image: Whimsy & Row

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. This post is also sponsored in part by Eleven44. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY LITTLE BLACK DRESSES

A little black dress is truly a staple piece every woman should have in her wardrobe. It is probably one of the most versatile clothing items you can own, as it is easy to dress up and dress down. 

Paired with simple sandals, it is a great casual dress that you can wear for picnics, shopping or walking in the city. When you add a few accessories and put high heels or booties on, it becomes the ideal dress for going out at night and for most special occasions.   

Since you always look good in a little black dress, it is THE dress you choose whenever you do not know what to wear to a more formal event. It is classic, yet chic and timeless! 

However, it is often cheaply made by fast fashion brands using synthetic materials. But thankfully, we can choose a more eco-friendly version to minimize its environmental impact.

If you are on the hunt for a staple piece for your wardrobe, one of these 14 sustainable little black dresses will be perfect for you!  

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS

The little black dress was introduced to the world in 1926 when Vogue published a drawing of a simple black dress designed by Coco Chanel. Before that, women only wore black when mourning, but in the late 1920s, the Parisian designer changed everything.  

Thanks to its simplicity and affordable price, the little black dress became very popular in the 1930s, during the Great Depression. Women of all classes could finally wear an elegant yet practical outfit without breaking the bank. 

It became a uniform for many women at the time, and above all, one of the most influential garments in fashion history. After the Second World War, designer Christian Dior updated the little black dress and gave it a sexier look, which truly changed women’s fashion. 

Hollywood stars quickly adopted the little black dress, the most famous one being Audrey Hepburn who paired it with a pearl necklace in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s in 1961. Since then, the little black dress has remained one of women’s favorite fashion pieces. 

WHAT MAKES A LITTLE BLACK DRESS SUSTAINABLE?

A sustainable little black dress is made with high-quality, eco-friendly fabrics. It is built to last, and you should be able to enjoy it for years without it wearing down.  

Also, an eco-friendly little black dress is not produced in a sweatshop, so stay away from fast fashion brands. Workers should be paid fair wages, and work in a safe and healthy environment. 

A dress made by a certified B Corporation or a Fair Trade brand is always a good option!  

WHAT ECO-FRIENDLY FABRICS SHOULD YOU SEARCH FOR?

Sustainable little black dresses are usually made with organic cotton, linen or recycled polyester. Some lovely dresses are also produced from Tencel, hemp, reclaimed cotton and deadstock fabrics. All of these are great, eco-friendly fabrics! 

In general, avoid synthetic fabrics that are non-recycled, and prefer organic and biodegradable materials. And try to choose fabrics that are OEKO-TEX certified, meaning that they are free of harmful substances and safe to wear. 

Plus, it is even better if the fabric is dyed using low-impact, non-toxic dyes (look for the GOTS and Bluesign® certifications). 

OUR TOP PICKS FOR SUSTAINABLE LITTLE BLACK DRESSES:

1) Sleeveless Tee Black Organic Cotton Dress by Eleven44

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $74

Slow-fashion brand Eleven44 focuses on minimalist comfort basics for your capsule wardrobe. This comfortable yet sassy LBD is made from certified organic cotton jersey.

The design is meant to be oversized for an easy, relaxed fit, but if you want a more fitted look, choose a size down.

Eleven44 works with several small family-run businesses in Bali to manufacture their clothing brand. They source certified organic cotton dyed using low-impact reactive dyes, which are GOTS-certified.

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2) Fit & Flare Shorty midi dress (in black) by Pact

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $74

This Fit & Flare Shorty midi dress created by Pact has a classic and timeless style, yet it is very flattering and beautifully made. Fitted at the top and flared at the waist, it has a midi length, but you can also choose a longer version of this dress. 

Pact’s little black dress features two hidden side pockets as well as a built-in, wireless shelf bra that makes it very comfortable and easy to wear.

The dress is made of GOTS-certified organic cotton in a Fair Trade certified factory in India. Producing this dress requires 47 gallons less water than a similar dress made of conventional cotton, which is huge! 

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3) Ines bubble sleeve dress from Made Trade

Materials: Organic Cotton 

Price: $98

The Ines bubble sleeve dress created by the small fair trade brand Mata Traders is sold on Made Trade’s website. It is made of organic cotton jersey, a soft and breathable fabric that you can wear for all your daily activities. 

This little black dress finishes just above the knee, and it features cute puffy sleeves and practical hidden pockets.

It is handcrafted at a fair trade women’s cooperative in India. 

The brand Mata Traders specializes in making beautiful dresses, jewelry and accessories using traditional techniques such as block printing and embroidery. Every order on Made Trade’s website is 100% carbon-neutral, so you can feel good about purchasing this little black dress! 

use code SUSTAINABLYCHIC for $20 off your first order of $150+

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4) Joni dress in black linen by Whimsy & Row

Materials: Linen

Price: $192

The Joni dress sold by Whimsy & Row is a mini dress that you can easily wear with sneakers for a more laid-back style, or with nice sandals or booties whenever you want to look more elegant and chic. 

