The fashion industry has made its love for peacocking and “clickbait looks” very clear; however, for the Fall/Winter 2023 season, many collections rejected outlandish styles and opted for timeless, “wearable” pieces. Cheers to that because nothing is more refreshing than witnessing a model grace the runway in a piece that could be worn to work, dinner, or on a humble vacation. Brands opted to present their take on classic silhouettes, including slip dresses, suiting, jeans, and long coats, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t working within trending colors, notions, proportions, and fabrics.
Now, how do trends work within a sustainable wardrobe? Well, most of the time, they don’t. As their cycles become quicker, thanks to social media, the trends have become so micro they’re wasteful. Personally, when I want my outfit to feel more “trendy,” I don’t opt to purchase a trending item. I participate in a trend through silhouettes, fabrics, or styles. I.e. not buying the one Coach shoulder bag everyone on TikTok has but instead thrifting a mini shoulder bag because Y2K bags have made a comeback.
I’m here to show you how you can shop trends more intentionally. Below are five trends I’ve seen on the runways and conscious brands with similar options. The trends I’ve chosen to focus on are not a singular piece –i.e the Miu Miu miniskirt– but more styling options, silhouettes, and fabrications. When deciding which brands to include, I’ve looked at their materials, and the impact production has on people and the planet.
Enjoy!
DENIM, DENIM, DENIM
Crushes are temporary but double denim is forever. Denim never has and never will go out of style. These brands offer modern updates to the classic denim jacket or jeans but won’t leave you wanting to replace the pieces anytime soon.
Mara Hoffman | milla top & georgina pants
Mara Hoffman’s denim pieces are all made from 100% organic cotton and produced ethically in Vernon California.
stella McCartney | rewild flora denim jacket & straight leg jeans
Stella McCartney, Rewild Flora Denim Jacket & Rewild Flora Straight Leg Jeans are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and ethically produced in Italy. The floral pattern is hand drawn and then digitally printed.
mara hoffman | adrian Jacket
Mara Hoffman’s denim pieces are all made from 100% organic cotton and produced ethically in Vernon California.
grover rad | Witchy denim silk screened jeans and shirt
Grover Rad’s Denim Shirt and Jeans are both made of organic cotton and ethically produced in Los Angeles, California. The shirt’s buttons are antique brass and the handwritten print is individually silk screen onto the denim by hand.
Mother of Pearl | Ainsley Dress
The Ainsley dress is made of organic cotton sourced from Turkey. The dress is also produced in Turkey to lower the carbon footprint of the piece.
CLASSIC SUITING
This is not your dad’s work suit. Fall/Winter 2023 collections had me drooling over the tailored combinations that flew down the runway. Vest and trousers? A boxy blazer? YES PLEASE
mother of pearl | jacquard carter trouser & romy jacket
The Carter Trouser and Romy Jacket are made of a blend of organic cotton and organic non mulesed wool. Both pieces are ethically made in Portugal and materials are fully traceable.
House of Aama | Cherub Highwaisted Pants & Military Jacket
House of Aama, Cherub Highwaisted Pants & Cherub Military Jacket are both made-to-order. The brand produces these pieces ethically in Los Angeles to lower its carbon footprint.
Esse Studio | Twills Tailored Vest & Classico Split Trouser
The Twills tailored Vest is made of FSC-certified Viscose FABRIC that has been crafted in Prato, Italy. The piece itself is produced locally in Sydney Australia.
The classic split trouser is made of Main is 97% Virgin Wool and 3% Lyocell in Italy. The brand’s Italian mill partners are held accountable for their reduction of hazardous chemicals within the production process. Like the tailored vest, the pants are made in Sydney Australia.
METALLIC FEVER
Since the aughts, we have been manifesting the perfect shiny, sparkly, or metallic piece for our wardrobes and the below brands have not disappointed us.
It is rare to come across metallic pieces that are made using natural and naturally-derived fabrics. Please keep that in mind when purchasing.
Envelope 1976 | Newton Skirt & Petit Biker Jacket
The Newton skirt and Petit Biker Jacket are made from vegetable-tanned, chrome-free sheep leather. This dyeing technique minimizes the use of harmful chemicals in the process. The leather is a by-product of the food industry to ensure the skin isn’t going to waste.
reformation | Maevry Knit Dress
The Maevry Knit Dress is made of deadstock nylon fabric and is produced ethically in a monitored factory in Turkey.
Armando Takeda | Metallic Shirt Dress
The metallic shirt dress is made in small batches. Ethically produced in Mexico, this dress is, however, made of synthetic fabric.
ROMANTIC SLEEVES, PLEASE
In my time as a fashion editor, I have never seen a romantic sleeve I didn’t like. Whether we’re going into spring or fall, take the leap of faith and embrace this feminine silhouette.
mother of pearl | ellen dress
The Ellen Dress is made in Portugal from 71% Tencel Lyocell and 29% recycled polyester. For each tree used to create the fiber, more trees have been replanted.
bondi born | lucerne long dress
The Lucerne dress is made of a linen, viscose blend that is 100 OKEO-TEX® certified. The fabric is consciously made in Bulgaria and the garment is ethically produced in Sydney, Australia.
rentrayage | OBSIDIAN GODET DRESS
The Obsidian dress is made from upcycled materials and produced ethically in New York.
NO STRAPS, NO PROBLEM
Land of the free, home of the brave enough to go strapless. Which is what I’ll be doing all summer long.
another tomorrow | doppio structured dress
The Doppio dress is made of RWS-certified wool sourced from a regenerative farm in Australia. The manufacturer of the fabric in Italy utilizes renewable energy.
Mara Hoffman | alycia dress
The Alycia dress is made ethically in India of GOTS-certified 100% organic cotton.
Maggie marilyn | let’s get dinner dress
The let’s Get Dinner Dress is made of a deadstock silk blend fabric sourced locally in New Zealand where the dress is also manufactured.
–Rachael Noll
Related Articles
