11 Eco-Chic Festival Dresses
Regardless of how buttoned-up we might be in our professional lives, those sun-drenched weekends give us opportunity to let our hair down, show our true colors and even go off the beaten path a little. Taking an earth-friendly cue from the easy, breezy boho look, we’re adopting a more eco-conscious view of what we’re wearing while swaying to those sweet tunes. We’ve gathered festival dresses that are environmentally conscious and endlessly cool, taking you from Indio to Austin in perfectly sustainable style.
1. Peony Dress ($248): It wouldn’t be an eco-chic roundup without an entry from The Reformation, known for its “killer clothes that don’t kill the environment.” While this ruffled georgette maxi is a little on the spendy side, its maker sets the standard for conscious, sustainable fashion. Plus its perennial floral pattern won’t ever let it go out of style. Rock on!
2. Quince Voile Tulip Maxi Dress ($210): We can’t get enough of the subtle tie-dye effect on this dreamy tulip dress. Made with eco-friendly dye processes and materials, it’s effortlessly elegant and comfortable too.
3. Cattleya Raffia Gauze Dress ($200): Made with eco-friendly cotton and vegetable dyes, this breathable boatneck dress from Gypsy 05 has a half-open back with criss-cross straps — i.e., built-in air conditioning. There’s nothing better when the temperature heats up.
4. Twist Dress ($62): Playing off of this season’s circle-skirt trend, this deep fuchsia frock from Eileen Fisher is perfect for dancing the days and nights away. Made of organic cotton and hemp, it’s kind to the earth and made to be noticed.
5. Riley Dress ($198) A slightly less traditional option from The Reformation, this knotted sweetheart peekaboo number offers everything you could ever want in a festival dress: style for days, a built-in breezeway and pockets, pockets, pockets.
6. Reversible Tank Dress ($104): It’s always nice to keep one’s options open, and that’s exactly what this dress does. Fully reversible and made of organic cotton jersey, this dress is made in Peru by artisans who are paid fairly for their work, and as a bonus, it’s really two dresses in one.
7. Madina Hand-Embroidered Sleeveless Dress ($198): For something that’s short, structured and makes a statement, Raven & Lily offers this crisp waisted tunic, embroidered by hand in Pakistan using traditional Afghan motifs. Embellished by women paid fairly for their efforts, it’s craftsmanship worth investing in for sure.
8. Chevron Beaded Slip Dress ($85): The most eco-friendly option is the one that requires no new materials, right? That’s why a vintage or secondhand dress is always the best way to go. Luckily, consignment and resale shops cater to even the most discerning style maven when it comes to the beautiful beading and delicate lines in this angelic FreePeople slip.
9. Soft Hemp Dress ($44): Step over into the dark side with this easy sundress that’s hand-made in California from 60 percent hemp and 40 percent organic cotton. The brand, Purakai, is run by a father-daughter team who donate one percent of all proceeds to ocean-friendly non-profits like the Surfrider Foundation, SeeTurtles and SustainableSurf.org.
10. Myrabel Batik Dress ($75): With just the right amount of flounce, this dress with a halter-tie neckline and short, full circle skirt screams summer any way you slice it. Made with upcycled batik, its black and white asymmetrical pattern is eye-catching and cool as a cucumber all at the same time.
11. Sunny Day Dress ($79): Especially great for long afternoons on the lawn when the sun just won’t quit, light colors can help deflect those rays away from the body and keep things cool for hours. This organic cotton jersey dress with three-quarter length sleeves offers a bit of coverage while still giving off a breezy, carefree vibe.
Any other eco-chic options out there worth noting? Spill in the comment section below!
