HELLO SUMMER DRESSING…
After a couple of years of easy-peasy comfy loungewear dressing, which I love oh so much (perhaps a little too much?), I have a new zest for getting dressed again. It makes sense, now that I’m back to full-time work, and in-person meetings and events are back on schedule. This is the one time of year you won’t see me in a permanent jumper around my kidneys and beanie hat to keep the cold and wind from my ears (a very Ayurvedic recommendation, especially for Vata types). You’ll even see some bare legs, toes and shoulders! Here are three outfits I’ve thrown together from an array of sustainable, ethical brands that match my fresh outlook and happy summer vibes.
EASY BREEZY BRILLIANT
A simple, elegant outfit that can take you from office to weekend and all the events in between. The dress features pretty detailing but no froufrou or fuss, and it’s made from TENCEL™ so it doesn’t crease easily. The pattern is intricate yet subtle, so it will ward off stains, and the white broderie anglaise elevates it while giving it a little je-ne-sais-quoi. Add some chunky sunnies for cool-girl points — I’ve gone for vintage Celine that gives you a luxe edge without the price tag and without a use-by date. Last but not least, add some minimalist but non-dainty flats to keep it modern.
Thought is deeply committed to serving people and the environment throughout their production process. They use natural and organic fibres that are vegan-friendly, eliminate plastic where they can, and contribute to the circular economy through their business choices. They have a long-standing partnership with clothing donation charity Traid, as well as a thoughtful animal welfare policy and many more initiatives that help to make the planet a healthier, happier place. I love this particular dress’ sweet, summery pattern, and the fact that it’s made from Earth-friendly TENCEL™.
Feast your eyes on this sweet googly bucket bag from The Basket Room. It was handwoven and hand-embroidered by a rural Kenyan weaving group, and finished off by artisan leatherworkers. The brand was founded by Camilla Sutton and Holly McMullen in 2014, with ethical production at its heart. They promise a fair trade model, traceable supply chain, reduced environmental impact, zero tolerance for modern slavery, and an anti-racist stance throughout their business.
Gio sandals, shop similar Pina sandals
St. Agni was founded in 2014 by Lara and Matt Fells with the goal of creating quality, timeless, made-to-last pieces. They use eco materials wherever possible, including TENCEL™, cotton, linen, hemp and yak, and strive for total transparency with their customers. They make sure to work with ethical suppliers and cultivate long-lasting relationships that ensure fair working conditions.
CELINE
Vintage sunglasses, shop similar at Reluxe
CHANGING UP THE CLASSIC SHIRT + DENIM LOOK
A shirt and denim — the classic duo — so how can you combine them while mixing things up a bit? There are colours and beading here, which you may think is a little much, but this outfit has become my favourite of the moment for effortless dressing. I also love these supremely comfortable sliders that complement the outfit beautifully.
Saywood Studio is the brainchild of designer Harriet Saywood-Bellisario. Each capsule collection focuses on just one item of clothing — with the first being shirts and shirt-dresses, including this lovely recycled cotton shirt in pink and lilac, embroidered with a discreet flower. The brand aims to consistently work with sustainable materials, including deadstock and recycled fabrics, plus eco-friendly dyes, and encourage people to embrace slow fashion, keeping their garments for years and even decades to come. All workers in their supply chain are paid above a living wage, and Saywood does their best to achieve carbon neutrality.
For those of you feeling nostalgic for the girly, loud, joyful aesthetic of the early 2000s — but without the thoughtless consumer culture of the time — you’ll fall in love with this beaded mini-skirt by Vjera V, which is crafted from vintage denim jeans. The brand creates unique pieces that are meant to last a long time, and is currently fundraising for Ukraine on its website.
Sugar Slides by Rosie Assoulin
You probably know Allbirds through their iconic sustainable trainers, but that’s not all they do! These sliders, which come in a range of fun colours, will make a fun and fresh addition to your summer wardrobe. They are crafted using SweetFoam®, which is made from a blend of sugarcane-derived material and carbon-negative EVA. Allbirds is a leader in the sustainable fashion space, thanks to a slew of initiatives designed to reverse climate change, including a focus on regenerative agriculture, responsible energy, and Earth-friendly materials.
Unleash your inner fearless feline with this prowling panther tote bag from Hayley Menzies. Despite its animal exterior, this bag is vegan, made from responsibly sourced cotton twill and vegan leather. Hayley Menzies is a London-based label founded by the designer of the same name, which started in Portobello Market and is now stocked in over 100 stores worldwide. Each brightly patterned garment is sustainably made in a family-run factory in Bulgaria, and designed in London. They work to reduce their environmental impact at every turn.
PILING ON THE TEXTURE
This is my attempt at being a little bit extra with a touch of chic. The jacket speaks for itself — incredible craftsmanship creates this textured jacket with touches of terracotta and pink that got lots of compliments on its first outing. A pair of tailored shorts and white t-shirt provide a neutral base to a painted wicker bag, and some slip-on backless green snakeskin loafers add a touch of unexpected for whoever dares to look down.
This hand-embroidered jacket was made using recycled tablecloths and ethical and sustainable practices. It comes courtesy of La Femme Rousse, a Danish brand founded by Susanne Guldager in 2019. They use recycled materials and responsible production for every unique garment they create, collaborating with skilled workers in Portugal to bring us the final product.
These shorts don’t just have natural tones — they’re also made using natural materials, namely hemp, organic cotton and TENCEL. These are a basic that will never go out of style, adding to their sustainability factor. Thinking Mu as a brand does everything they can to protect our planet, notably through organic farming, circularity, transparency and fair trade practices. Founded in 2008, they were one of the first sustainable brands in Europe (and named after a Jack Russell, too, in case you weren’t charmed enough already!).
This tongue-in-cheek bag will elevate any outfit thanks to its colourful design, but it also does good: it’s made from patchwork offcuts from Anya Hindmarch collections and recycled plastic bottles to match the brand’s “Waste Not, Want Not” philosophy. It’s also part of their “I Am a Plastic Bag” concept, which aims to provide solutions to the single-use plastic problem. Anya Hindmarch was awarded the Butterfly Mark from Positive Luxury for their contributions to sustainability.
Reformation is perhaps one of the most recognisable names in sustainability today, with ultra-trendy yet timeless pieces that have been worn by everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Princess Beatrice. You’ll recognise them thanks to their signature floral patterns, pastels and feminine silhouettes, but also thanks to their commitment to planet-friendly practices. The label began with vintage clothing, then moved on to original pieces which are made using eco materials and always with the aim of reducing their carbon footprint. Their shoes are made using materials such as chrome-free leather and jute, helping them meet their sustainability goals.