Summer is upon us so that means it’s about time to start thinking about your holiday plans. Where are you going to this year? Are you opting for a trip close to home or are you travelling to the other side of the globe now that that’s possible again? Are you opting for an adventurous trip or a relaxing one? Maybe a combination of both? No matter where you’re going or what you’re doing though, going on a holiday also means that you’ll have to prepare your bags and pack your outfits.
For many of us, a sunny holiday means it’s time to get those dresses out. Especially if you’re living in a country where the temperatures are not favorable to this most of the time, a sunnier destination is all you need as an excuse. But what if you’re dress-wardrobe is not on point? What if you don’t have anything holiday-appropriate left after those two years of pandemic? No worries, there’s still time to get your wardrobe sorted and to prepare for warmer climates. But shopping a new wardrobe also means doing some research.
Fast fashion problems
Of course, you could just go to your local high street and shop anything you like. It’s something we’ve been doing for a couple of decades now and for a long time, the lower the price, the better we liked it. But now, finally, things are changing. More and more people are realising that fest fashion isn’t the way to go. Why not, you’re asking? Well, let’s talk numbers. The fashion industry represents 10% of the annual global carbon emissions, which is more than shipping and aviation combined. Moreover, 20% of global wastewater comes from textile dyeing. And as if that weren’t enough to put you off, we discard a whopping 92 million tons of clothes-related waste each year. Yes, that’s a lot.
So all of that means it’s about time we start thinking about our clothing consumption behaviour. Of course, we’re not saying as of now you need to start walking around totally naked all day long. However, what we all need to realise is that no, more isn’t always better. We don’t need hundreds of pieces of clothing in our wardrobe in order to be happy. If you want to stay on a budget while being eco-conscious, you can opt for second hand pieces, which is often the most sustainable option. Moreover, it’s not (that) much more expensive than fast fashion. If instead of that, you’d like to hang onto your previous clothing budget but opt for quality instead of quantity, there are a lot of sustainable brands to shop from nowadays. Sustainability can be reached in a lot of different ways, from working conditions over recycling to planet-friendly dye.
And in case you’re worried: no, shopping in a more eco-friendly way doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous. To prove our point, we’ve searched the internet for 10 fashionable, sustainable dresses for you to buy. But keep in mind: not buying anything still remains the most eco-friendly option, so don’t buy anything if you don’t need it!
Studio Rosalie
Looking for a dress with a very vintage vibe but with a modern twist as well? The French label Studio Rosalie is based in Paris and makes pieces out of deadstock and vintage fabrics. Everything is handmade and when you order, you put in your measurements so that your piece of clothing is totally made to measure. Items sells out quickly and their stock is rather limited, so make sure to follow them on Instagram in order to be updated when a new collection is launched.
2. Robe Berth
Indianaweg
As we said earlier, one of the most sustainable ways to shop is by buying secondhand pieces. At Indianaweg, which is based in Amsterdam but also puts part of its collection on Etsy, you’ll only find the most beautiful vintage items. From Laura Ashley dresses to Japanese kimonos: everything is handpicked with care and that shows. Of course, when it comes to vintage, pieces are one-of-a-kind so better be quick!
3. Vintage Silk floral Japanese kimono
4. Vintage cotton Mexican wedding
Armedangels
Even though German brand Armedangels is one of the biggest companies in this list, they’re doing great sustainability-wise. “Since 2007 ARMEDANGELS proves that they can radically innovate sustainable fashion. And to inspire and enable others to drive sustainable change”, states Good On You, a website specialized in analyzing the environmental impact of clothing. Their fabrics are innovative, their designs minimalist yet beautiful.
6. Elidiaa
Fam the Label
Finally, a Belgian brand in this little list! Fam the Label is the place to go if you want to shop a quirky design without feeling guilty. “Everything we do has an impact, leaves a footprint. It is our goal to make this imprint as positive as is commercially possible”, as is stated on their website. By choosing carefully who they work with, which fabrics they use and how they put everything together, they try to be as sustainable as possible.
7. Alex
COSSAC
British brand COSSAC is what we’d name the incarnation of femininity. Their designs are so timeless and fluid that we only want one thing: throw them on. By producing locally, avoiding waste and mainly choosing eco-friendly fabrics, they keep their environmental impact to a minimum. A brand to our hearts.
10. Drape Neckline Cupro Dress
