When it comes time to part ways with our cash for a new piece of clothing, it’s universally true that cost-per-wear is our primary consideration. But what about the environmental price we pay when we don’t factor in how the item's practices impact people and the planet? Certifications like B-Corp are crucial in helping guide consumers to what is truly sustainable. But how?

What Is B-Corp?

B-Corp is a for-profit organisation that originated in the U.S. in 2006. Over the past two decades, the company has served as a proverbial yardstick that measures a company's "entire social and environmental impact."

What Is a B-Corp Fashion Brand?

B-Corp fashion brands are independently substantiated and subject themselves to scrutiny to confirm they meet "high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability," says the organisation’s website. Analysing five areas across the business—including community, customers and environment—B-Corp fashion brands are appraised and measured to ensure they comply with ethical codes. This process is rigorous, involving assessment and regular review to guarantee all claims are credible. It’s not for the lazy—or for brands who can’t back up declarations of being "green" or "kind to the planet."

How Does a Brand Become B-Corp Certified?

To become a B-Corp fashion brand, labels will undergo a certification process that involves a review called the B Impact
Assessment. After reviewing areas like supply chains, carbon footprints and charitable giving amongst others, businesses will then be rated based on their responses. Only companies that achieve above 80 points on this scale will become B-Corp fashion brands.

Taking this step is proof that the brands (including those below) take their output and its outcomes seriously. These are brands that have duly documented how the business manages its supply chain, pays its workers and works towards mitigating land and life loss, in addition to meeting other benchmarks. B-Corp companies go beyond avoiding certain fabrics treated with toxic chemicals and often work to pioneer next-gen fibres. They’re actively playing a part in combating the textile waste crisis and providing solutions to what happens to clothes once we no longer want to wear them.

Discussing these concerns can sometimes feel like a heavy topic—the exact opposite effect of the serotonin boost you get when your latest purchase finally arrives in the post. But driving industry change, encouraging circularity and reducing climate impact is part and parcel of designing a gorgeous garment that you’ll (hopefully) cherish forever.

As a customer, you can also make a difference, and the simplest way to do so is by shopping less and shopping smarter. When it does come time to inject your wardrobe with something new or invest in an item you can’t take your mind off, you can always start by buying from the below B-Corp fashion brands. From the coastal Aussie town of Byron Bay to the inner-city heart of Copenhagen and closer to home here in London, these are the B-Corp fashion brands that balance style with substance and sustainability.

B-Corp Fashion Brands Marrying Style With Sustainability

1. Ganni

Disrupting the Danish fashion landscape with energetic slices of leopard print, buckled ballet flats and sweet blouses in pink gingham and eclectic blue, is Ganni. Owned by a husband-and-wife team, creative director Ditte Reffstrup and founder Nicolaj Reffstrup have revolutionised the Scandi scene with playful pieces that are always flirty and bold. On the runway, the brand is fashioning slouchy denim jeans wrapped in a foil finish, but behind the scenes, it's operating under a "progress over perfection" ethos. With ambitious goals like reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2027 to introducing coveted styles like the top-handle Bou Bag in alternative vegan leathers, Ganni is making a chic commitment with its stewardship.

Shop Ganni:

2. Chloé

Chloé is fiercely breaking new ground for a luxury heritage brand, and doing so in Sienna Miller-approved platform wedges. From its inception in 1952 under the helm of Gaby Aghion to its current tenure with Chemena Kamali (lest we forget the trailblazing designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo and Gabriela Hearst that came between), Chloé’s bohemian ruffle dresses, caped coats and angelic lace are all woven with a desire to create "beautiful products leveraging responsible environmental and social practices."

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3. Hush

What began in 2003 as an Australian expat’s desire to wear effortlessly stylish pieces for her newfound life in London has blossomed into a beacon of the responsible dressing movement. Now, two decades later, Hush has recommitted to its mission by becoming a B-Corp fashion brand. Crafting laid-back pieces like low-impact denim and fully traceable cashmere, Hush opts for timeless designs over seasonal trends for items you can cherish for years to come. Our editors are still fawning over the brand's cropped trench coat.

Shop Hush:

4. Spell

Australian label Spell is a mainstay across the country’s balmy east coast, from the rolling hinterlands of Byron Bay and sunburnt beaches of Manly to the inner-city suburbs of Sydney. On the global stage, it is recognised as a leader in sustainable fashion. Transparency is stitched into the very foundations of the brand, with Spell releasing annual impact reports that go above and beyond anything required of them as a B-Corp fashion brand.

