esque vibes.   

To keep it fresh and non-boring, try tying a belt (or two) around your waist, add some pins or patches, and experimenting with different ways of wearing it depending on the rest of your outfit and mood: buttoned up, un-buttoned, or even just laid over the shoulder.

No worries if you don't have a transitional coat you love, you can wear a cardigan on top of your Fall outfits for the same purposes. Bonus points if on the cozier, chunkier side.

It's time to experiment with textures  

Textures may not seem like a defining element of clothes when compared to color and cut, but they can make all the difference. Think of how visually beautiful decorations like glitter or lace and fabrics like crushed velvet or linen can be!    

That's why including them can make even the simplest outfit feel special and bring freshness into your style. To incorporate them when creating a new Fall look, consider the outfit as a whole rather than its parts. Does the outfit have an overall texture or multiple ones? Or does it look plain?

Fall is the perfect time to play with them and mix them up, as you probably don't have to prioritize staying cool in balmy weather or staying warm while it's frosty outside. So you can more easily incorporate textures in one or more of the layers composing your outfit.

For example, you can wear a pleated skirt or corduroy trousers with a plain t-shirt, blouse or turtleneck or pair a ruffled blouse with your favorite pair of jeans.        

Play with and mix up warm colors  

Mustard, rust, terracotta, moss green: nothing says Fall like warm colors! Adding warm tones to your outfits can be a way to feel in tune with the season while creating your new Fall fits.

If you don't own many warm-colored pieces, try adding just one warm-tone piece per outfit, whether through clothes, accessories, or even shoes. If, instead, you already are a warm tones aficionado, try going for a warm colors head-to-toe look to go all out for channeling the Fall vibes.  

Bonus tip! If you are used to mainly wearing neutrals and want to play with warm colors more this season but don't know how to style them, here is a simple trick: you can try pairing pieces that have the same color intensity level. It will make the outfit stand out more, look more cohesive, and eliminate some decision fatigue.       

Create a Fall everyday uniform 

Building an everyday fashion uniform that suits your lifestyle and taste can be a real game-changer. It can make your life easier, your morning routine shorter, and sometimes some comfort and familiarity are just what one needs to soothe the soul. 

If you live in an area where you experience four different seasons, you might need to create four different ones. This necessity is your chance to not only select the Fall pieces that feel more "you" but also to give a second chance to a neglected piece you still love.    

Find a classic, Fall-weather staple you love and wear it with everything.

A versatile, Fall-appropriate staple you love that goes well with anything is the perfect starting point to create new seasonal outfits. It may be a chunky sweater, a warm-colored skirt, or a pair of rain-proof boots: anything that works for you and makes you think of Fall!  

You can make it fun and turn it into an activity. Take some time to get creative and plan out your outfits around that one piece you picked. You can make a list, a Pinterest board, or even draw the fits if that's what strikes your fancy.  

It's an excellent opportunity to experiment and get out of your comfort zone, so don't be afraid to mix patterns, colors, and styles. 

Add spice to an outfit using some simple accessories

One of the best things about accessories is their power to transform any fit completely: adding a scarf or necklace can change the aesthetic and feel of an outfit in one go. Not only that, but they can make even the plainest one feel newer and fresher.   

Compared to the warm season, in Fall, you have even more choice of accessories as more cool-weather appropriate accessories like scarves, knitted hats, and gloves are back on the table thanks to the colder temperatures.  

So seize your chance to have even more fun with accessories and layer a scarf over any outfit for an extra pop of color (the ways to wear one are endless), wear a double belt over your favorite Fall dress, and sport your most out-there bag.    

Thanks to the changes in weather and routines that characterize it, Fall is a time of renewal and new beginnings for many people. Even though many of us have been taught to associate newness with only shiny, brand-new things, we can still find novelty and joy in the things we already own with a bit of time and creativity. After all, nothing is as beautiful as the things we cherish.  

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About the Author:

Roberta Fabbrocino is a journalist specialized in climate change and sustainability-related topics. Her articles have been published in several international eco-publications. Roberta also works as a content writer for sustainable companies.

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Your Guide to a More Stylish, Sustainable Fall

Pumpkin spice lattes, soft flannels, and campfires—we all know fall when we see it. But as with any trend, celebrating the season of coziness can easily turn into a high-consumption period. 