It features a stretchy smocked bodice and cool puffy sleeves. This little black dress is made of 100% linen, which absorbs moisture and is naturally antibacterial, making it a great fabric to wear in the summer or on a warm spring day. 

The website discloses how much water, energy and waste are saved and how many carbon emissions are avoided when you buy this dress instead of a non-sustainable version. How cool is that?!

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5) Adelina cotton eyelet midi dress (in black) by Amour Vert

Materials: Cotton, Recycled Polyester

Price: $228

Amour Vert designed the Adelina cotton eyelet midi dress with an A-line silhouette, adjustable straps and an invisible zipper in the back. Its elegant detachable tie waist offers a very flattering fit. 

The bodice is made of cotton while the beautiful lining of the dress is made with 100% recycled polyester. You will love how easy it is to dress it up and dress it down! 

Amour Vert produces its clothes in California and always makes them in limited quantities to eliminate any excess waste. To minimize its impact, the brand sends its products in protective bags made from compostable and recycled materials, all printed with soy-based inks. 

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6) City stretch crepe shift dress (in black) by Universal Standard

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Price: $108

This City stretch crepe shift dress created by Universal Standard is a cool addition to any capsule wardrobe. Great to wear at work or for all your daily activities, it has a straight fit and it finishes just above the knee. 

Universal Standard’s dress has bracelet-length sleeves, which are ideal for spring days or cooler summer nights.

Made from recycled polyester, it also features a V-neckline and practical, deep pockets on the sides. 

The brand is extremely size-inclusive: this dress is available in sizes 4XS up to 4XL! Universal Standard also regularly donates its clothes to organizations that support women returning to the workforce, like Dress For Success. 

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7) Organic Cotton Ponte Zip-Up Dress by Eileen Fisher

Materials: Organic Cotton, Polyester, Polyurethane

Price: $178

The Ponte zip-up dress sold by Eileen Fisher is a classic sleeveless little black dress that is perfect for wearing to the office, but you can also easily dress it up for going out. 

Available in sizes XXS to 3X, it is tighter at the top and wider at the hem.

It stops above the knee and features hidden side pockets and a short front zipper. This dress is made in Indonesia using organic cotton, polyester and polyurethane. 

Eileen Fisher is a certified B-Corporation, and it colors its clothes with Bluesign® certified dyes, meaning that they are free of hazardous chemicals and they help save water and energy.

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8) The Annabelle Dress by Christy Dawn

Materials: Organic Cotton

Price: $358

Christy Dawn's take on a classic victorian night dress!

This dress is made from 100% organic cotton and features ladder stitching detailing, delicate pintucks, picot and lace edging. It is also naturally and organically dyed.

Christy Dawn is committed to practices that honor Mother Earth and believe that sustainability doesn’t go far enough, instead focusing on regenerative processes that heal the planet.

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9) Nellie Dress by Carve Designs

Materials: EcoVero

Price: $98

This LBD from Carve is simple and elegant and comes complete with side pockets!

If you are unfamiliar, EcoVero™ is a more sustainable viscose made using sustainable wood from controlled sources like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Program for Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes) certified in Europe.

As a company born at the beach and endlessly inspired by the outdoors, Carve prides themselves on crafting fashion forward everyday designs that are made mostly out of sustainable materials.

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10) Zenni Linen Dress by Reformation

Materials: Linen

Price: $218

Are you looking for a bit of shape?

The Zenni is a sleeveless mini dress with a boat neckline, a slight V-back, and an A-line skirt. We love that it is made from linen, too! Reformation specializes in selling sustainably-made clothing and shoes for women. In addition, the brand creates dresses for any special occasion, including weddings and proms.

Reformation is climate-neutral certified, and it is a member of Textile Exchange, the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and the Fair Labor Association. 

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11) Zero Dress by Malaika

Materials: Deadstock Fabric

Price: $230

The Zero Dress is a black knee-length shift dress with up-cycled bike tube detail to hold the snaps, oversized neck detail, and raw edges. The draping makes it flattering to many body types, and it is quite versatile to create multiple looks.

Malaika New York’s unique zero waste designs embrace the female body, focusing on comfort, versatility, and timelessness.

Malaika is a great choice if you feel like trends are wasteful and are building a high-quality capsule collection.

use code MALAIKASCHIC for 15% off your first order

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12) The Gisele Dress by Bastet Noir

Materials: Discarded Silk

Price: $182

The Gisele Dress is a mini satin dress with a V neckline, long bishop sleeves with four-button closures, front pleated detail with three buttons on the side, and a hidden back zipper. It is also double-lined, and you can submit your measurements for a custom order.