These yearly reviews outline innovations the brand has taken, like piloting a garment takeback and recycling programme and lessons the team has learnt, which is equally important when recognising how the path to ethical design is not linear. These reports have also become essential blueprints for other fashion brands looking to become more sustainable. Though its romantic-meets-rock designs are spotted everywhere from Los Angeles to Dallas, they’re best displayed in your wardrobe as part of your intentionally curated collection of slow-fashion pieces.

Shop Spell:

5. Faithfull The Brand

Quality basics, vintage-inspired silhouettes, romantic prints and conscious tailoring are at the core of sun-seeking label Faithfull The Brand. As the name suggests, Faithfull is staunchly committed to thoughtful and considered design at every step of its operation. From the luxurious silk crepe and lace dress to slip on over your swimwear for a long beachy lunch, to the lower-environmental-impact fabrics the items are crafted from, these garments bring wanderlust and feel-good energy.

Shop Faithfull The Brand:

6. Maggie Marilyn

"A better world" is what New Zealand fashion brand Maggie Marilyn aspires to achieve through its silky shirts, straight-leg, recycled-cotton denim; tailored crepe bodices and floaty bubble skirts. "We believe that nothing is impossible when you combine collective force with brave ideas," explains the brand, which has become proof that elegant, feminine essentials are pieces to live in and hold onto forever. Collections are seasonless and fall into two categories. "Somewhere" is its wardrobe fundamentals made from natural fibres like locally sourced merino wool, whilst "Forever" comprises serene pieces inspired by the languid life led by Antipodean women and designed to get better with age.

Shop Maggie Marilyn:

7. Mulberry

On Mulberry’s 50th anniversary, the heritage brand, whose bags are toted around town in the crook of Kate Middleton’s arm and inseparable from Alexa Chung asked a decisive question: can a bag save the world? What began as a leather accessory born at a dining-room table in Somerset has become a staple of British design and a business model that prioritises responsible sourcing and a vision for a regenerative and circular luxury industry. From publishing its supplier list in the name of transparency to offering an exchange program, the best Mulberry bags are "made to last," says the brand.

Shop Mulberry:

8. Bassike

Drawing inspiration from the local surfing community, relaxed outlook and sweeping coastline of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Bassike (pronounced basic) is a B-Corp fashion brand that prioritises transparency and strong design above all else. This is a promise it has upheld since its inception in 2006, but in recent years, the brand has taken bold steps to become as low-impact and responsible as possible. For instance, it became certified carbon neutral in 2021, whilst in 2022 alone, the brand diverted 6228kg of excess cotton textile offcuts from landfills. As the spelling suggests, this brand is much more than basic.

Shop Bassike:

9. Bondi Born

Another Aussie brand (there's a bit of a theme here), Bondi Born brings the sandy inlet of one of the world’s most famous beaches and transports the relaxed shapes worn by its locals into effortless swimwear and apparel. The brand has already garnered endorsements from Beyoncé and Hailey Bieber for its premium quality and unmatched fit, but in 2021, the label became a B-Corp fashion brand and entrenched its commitment to premium craftspersonship and sustainability. With pieces made from technically advanced Italian fabrics and every single fibre either recycled, repurposed or donated, Bondi Born is part of a tidal wave of Australian fashion brands shaping the future of fashion.

Shop Bondi Born:

10. Sézane

From a Haussmann-style building on Rue du Bac in Paris’s 7th arrondissement comes a lesson in collaboration and cohabitation. Founded in 2013, French fashion brand Sézane understands that clothing helps tell the story of someone’s life. It acknowledges that the tale of the garment begins far before it ends up in your wardrobe and doesn’t conclude once you’ve fallen out of love with it. In addition to its seasonless drops, Sézane also releases unsold pieces from its archives to ensure nothing goes to waste—something that is also bolstered by the fact that three-quarters of materials used are eco-friendly. These are pieces designed for memories to be made in.

Shop Sézane:

11. With Nothing Underneath

Only five years after the label was founded in 2017, With Nothing Underneath has become the name to know in high-quality shirting. The brand brings an ethical approach to shopping by crafting truly timeless wardrobe staples. From pieces like structured grey herringbone blazers to finely brushed flannels (and of course, the classic cotton button-downs), these styles nail the essentials with a keen interest in preserving the earth’s natural resources.

Shop With Nothing Underneath:

12. Rotate

The chintzy party looks you see stylish women wearing whilst sipping martinis at an exclusive dimly-lit bar? They're Rotate. But going beyond aesthetics, each sequin tells a story—one of an unwavering commitment to the power of transformative fashion. Rotate’s pieces not only instil the wearer with a sense of confidence but as a B-Corp fashion brand, it is constantly optimising to ensure all areas of the business adhere to the highest standards of sustainability and responsibility.

