Fall clothes are a bitch for those of us with an eco-cruelty-free conscience. Cashmere sweaters? Out. Silk holiday dresses? Verboten. Warm coats covered in fur? No way. Luckily, we have superior options to all the animal fibers that are generally easier on the wallet and create the same visual effect.
Here are 5 pieces your closet needs this fall. Not ethically luxe holiday dresses or vegan winter coats — we’ve already covered those (follow the links) and will continue to do so, but here are the basics that will get you through day to night as us working girls, busy Moms, and ethical vixens bustle through fall to winter.
A Well-Made Silky Shirt
A classic white shirt is a must, always. But one that doesn’t need to be ironed? Nirvana!! Obsessed with the Elizabeth & Clarke brand, “The Perfect white shirt for $30 or less.” These feel so soft and silky, but also look like a million bucks on – and they won’t wrinkle. The collection is really beautiful, and the cuts unique. The photos really don’t do them justice, but they look silk and can be worn day to night, seamlessly. Plus — the price? Can’t beat it!!
Hoodies With Heart
The perfect hoodie, minus and hard edges that gives 20% to Sea Shepherd? Score one from Moral Minority, a vegan-women owned company, who make the loveliest eco tees (soft as could be!) that support nonprofits. Low-impact yarn dyed, fabric washed eco-fleece makes for a cozy time.
AND
This perfectly worn in black hand-made hoodie from The Inner City Raiders (who incidentally make our favorite tee shirts) are handmade west of Chicago where former Brooklyn girl Jenn Dixon bought an abandoned farm and beats the crap out of these tees and hoodies til they are high-school era legend lived-in. She outfits David Bowie for all his tours, feel cool yet?
Perfect Cotton Knit Sweater
A cotton sweater that doubles as a hat/hood combo!
We just discovered the Spanish brand Skunkfunk, who strongly believe fashion, environmental and social concerns should go hand-in-hand. Their stylish digs overflow with bold versatile threads, made mostly from sustainable textiles and shipped in recycled and biodegradable packaging. Many of the clothing items are reversible or adaptable, such as skirts that morph into shirts and shirts that morph into dresses. Check out their sustainable practices. We love this loden green hoodie – which screams Little Eco Red Riding Hood to us.
Organic Basic Day To Night Dress
Synergy Organics makes this Marisa Dress – a perfect dress to pair with opaque tights and boots for day, and throw on heels and big chunky jewels for night — for just over $100. We love the Angelina slit and forgiving cut. All of Synergy’s clothing is made with Certified Organic Cotton and other eco-friendly fibers. Using these materials reduces pesticide usage, damage to fresh water resources, and lowers health risks for global farming communities. (It also makes the clothing really soft…) They are also a green certified business, which makes us feel far less guilty when we go on a soft cotton dress buying spree.
Fuzzy Boots
We don’t care what anyone says, ugg-like boots are here to stay. Problem is – most of the vegan ones fall apart after a few weeks and none of the high end vegan shoe designers do them – except Neuaura. Sister-to-Sisters — we had these last year and wore them to death and they survived and still look new! These will never get old!
Sexy Tartan Mini
Holla at your 90’s go-to!! Tartan is back with a vengeance. Nothing looks cuter than a kilt with a black turtleneck, tights, and riding boots (but PLEASE – no heels unless you are playing out a school girl fantasy in the boudoir, keep it classy, Felicia.) We love this cutie from Asos which has a vegan leather waistband.
AND/ OR
A more classic version, longer, and more appropriate for the office from LandsEnd. This is one is no iron, easy peasy, machine washable – and obviously, wool free.