How much waste might you be creating with that daily Pumpkin Spice Latte? What’s the true impact of those fast-fashion boots you’ll only wear for three months? 

Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability to celebrate the season. 

Why Does a Sustainable Fall Matter?

It’s easy to buy into fall trends without thinking twice about their environmental impact. But research shows there’s a reason to be more mindful about your fall. 

For example, Americans discard 50 billion single-use coffee cups daily—most of which are coated in plastic. The negative implications of fall doesn’t stop at seasonal drinks, either. The fashion industry consumes one-tenth of all the water used industrially, and 20% of wastewater that flows into oceans stems from toxic chemical dyes. 

If we use the fall season as an excuse to buy something cheap, new, and convenient, we’re contributing to consumption and pollution that degrade our planet. While the following items promote purchasing something new to you, many are made with recycled plastics or fabrics that have been diverted from the landfill. Others are so high-quality that they’re meant to be purchased once, and used for life. 

Here’s our roundup of twelve festive fall products you can feel good about:

1. A Reusable Mug for Warm Drinks

It doesn't really feel like fall without a warm, frothy drink to sip on. Whether it’s pumpkin coffee or cinnamon tea, a solid mug can ensure you’re enjoying sustainably. 

The Ceramic Mug from Soma has a leak-proof bamboo lid and double-walled insulation to keep your drinks warm long after you pour them. Ceramic can last a lifetime when cared for well. Plus, unlike plastic, it’s non-toxic and made from clay that comes straight from the earth.

If you’re used to getting coffee from a big chain store, this mug offers a chance to switch it up. Either add your own seasonal autumn drink at home, or take it to your local coffee shop to have them fill it up with something warm and delicious.

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2. A Soft, Warm Blanket

Few things are cozier than wrapping yourself in a giant, chunky blanket at home. Yet many blankets are made with materials like polyester and acrylic. While these fibers can be warm and soft, they’re made from petroleum products.

That’s why we’re always on a mission to find the perfect sustainable bedding and blanket brands.

Enter: Bearaby. Bearaby’s 10lbs Cotton Napper is made from organic cotton, which uses significantly less water than ordinary cotton.

The blanket comes in cozy colors like asteroid gray and evening rose, and it’s also MADE IN GREEN by OEKO-TEX® and Fairtrade International certified. The napper is evenly weighted to promote restful sleep in all seasons, so you can use it even when the weather warms up.

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3. The Perfect Pair of Sweats

Lounging at home in a cozy blanket isn’t complete without a go-to pair of sweatpants.

We love the Pact Airplane Joggers because they are made from organic cotton in a fair trade factory.

Pact is known for being a brand that makes high-quality clothing but also goes to greater lengths than most to trace the environmental impact of their products (this jogger has a carbon offset of 17.4 lbs).

The camel color is ideal for fall—and there’s even a sweater to match if you want to complete the set!

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4. The Ideal Notebook for Journaling

Seasonal changes are the perfect time to reset and reflect on your goals. As we move from warmer months to shorter, cooler days, a journal can help you record your feelings, sketch ideas, and set intentions for the season ahead. So why not get started with a sustainable notebook?

Papier is a stationery company that strives for sustainability in multiple ways.

They use recyclable packaging and sustainably-sourced papers and ink.

Most of all, their journals and other products are made-to-order, which means they aren’t wasting paper by creating products in bulk (that later get sent to the landfill). We love their plain paper notebooks for doodling, visual journaling, sketching, writing, and more.

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5. A Sophisticated Fall Bag

Whether you’re strolling campus, commuting to work, or reading at a local coffee shop, a sophisticated fall bag is a must.

For a polished, professional look that still feels very of-the-season, we suggest the Sombre Vintage Briefcase by Ecosusi.

The contrasting color palettes have a uniquely vintage feel, and the vegan materials mean no animals were harmed in the process. 

We also love that Ecosusi is a female-led, all vegan brand with a commitment to ethical manufacturing practices. They vet and visit their factories frequently to ensure fair wages and reasonable working hours—all things we’re happy to support.

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6. The Trendy Hat for All Occasions

Beanies are favorite for staying warm in fall, but if you want to level up the style a notch, The festival hat from Tentree is your best bet.