Bastet Noir is a sustainable brand that creates made-to-order clothing to ensure its pieces fit its clients perfectly. The company creates beautiful, elegant dresses from discarded materials like silk and cotton.

You will love that the brand always discloses how much time was needed to make the dress and the detailed costs of each step of the production process!

Bastet Noir’s dresses are produced in Macedonia by a community of single mothers. The brand reinvests its profits to help these women grow their businesses and fund their children's education.

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13) V Mesh Compact Crepe Slip Dress by Stella McCartney

Materials: Forest-Friendly Viscose & Silk Lining

Price: $1,250

We love this ultra-sheer mesh insert on this little black dress by Stella McCartney. The dress is made with compact stretch crepe and hugs the figure for a flattering silhouette. Stella McCartney is a renowned British fashion brand that sells clothing for women and men, accessories, perfume, eyewear, as well as kids’ clothes. 

The brand is very transparent regarding its environmental impact. In 2021, it became a member of the Ethical Trading Initiative, which promotes respect for workers’ rights and helps companies to improve the working conditions in their supply chains.

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14) Cue Wrap Short Sleeve Dress by Toad&Co

Materials: Organic Cotton & Tencel

Price: $90

Toad & Co has reimagined the wrap and t-shirt dresses with this sweet number.

Made from their exclusive Samba fabric, this durable and sustainably made dress has the soft feel of a t-shirt with the elegant drape and styling of a wrap dress - the best of both worlds.

Most of Toad & Co’s clothes also carry the Bluesign or OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certifications (some even have both). All the company’s products are picked, packed, and shipped in a warehouse that trains, employs, and empowers people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Toad & Co is also a member of the Conservation Alliance and 1% For The Planet, and has helped fund 120 environmental protection organizations over the past 20 years.

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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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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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Get More Wear Out of the Clothes You Already own

When coming in contact with slow fashion for the first time, many people fall for the misconception that one must throw everything away and start building a new, sustainable wardrobe from scratch. 

On the contrary, though, slow fashion and a throw-away mindset are deeply antithetic. According to the EPA, textile waste makes up 5.83 percent of the total MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) generated yearly. So it's better for the planet and those on it if we wear our clothes for a long time. 

Regardless of the size of your wardrobe and the sustainability score of the clothes in it, finding ways to get more wear out of your pieces can be challenging. After all, we see our clothes every day, which may dull the spark. Not to mention the time constraints that may get in the way of our creativity. Yet getting creative with the clothes you already own is a fantastic, budget-friendly way of waving sustainability into your everyday life. Bonus points: it can help avoid that dreaded moment when you say "I don't have anything to wear" right in front of your closet. 

To help you out in this pursuit, we have selected some helpful tips to get more wear out of a piece. 

Keep things interesting by wearing the same piece in different ways 

So many items can be worn in many, sometimes unexpected ways. A button-up shirt can make for a simple, breezy summer jacket, and your one-piece swimsuit can also be worn as a top. 

You can wear your favorite summer tops and camisole dresses year-round if you wear them with a turtleneck underneath, and the number of ways you can tie up your scarves to wear them as tops is infinite. Taking this approach to clothing will help you think outside the box and create unique outfits and combos. 

Wearing the same piece in different ways is also a fantastic way of experimenting with the clothes you already have. It also helps you use seasonal garments for longer, and it shows you ways to give a second chance to the pieces you don't wear much but don't feel like parting from yet. 

 Play with colors to create new outfits

A fun and creative way to get the most out of your wardrobe is to use colors as inspiration to create new outfits. To do this, you check the color of the piece you want to get more wear out of and find out which other clothes you can pair it with.  

With this creative and budget-friendly method, you can sustainably get out of your comfort zone and explore your personal style. You can experiment with monochrome outfits in your favorite colors, bold and unexpected color palettes, and mixing different textures while giving all of your clothes a chance to be in the spotlight.    

Create a capsule wardrobe that includes the piece you want to get more wear out of  

Creating a capsule wardrobe is all about selecting functional attire that works for your lifestyle and makes you feel fabulous. Creating one that includes only the pieces already in your closet makes the process simpler, affordable, and sustainable.  

To spice things up, you can even choose a fun theme for your capsule wardrobe, such as "Dopamine Dressing" or "Y2K," to spice things up. You can change the theme whenever you feel inclined to keep on having fun while wearing the clothes from your capsule wardrobe. It's the perfect way to get a lot of wear out of your clothes while also having fun with fashion. 

Keep a little notebook handy for whenever inspiration strikes

Fashion inspiration can come from all sorts of sources: movies, artworks, magazines, social media, and even the fashionable people you encounter while going out and about. Looking for fashion inspiration can help you figure out your personal style and fall back in love with the clothes you already have.  

