Celebrity fashion is great for inspiration for the coming season, such as Brie Larson’s cool new skirt and top combo or Alexa Chung’s take on the cable knit cardigan. But what’s really awesome is when they sport fashion for a cause, like the #actuallyshecan tank tops from this summer that promoted women’s health.
Emma Watson, who is no stranger to speaking out in favor of humanitarian issues, recently posted a pic to her Instagram in a cool neutral outfit — but one with a cause. For a recent trip to the United Nations, she wore a khaki pencil skirt from brand Zady that was sustainable, helping to promote sustainable (read: eco-friendly) fashion. If you’re ready to do like Emma and support a great cause while wearing super amazing stuff, here are a few ways to get you started.
1. Zara Sustainable Collection Dress ($129): Zara just launched its first sustainable collection, and it’s good stuff, y’all. Called “Join Life,” the collection uses recycled wool, organic cotton and other environmentally friendly fabrics. This dress is the perfect canvas for a date night or work look.
2. Fashionable Tadesse Bag ($148): The tagline here is “beautiful products made by women who have overcome,” and that alone is reason enough to buy a leather good from this Nashville-based company. Another reason is because their stuff is super simple and gorgeous, which is hard to pass up when associated with a brand with a charitable business model.
3. Nisolo Elizabeth Slide ($174): Nisolo has become the cool gal go-to for well-made, simple yet stylish shoes; the brand is trying to help rebuild the workforce in a town in Peru that’s been underserved.
4. Est Wst Collective KTM Valley Rucksack ($120): Who knew natural and recycled fabrics could look so good? Bonus: This brother and sister-founded company attempts to reduce their carbon footprint wherever possible.
5. Veja Low-Tops ($62): Transparency is a huge commitment at Veja, a French shoe brand that promises not to overproduce, not to advertise and to overall reduce the supply chain to keep it as tight — and as limited in carbon footprint — as possible. They also use a form of green electricity in their headquarters.
6. Reformation Cecily Top ($128): This favorite of fashion editors uses eco-friendly technologies and tries to minimize its waste. Their bridesmaid and wedding-attendee dresses are amazing too, and things you’d actually want to wear again and again, making this a double whammy.
7. Heucy Alter Ego Jumpsuit ($220): Simplicity in itself is a function of sustainability; the simpler the garment, the less time, energy and power it takes to make it. Heucy, started by a former Cynthia Steffe executive, aims to create simple, well-designed pieces and uses sustainable dye in their process.
8. H&M Conscious Collection Sweater ($25): It might be one of the most well-known sustainable collections, and for a good reason — H&M’s Conscious Collection is still going strong. One of their goals is to have all cotton in their clothing be organic, which is better for the environment, by 2020.
9. Zady Camel Pencil Skirt ($185): If you want the exact skirt Emma’s wearing, head to Zady to find it. The brand designs clothing to last longer than most fast fashion, and offers year-round pieces that you’ll wear time and time again. By keeping your well-made clothing longer, you’ll be helping to cut down on the environmental impact overall.
10. Matt and Nat Fleury Bag ($145): Matt and Nat use absolutely no animal products in their bags, making them 100 percent vegan, and the linings of the bags are actually made out of recycled plastic bottles. They also ensure that the factories they use meet all ethical standards, providing their workers with a better quality of life.
11. Graf Lantz Jaunt Petite Bag ($239): The wool felt that this German brand uses is thought to be not only one of the oldest fabrics in the world, but it’s also natural, sustainable and biodegradable. They also only keep a limited supply of their bags, cutting down on waste. Check out their tech accessories for a nice treat to yourself!
Any sustainable brands you love? Tweet us @BritandCo!
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(Featured photo via Neilson Barnard / Getty)