Reasonably priced and made from recycled wool, this fedora keeps your head warm without the itch of other cold-weather hats. 

The only other material is cork, which comprises the accent band on the hat.

It’s perfect for leaf-peeping, fall festivals, dinners out with friends, and everything in between.

Tentree plants ten trees for every product purchased, which not only helps offset the impact of their production methods, but also helps directly add more greenery (and oxygen) to the earth.

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7. A Pair of Recycled Sunglasses

If you’re in need of a new pair of shades, MITA has a stylish selection of sustainable, UVA/UVB protective sunglasses.

MITA starts with five water bottles and transforms them into a pair of wearable, high-quality, lightweight, and super cute eyewear. Their cleaning cloths and cases are made from recycled materials, too.

The MITA community works with a few different non-profit organizations to help clean up and protect our oceans and waterways.

Many of their styles in both eyeglasses and sunglasses come in a beautiful Merlot color that will go perfectly for fall!

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8. The Chicest Cape

If you want a chic way to rethink your layered outfits, look no further than Fifth Origins.

Their cape infinity duo is handwoven from 100% organic linen.

These ponchos are one-size-fits-all, but they can also be made to order according to specific measurements (which doesn’t cost extra).

All their products are made in India by rural artisans, following fair-trade practices. 

The defining feature of these capes is versatility.

They’re made with two colors, one on each side, so you can have two completely different looks. Plus, there’s more than one way to wear them, with over twenty styling options. 

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9.  A Refined Flannel

Flannels scream chilly weather, but it takes time to find one that isn’t scratchy, shabby, or ill-fitting. 

The blanket shirt by Outerknown is made from brushed organic cotton heavyweight twill (in other words, it’s soft).

We love that it walks the fine line between shirt and jacket.

Designed for layering, this flannel hits below the hips for a flattering cut, and the colors couldn’t get more perfect, either. 

Outerknown is driven by a passion for responsible action and courageous change, and their entire brand is committed to practicing sustainability and supporting fair labor. Their used platform, where people can sell and shop pre-loved goods, has kept 1,300 garments from the landfill.

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10. The Best Blazer

Autumn is for layers, and blazers are arguably the best one.

We love a plaid blazer for Fall, and the Winston Blazer from Reformation is our favorite. Find it in 3 neutral plaid color combinations that will ‘fall’ seamlessly into your Autumn wardrobe.

Reformation makes its clothing using low-impact materials, like Tencel lyocell, recycled cotton, linen, OEKO-TEX-certified regenerated nylon, or recycled cashmere. It also has some pieces produced from rescued deadstock fabrics (like this blazer) and repurposed vintage clothes.

This Climate-Neutral certified company is also very transparent about the factories it works with and how the products are made. Some of its clothes are produced locally in Los Angeles. 

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11. A Reliable Base Turtleneck

Turtlenecks are the fashion staple of fall—especially when paired with the perfect cardigan.

The Lux Paris Rib Turtleneck from Amour Vert can be found in this gorgeous green color or a basic black - both would be the perfect layering piece.

The brand partners directly with mills to source its fabrics to ensure its supply chain remains traceable.

It also creates its clothing in limited quantities to avoid unnecessary waste and ensure the highest production standards.

Amour Vert ships its products in packaging made from compostable and recycled materials and printed with soy-based inks.

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12. Your Go-To Fall Bootie

Rain showers and cooler temps mean booties are a requirement for fall. However, leather is notoriously destructive to the environment—contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation (not to mention its ethical implications). Sustainable, vegan leather boots are an eco-friendly alternative that look just as cute as leather, without the guilt. Nae is a sustainable, USA-made shoe brand with the perfect fall boots: Irma Black.

Featuring a block heel, vegan leather, and sustainable microsuede, these side-zipper ankle booties are slightly higher on the ankle than other booties, adding a more polished appearance. These boots are made in Portugal in a fair working environment.

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About the Author

Michelle Polizzi is an independent writer and storyteller with 7 years of experience creating content online. Her writing has appeared in leading publications like Bitch, WELL+GOOD, Insider, and Healthline, and she covers topics like sustainable living, mental health, and intersectional feminism. Currently, she's pursuing an MFA in creative writing.

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