Having a place to save or write down what inspires you will make sure that you won't miss out on a chance to experiment with fashion sustainably. If you are not one for pen and paper, you can create a collection on Instagram, a Pinterest board, or a page on Notion.  

The key here is to use what you already have in your closet to recreate the look and aesthetic of what inspires you instead of buying new items. The number of clothes and accessories you already own that match the vibe of what you are getting inspiration from at the moment may positively surprise you. Pair them with the item you want to get more wear out of for a fun and sustainable look. 

It's easier to get more wear out of a piece by treating it right

Being mindful about what you choose to purchase is essential when trying to live sustainably and build a wardrobe made of only clothes you will honestly want to wear for a long time. Whether or not that was your approach when you bought that item, the way you treat it makes a tremendous difference in its longevity and long-term wearability. 

Not to mention that creating clothes takes a lot of time, labor, and skills, and taking care of them is a way of honoring all that went into making them.  

So as a general rule, try to avoid over-washing your clothes, follow the cleaning instructions you find on the tag as meticulously as possible, and repair them when needed. These may seem like simple tips, but over time they'll make a tremulous difference, keeping your clothes looking sharper for longer. The better a piece will look in the long run, the longer you will be able to wear it.  

Harness the power of accessories to make a piece you already own feel new

Let's get something straight: there is no shame in outfit repeating. Having figured out what pieces suit your lifestyle, taste and personality is a great testament to your organizational skills, so kudos to you!

But, if wearing that piece is not so exciting anymore, then playing with the accessories you already own can be a way for you to re-discover that garment instead of buying a new one to switch things up.  

Accessories can completely change the look of any garment: even something as simple as a necklace or a pair of sunglasses can freshen up a once-beloved piece that now feels a bit stale. In addition, adding accessories to your looks can elevate even your simpler pieces, making them more suited to fancier occasions and helping you get more wear out of your plainer clothes. The other way around works too, as sportier and more casual accessories can help you dress down fancier pieces. 

Try easy and creative ways to revamp that piece  

Ask yourself, "When was the last time I wore this?" If the answer to this question is some version of "quite a while ago," then challenge yourself to try new ways of revamping it and styling it. 

If it's a scarf, look for new ways to tie it up or try dyeing it up. If it's an older jacket that needs to be freshened up, add a new pin to it or change the buttons. If it's a neglected pair of trousers, mix belts and chains to give it a new life or try distressing it. 

This little game can be a helpful exercise year-round, but if you live in an area with changing seasons, and a seasonal piece is the one you are trying to get more wear out of, then try to do it mid-season to squeeze as much wear out of it as possible before the weather changes. 

Plus, find inspiration for visible mending and repair here.

Create go-to uniforms for when you're out of ideas

On some days, decision fatigue gets the best of us, and we don't feel like experimenting much with our clothes. However, fashion has the power to make us feel more like ourselves when we are feeling down. With a bit of preparation and planning, you can save yourself time and energy, feel better and get more wear out of your wardrobe all in one go. 

Having a few go-to uniforms for different occasions can help you feel good and put together even on low energy or busy days, but it's also the perfect chance to create new outfits with the pieces you already have. 

Try mixing some of your most beloved and frequently used pieces with newer and less familiar clothes to create your go-to uniforms for work, dates, and nights out. This way, you can ensure that you are getting good use out of your more newly purchased pieces and the oldest ones. 

Conclusion 

Dressing sustainability isn't just about purchasing ethically made and eco-friendly clothes. It's about changing how we see clothes and steering clear of overconsumption. 

Trying to get more wear out of your clothes is a fantastic exercise to get out of the fast fashion mindset, and it's good for the wallet too. After all, nothing is cheaper and more sustainable than using what you already have. 

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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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our favorite sustainable fashion influencers

When you think of an influencer, what do you think of? You may have an image in your head of someone who promotes products on Instagram, offers discounts to their followers and stays up to date on the latest trends. You may even follow some influencers already. But there is an evolution of the influencer that we’ve seen emerge over the past few years, the sustainable fashion influencer.  As more consumers learn about sustainability and the impact our clothes can have on the environment (and the people who make them), the need for ethical inspiration in our feeds is also increasing. Sustainable fashion influencers can inspire you to have an eco-friendly wardrobe and to adopt more conscious shopping habits.

What’s the difference between a fast fashion influencer and a sustainable fashion influencer?

 Fast fashion influencers build their platforms by empowering trend-led fashion and promoting the idea that you can achieve a certain ‘lifestyle’ or ‘aesthetic’ by simply buying the clothes and accessories they wear and recommend. 

In contrast, sustainable fashion influencers focus on spreading messages that encourage healthy attitudes towards fashion, like wearing what you already own, repeating outfits and opting for sustainable alternatives where possible.