Shop Rotate:

13. Remain

Also within the Birger Christensen Collective, Remain redefines classic style through a contemporary lens. Sumptuous knits, ‘90s-inspired staples and sophisticated basics form the core of this Danish fashion brand. But whilst the pieces are unassumingly elegant, the work done in the studio is anything but. From using 80% preferred materials (a term that refers to fabrics that have a positive impact on the environment) to ensuring minimum standards of safety and labour rights to all workers and increasing its size range to an EU 48, this label remains to empower and transform.

Shop Remain:

14. Veja

Sportswear is a sector of the fashion industry that is often facing allegations of forced labour and inhumane working conditions. Veja, the French footwear brand founded in 2005, has ensured its trainers will have you stepping out on the right foot. A certified B-Corp fashion brand since 2018, Veja uses advanced technology like materials made from recycled plastic bottles along with natural fibres like organic cotton to make its sleek shoes. Talk about treading lightly.

Shop Veja:

15. Allbirds

Allbirds is taking strides to reach the ambitious objective of reducing its entire carbon footprint to zero by 2030. To do so, the B-Corp fashion brand is exclusively using natural fibres—it has never used synthetics or plastics in its trainers—and offsetting output through regenerative agriculture schemes and striving to use responsible energy sources like solar power. As a bonus, Allbirds are so comfy.

Shop Allbirds:

16. Vestiaire Collective

Vestiaire Collective makes circular fashion not only possible but luxe. The premise is simple—rehome items you’re no longer infatuated with through the world’s leading luxury resale platform. Vestiaire Collective helped forge the pre-loved fashion revolution, with the app connecting sellers peddling vintage and new-season pieces to high-end fashion lovers across the globe. You no longer need to travel to shop at boutiques in cultural hubs like New York and Paris—Vestiaire Collective brings these treasures to the comfort of your home. With over three million items listed, we guarantee there’s something for everyone.

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I'm a huge advocate for shopping small and sustainable. What started as a way to curb rogue shopping habits turned into an inspiring process that completely transformed the way I view clothes. Thereafter, a conscious and intentional relationship began, and it's been two decades since that initial shift. During this time, I've amassed a list of independent brands I love that seems to grow at an alarming rate. And while today might be Earth Day, I firmly believe that every day of the year we should be turning our attention further towards independent brands in a collective bid to become more conscious of consumption and to celebrate small brands making a huge impact.

However, Earth Day does present the perfect opportunity to evaluate the way we choose to shop, which can include mindful swaps and introducing slow fashion brands into our repertoires. If you're hoping to shop more consciously and with ethical brands at the forefront, rest assured that this list of independent brands is the best place to start. They're typically more considered—whether that's employing a measured production process, utilising recycled, organic or deadstock materials, or adhering to fair living wages for their garment makers. My favourites comprise all three components.

Ethics aren't always synonymous with small brands, but generally, these values tend to be more front and centre and the founders usually welcome curiosity and an open dialogue. All things considered, shopping small pays dividends to people and the planet. Plus, in my experience, discovering fresh brands is an entirely rousing process. Continue reading to discover the 22 slow-fashion brands I think should be on everyone's radar henceforth. It was hard to narrow it down, but needs must.

Shop My Favourite Independent Brands:

1. Almada the Label

Almada the Label specialises in luxury knitwear and clean lines for the discerning minimalist. For SS25, expect the continued use of textured fibres, tailoring and classic wardrobe staples, albeit with a twist.

Shop Almada the Label:

2. Kindred of Ireland

Consider Kindred of Ireland a celebration of natural fabrications—namely, Irish linen. Founder Amy Anderson spent her formative years lending a hand at her grandparents' linen mill, so you could say linen is in her DNA. Anderson's arsenal comprises styles from billowy dresses to delicately cut blouses, each with ingenious sewing techniques. It'll inspire you to wear linen beyond the summer months.

Shop Kindred of Ireland:

3. Bohème Goods

Bohème Goods rose to prominence with its famed tie-front top. Since its debut, founder Sarah Shabacon has expanded her line to include loungewear and knitted pieces, each crafted from natural fibres. Each piece is designed in Canada, and the production is kept slow and concise. The site also boasts a vintage archive, which is also worth a perusal.

Shop Bohème Goods:

3. Navy Grey

I'm an advocate for natural fibres. Not only are they better for the environment, they are also longer lasting than synthetics. You needn't fret when it comes to Navy Grey's offerings, as there are no synthetics in sight. It's the first place I visit when I want to add inspiring styles and colourways to my knitwear collection.