While fast fashion influencers will do brand deals and take part in campaigns with most fashion brands that fit their ‘niche’ or that their followers will be interested in, sustainable fashion influencers will only work with brands that meet certain requirements. These requirements can be different depending on the individual influencer but would usually revolve around the environmental impact a brand has, and their policies around protecting garment workers and paying a living wage.

How can sustainable fashion influencers make a difference?

Influencer marketing in fashion is big business, and brands are increasingly working with more influencers to get access to their curated audience. Brands know that a recommendation from a creator that you like goes a long way. According to Shopify, 61% of consumers trust the product recommendations they get from influencers. Meanwhile, only 38% trust branded social media content.

This relationship works both ways, and the power that influencers have with brands is bigger than many people may think. As collaborators with a brand, a fashion influencer can have direct access to the people behind the scenes and can ask questions and influence change within the brand itself.

Sustainable fashion influencers can reach potentially millions of people on social media with their content and can use different tactics to get their content in front of consumers of fast fashion, helping spread the sustainable fashion message to those outside of the ‘sustainability bubble’. 

Meet our favourite sustainable fashion influencers from the US and around the world:

It’s important to note that not everyone that we’ve included in our list would consider themselves as an ‘influencer’ due to the negative connotations with the word, but rather someone who’s fighting against over-consumption and trend-led fashion.

1) Aja Barber @ajabarber (London, UK)

One name has really stood out in the sustainable fashion world over the past few years. Aja Barber is known for her insightful analyses of the fashion industry’s biggest problems and breaks things down in a way we can all understand and connect to. Her book, Consumed, explores issues of colonialism, climate change, and consumerism within fashion, and breaks down what collective change is needed in order to tackle these problems. Aja’s outfits include brilliant bursts of color, chic silhouettes and the coolest patterns, and her #GetDressedWithMe series is the uplifting content we need!

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2) Aditi Mayer @aditimayer (LA, USA)

Aditi Mayer is a sustainable fashion blogger, photojournalist, and labor rights activist, and frequently speaks on topics of social and environmental justice. Her work looks at fashion and culture through a lens of intersectionality and decolonization. Based in LA, Aditi has mastered the cool sustainable girl look, with her go-to looks including flowing dresses, natural materials, and earthy tones. 

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3) Venetia La Manna @venetialamanna (London, UK)

Venetia La Manna is a fair fashion campaigner and podcaster and Co-Founder of Remember Who Made Them. She also created the hashtag #OOOTD (old outfit of the day) to help normalise wearing the clothes we already own and create new outfits from our existing wardrobe. Venetia’s style is intrinsically London, with a mix of collared shirts, longline coats and tailored blazers. 

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4) Heidi Kaluza @the_rogue_essentials (USA)

Heidi Kaluza transitioned from a fast-fashion influencer to an ethical, sustainable-fashion influencer, and now her content educates her followers about how to make a similar shift in their lives. Her TikTok’s about fast fashion really blew up over the pandemic, with videos challenging the fast fashion influencers and holding them accountable for their role in the destructive cycle. Heidi champions re-wearing your clothes as much as possible and her gorgeous looks prove you can look just as good as any influencer and still be sustainable!

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5) Kathleen Elie @consciousnchic (USA)

Kathleen Elie is a sustainability advocate who set up consciousnchic to encourage more people to be sustainable and inclusive. Her fun videos make sustainable fashion more desirable to her followers by sharing her outfit details and the ethical brands she wears. Her looks are always so bright and well thought out, the perfect account for outfit inspiration. 

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6) Leah Musch @unmaterialgirl (Australia)

Australian-born blogger Leah Musch describes herself as a ‘former fast fashion addict turned slow fashion activist’. Her goal is to show how sustainable fashion can be attainable for everyone. Leah’s style includes some cool 70’s inspired looks, denim dungarees and plenty of Aussie beach/skater vibes thrown in. 

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7) Kara Fabella @theflippside (San Fran, USA)

Ethical fashion advocate, Kara Fabella gives us the inspiration we need to see in our feeds. She shares slow fashion styling tips and recommends ethical brands to her followers after checking them out first. Her looks are always effortlessly elegant with bursts of vibrant colours, serving major sustainable fashion.

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8) Petra Alexandra @petraalexandra (Toronto, Canada)

Canada-based Petra Alexandra has nearly 100k followers on Instagram and has built her platform by showing how you can make the most of your wardrobe without having to buy new. Her talent for creating so many different outfits from her existing clothes is great motivation for anyone who’s struggling with the idea of ‘buying less’. If you’re looking for great workwear ideas, this is the influencer for you!

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9) Sally @callmeflowerchild (LA, USA)

Sally describes herself as a ‘conscious and mindful closet advocate’ and her feed will not only brighten your day but will make you want to get out in nature asap! Her collection of houseplants and her nature-based content is the daily dose of green we all need. Sally shares her thrift store finds, ethical brand recommendations and slow fashion habits we can all adopt. 

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10) Alex @madebyalexnyc (New York, USA)

New York-based Alex shares fabulous, colorful plus-size fashion with her followers and advocates for a return to slow fashion and more mindful consumption of clothes. She Co-Founded Shiny By Nature, a size-inclusive fashion brand, as she saw there was a lack of ethically made plus-size clothing available. We love her cute white tennis skirt and gingham button-up tops for summer!

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11) Jackie @jacquitabanana (Washington DC, USA)

Jackie is a pr/comms strategist and has to be one of the funniest sustainable fashion influencers on Instagram! Her sense of humour and her ability to make sustainability information more digestible, makes her account the ideal starting place for anyone new to sustainable fashion. Jackie’s style is also effortlessly chic and so versatile, with the cutest skirts, dresses, and crop tops. 

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12) Noa Ben-Moshe @style.withasmile (Berlin, Germany)

Berlin-based Noa Ben-Moshe is a vegan fashion influencer who promotes cruelty-free fashion and innovative animal-free materials. On her blog, she states “we can still enjoy life, dress well, and have so much fun without hurting other beings or our planet”. Her classic style and eye for detail result in a vibrant feed of outfit inspiration, no wonder she was crowned Vegan Style Queen by Plant Based News!

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13) Pumulo k. Nguyen @pumuloknguyen (Omaha, USA)

Pumulo is a secondhand, sustainable fashion enthusiast living in Omaha. Her bright and sunny feed is all the motivation we need to dig through our summer clothes and put together a cheerful outfit! Pumulo shares the slow fashion brands she’s working with and tips on how to make your closet, home and life more conscious.

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14) Marielle Elizabeth @marielle.elizabeth (Canada)

Marielle is a passionate advocate for slow fashion and is fighting for more size-inclusivity within the sustainable fashion industry. After learning more about conscious consumerism, Marielle began asking designers questions about who made their clothes and under what conditions. Her outfits include gorgeous dresses, cute summer swimwear and activewear. 

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15) Dominique Drakeford @dominiquedrakeford (USA)

Dominique is a sustainable style and well-being influencer who juggles several creative leadership roles as well as being a mother! Her eclectic style includes pieces from Black-owned, sustainable brands, vintage finds and her favourite items from her own wardrobe, re-worn for many years with pride. Dominique is also the Founder of the digital platform MelaninASS (Melanin And Sustainable Style) which focuses on sustainable fashion, natural beauty, wellness and land sovereignty efforts by B/IPOC (Black/Brown Indigenous Communities of Color). 

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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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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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image: Ilk + Ernie

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliated; we may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. We only ever add brands & products we truly believe in. Thank you for supporting the brands who are making the fashion industry a better place!

What is Dopamine Dressing?

The image-sharing and social media platform Pinterest predicted that feel-good, electric outfits would characterize fashion in 2022. Given the massive offline and online popularity of Dopamine Dressing, with the homonymous hashtags getting almost 13 million views just on TikTok, it's safe to say that this has indeed been the year of bright and bold fits.

But let's take a step back and see what Dopamine Dressing actually is. In short, Dopamine Dressing is what happens when we start to dress for ourselves, expressing our mood and personality through fashion. We all know that wearing something that makes you feel good can do a lot for our spirit and confidence, and Dopamine Dressing is all about choosing outfits that are mood-boosting and fun to wear.  

Unsurprisingly, vibrant colors, bold patterns, colorful clothing, and eclectic accessories tend to visually characterize this aesthetic that is all about celebrating happiness and using fashion to express ourselves boldly. Like all the lovely and pleasure-focused things in life, this approach triggers Dopamine, our brain's feel-good neurotransmitter, hence the name.

Can I do Dopamine Dressing sustainably? 

To try Dopamine Dressing, you don't necessarily have to enact a massive change but rather a fun-oriented enhancement of some element of your own personal style. Finding fun colors, textures, and patterns to add to your wardrobe can be an easy way of engaging with Dopamine dressing. 

To do this, you can take the thrifting route, swap clothes with your loved ones, or take this as an opportunity to support fantastic and conscious businesses. 

To help you be as bold and unique as you want to be while being kind to the Earth and its people, we have selected a bunch of ethical and sustainable brands offering loads of fun and vibrant clothes and accessories for you. Happy dressing!

1) Back Beat Co.

Nothing does the trick for our mood like feeling comfortable and at ease while sporting an outfit we love, and at Back Beat Co., they know how to make clothes that hit that sweet spot. 

This WOC-owned and California-born clothing brand makes low-impact, ethically made clothing for that laid-back life.

They prioritize ethical and social responsibility over profits and invest a lot of time in sourcing the fabrics used to make their creative, fun, and comfortable pieces.  

The result is that their ethically made non-boring basics are made with great low-impact fabrics such as hemp, recycled cotton, GOTS certified organic cotton, deadstock fabrics, and Tencel. 

They are known for their styles that mix fun and ease, with loads of Cali-vibes and hints at old-school surf 'n' skate culture. Their garments' beauty comes at the cost of neither the environments nor those manufacturing them, as BBCo is committed to raising the bar on working conditions for the people making their gorgeous pieces.  

The spirit behind and the look of BackBeat Co. iconic, fun garments are perfect for Dopamine Dressing as they can give your wardrobe an always-needed hint of sunshine and good vibes. 

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2) Baggu 

The Asian-owned brand Baggu offers simple, playful bags, accessories, and much more for fun everyday living. Founded in 2007 by its current CEO, Emily Sugihara, this company is famous for its eye-catching, iconic reusable shopping bags, which are made of recycled ripstop nylon and come in an array of fun, colorful patterns.

This brand uses eco-friendly materials such as recycled ripstop nylon, recycled heavyweight nylon, recycled PET polyfill, and organic cotton to manufacture its products.  

They also have a deadstock line composed of patchwork pieces made from pieced-together leftover Baggu fabrics.

These funky, mood-boosting patterns aren't exclusive to Baggu's iconic reusable bags, as they can also be found on their pouches and cases, hat and accessories, home and travel goods, socks, and towels.

Given their impressive range of bold and vibrant goods, this sustainably-minded San Francisco-based brand is the perfect destination for those who want to bring the spirit of Dopamine Dressing even to other areas of their world, building an eccentric, vibrant home and everyday life. After all, what's better than some statement pillows to manifest colorful, fun dreams? 

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3) Thought

This UK-based sustainable brand has been in business since 1995, and it's on a mission to make sustainability a joy for all with its fresh, fun patterns and lively, breezy colors and cuts. This approach is reflected in their comfy clothes and gifting-friendly accessories. 

At Thought, they are committed to responsible sourcing and selecting suppliers and materials that meet their standards. They support ethical factories, making their pieces increasingly Fairtrade and GOTS certified.

They use fabrics such as organic cotton, Lenzing Ecovero, hemp, and Tencel, as well as recycled materials. 

Their pieces have a touch of timelessness, are comfortable, manufactured with a lot of attention to detail, and embellished with vibrant colors and artisanal hand-drawn prints. A lot of work goes into Thought's signature seasonal prints, which are inspired by art, textiles, the seasons, and nature, giving their garments their iconic joyful feel. With its focus on beauty and comfort, Thought's eco-friendly garments check all the Dopamine Dressing boxes!  

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4) Damson Madder

Those who say that all eco-conscious fashion brands make only minimalist, boxy, and monochromatic pieces haven't checked out Damson Madder yet. This London-based brand starts from natural, organic, and recycled yarn and turns them into pieces that are bold as hell. 

To adhere to a circular economy model, Damson Madder uses Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified recycled fabrics and is trying to increase the percentage of recycled content in its pieces.

They also use Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton and deadstock fibers.

At Damson Madder, they use certified organic and recycled cotton to make their denim pieces, creating denim that can achieve a LOW IMPACT EIM score.

The brand is famous for its bright and bold co-ords, whimsical yet modern prairie dresses, and funky waistcoats and gilets. Damson Madder's youthful and fun pieces are perfect for building outfits that make you feel happy and confident, and that's what Dopamine Dressing is all about!

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5) Ilk + Ernie

At Ilke + Ernie, they turn surplus fabric into fresh, sustainable, and transeasonal garments designed to empower and boost the confidence of those wearing them.

Their fun pieces are made with comfort in mind and sport bold prints and energizing colors, the perfect ingredients for a classic, mood-boosting Dopamine Dressing outfit.  

To avoid overconsumption and excess production, Ilk + Ernie produces just two collections a year that consist of no more than 10-15 styles.

The surplus fabrics used at Ilke + Ernie are plant-based, and in addition, no animal products are employed in the production of their pieces.

Their collections are characterized by fun, versatile designs that encourage getting creative with your own wardrobe. These are designed in-house at the Ilk + Ernie studio in Brighton, England, by the company's founder Jess who launched Ilk + Ernie in 2018. The garments are then ethically manufactured in a SEDEX-certified factory by a team based in Deli, India. 

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6) Progetto Quid

Based in the medieval Italian town of Verona, Progetto Quid has utilized 1200 km of re-purposed, high-quality leftover fabric to manufacture its vibrant, bold clothes since its founding. 

Lively colors, fun patterns, and a preppy modern look characterize this Italian brand's style.

To make these garments, they re-purpose leftover fabrics that mostly come from the surrounding area within a radius of 250 km.  

At Progetto Quid, much of the workforce has a past of long-term unemployment, and are part of protected categories or vulnerable categories. They focus on providing their workers with transversal employment models and training. Because of their commitment to social and environmental sustainability, they won the Momentum for Change Lighthouse Activities prize and the Green Carpet Responsible Disruption Fashion Award.

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By now, we know that Dopamine Dressing is about wearing something that makes you feel good and boosts your mood, like a good meal, a chat with a friend, or a fun workout. If you are a sustainably-minded individual, you probably want something that suits your values, as well as your taste. With this list's help, you can find something that will make you feel happier, more confident, and ultimately more like yourself without costing the Earth. Because fun, aesthetics, and ethics can most definitely get along!  

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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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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

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Why is sustainable fashion more expensive?

A couple of weeks ago, I posted on social media about the price of sustainable fashion. The point of the post was to show there are many ways to have a sustainable closet - you don’t have to buy anything new. But if you do buy a new article of clothing from a sustainable brand, it can’t be done cheaply. There are fair costs that go into making a garment and labeling it ‘sustainable/ethical.’ I quickly learned from many comments that there is a complete disconnect between manufacturing and customers. We’ve been so used to seeing a $5-10 t-shirt we can’t fathom why it would cost over $30? This sparked my interest in creating a new line of posts on Sustainably Chic. I’m calling it the True Cost Series, and on the 1st of each month, I will take a garment from a sustainable brand & break down the cost.

Check out our other True Cost Series:

The High Price Of Hemp & Cost Breakdown Of A Towel

Cost Per Wears With A Classic Denim Jacket

A Bra With No Secrets

The Garment

Fair Trade Unisex Tee

The Good Tee

$36, Ethically Made in India

The perfect starting point is our beloved plain jersey cotton t-shirt! It’s the most basic part of a wardrobe and will likely be the smallest price point in this series.

I want to thank The Good Tee for being my guinea pig and making such a fantastic, thoughtful t-shirt! I’m wearing the Slim Fit Short Sleeve in the first photo, which is the same price as this one.

The Cost of Manufacturing

The first thing that comes to mind is ‘sewing,’ which is just one of 10 manufacturing price breakdowns for this t-shirt. Since The Good Tee uses Fair Trade Certified Organic Cotton, the material price is already higher. They are also a smaller brand, ordering smaller volumes so that it won’t have significant volume price breaks. If you are unfamiliar, conventional cotton uses several harmful toxic chemicals (such as dangerous insecticides like aldicarb, parathion, and methamidophos) to grow, which aren’t only damaging our soil, but the communities growing the crops. Using a strictly regulated clean fiber ensures the safety and well-being of farmers, our health, and the planet. Fairtrade cotton also protects farmers; since 1997, nearly 200k farmers in India have committed suicide.

India is an excellent location for manufacturing cotton products because they have some of the best organic cotton fields and certified factories to produce fabric and clothing. While it only accounts for about 1% of their farms, it still produces the most organic cotton compared to any other country. To read more about Indian cotton farmers and their path to organic, visit this link.

I love this cost breakdown from The Good Tee. It lays it all out there so you can see just how much goes into manufacturing a garment. From the fiber to the trimming from the production to the duties (18%!!!), every brand should offer their consumers a way to see what goes into the clothing you wear every day.

Now, after you see it takes almost $10 to make a fair trade t-shirt, HOW can brands like H&M create t-shirts (with partly organic materials) for half the price - without even adding the rest of the business expenses on in the markup?! And, yet, H&M is worth a whopping 18 BILLION dollars! It’s all done at the cost of people & the environment - and we can say this for most fashion retailers today.

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LOCAL Business Costs

So, what about the other $26? The associated costs of doing business are another disconnect many consumers have. When you spend so much time creating a brand, it would be nice to profit the full $26, but not even close. You still have overhead to pay for (which would be your warehouse or storefront), and if you are also a wholesaler, you would have additional cuts to provide for other retailers. Your employees - and the owner - must be paid. The Good Tee manufactures offshore but still employs domestically. Most of the product development is done locally, and they have a graphic designer, technical designer, pattern maker, and sample maker to create every style. Then you have marketing, which is an essential part of a business and should account for 8% of your gross revenue. After all is said and done, you want to reinvest in the business and new product, which takes money, too.

WHEW! That’s a lot, isn’t it?! I hope this series continues bridging the gap between manufacturing and consumers so that we find more respect in the work that goes into the clothing we love to wear every day. Next time you see a garment and think the price is outrageous, send the brand an email and see if they can explain their price breakdown. Transparency is so important today.

*this is just an example and is not a universal price for every sustainably-made product - costs will vary from brand to brand*

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WANT MORE SUSTAINABLE BRANDS? VISIT OUR BRAND DIRECTORY!

Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. We have broken everything down by category for easy shopping, along with discount codes unique to Sustainably Chic viewers.

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