Shop Navy Grey:

4. With Nothing Underneath

Master of some of the finest shirts on the market (it's true), With Nothing Underneath has now granted us a stellar trouser offering— the Rampling. Coming in four colourways, and cut from a supple organic cotton, it's likely to become one of your most loved staples.

Shop With Nothing Underneath:

5. Ninety Percent

Whilst it's quite a bold claim for a Fashion Editor, Ninety Percent is one of my favourite independent brands. The company's mission statement and ethical credentials are worth celebrating, and in addition, they create some of the hardest-working basics you'll own—from the Tabi skirt to its newer directional basics. I wear a piece by the brand at least once a week, and can therefore attest to the premium quality.

Shop Ninety Percent:

6. The Slow Label

Slow by name and slow by nature, you'll find a handful of considered designs in classic cuts and some twists on basics thrown in for good measure. Case in point: this flouncy skirt awash with a trendy burgundy.

Shop The Slow Label:

7. TheGather

Born from an adoration of knitwear, TheGather champions woollen fabrications and expert craftsmanship. Expect to find 100% natural materials sourced from Scotland, which is then produced in Portugal. It's slow, intentional and designed for an extended lifespan.

Shop TheGather:

8. Deidei

Conceived by Hailea Crichton and Gabrielle Pritchard in 2022, Deidei envisions a whimsical world of frothy and darling apparel utilising deadstock fabrics. Enter the website and you'll step into an oasis of fantasy.

Shop Deidei:

9. Tote and Sans

Introducing Tote and Sans—one of the most chic footwear brands on the European market. It was a pleasure discovering the website and its suave footwear offerings. The brand was founded by visionaries (and powerhouse couple) Rebeca and Alberto, who channel their experience in art and design to envision shoes which are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Shop Tote and Sans:

10. Arkitaip

Arkitaip was conceived from a loving story with the aim of creating conscious classics to withstand the test of time. Breathable fabrications, billowy styles and ethically sourced linen remain at the core of Arkitaip's DNA and each year we're treated to its intentional capsule collection.

Shop Arkitaip:

11. Worme

Svelte shaping, bias cuts and lustrous fabrications are what you can expect to find at Worme. The brand's identity is steeped in the artistic legacy and buoyant energy of Cadaqués, Spain, where its founders Hannah and Melissa Collet reside.

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12. Stylein

Founder Elin Alemdar started Stylein with hand-tailored pieces, and now the brand's collection has extended to include various silhouettes. Although refined, Stylein's offerings span organza, suede accessories and perforated blouses.

Shop Stylein:

13. De La Vali

Finding occasion wear by independent brands can often pose a challenge, which makes De La Vali highly valued. Many of its directional shapes are free-flowing and others are taught with generous swatches of fabric. Some of the styles are even polyester-free, which is extremely difficult with the technicalities of occasionwear.

Shop De La Vali:

14. Black to Grey

Few brands have mastered the appeal of Black to Grey, which is why I vehemently champion this brand. It boasts many non-conforming, languid shapes, and the colour palette spans rich, nature-mimicking tones and muted hues with pops of colour thrown in.

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15. Margaret Howell

Founder of her eponymous brand, Margaret Howell draws inspiration from menswear and the essence of clothing in its entirety. How it makes the wearer feel, structure and functional elements. All of those components combined makes each piece feel like a work of art.

Shop Margaret Howell:

16. Rise and Fall

Rise and Fall boasts a unique blueprint which sees them producing quantities that meet the supply and demand of its customers, allowing them to offer significantly reduced price points. The website details its designer competitors, who create almost identical designs with a price markup.

Shop Rise and Fall:

12. Amanu

Former Conde Nast Editor, Anita Patrickson, sought to create an intentional brand honing in on her South African roots. Starting with sandals, the brand has gone on to create an array of leather goods. One thing remains true: the perseverance of ancient techniques and support of skilful artisans who make the brand come to life.

Shop Amanu:

13. Found

Drawing upon influences from cultural diversity, whilst paying homage to traditional crafting methods, Found merges old and new worlds, creating a capsule of gender neutral designs. My favourite has to be the suede jacket.

Shop Found:

14. Onar

Sherling trimmed outwear is growing in popularity and this winter saw the biggest surge since the noughties. Luckily for us, Onar specialise in outerwear of this nature. Expect to find bold silhouettes comprising 100% leather in spirited designs and colourways.

Shop Onar:

15. Porto

Porto explores textures, movement and life's ever-changing nature in its styles, which is reminiscent of art. Its name derives from the Greek word "peiro", traverse, or to carry.

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16. Ladéga

Founder Tumisola Ladega-Hewitt pours a decade of experience into Ladéga, having worked with the likes of Burberry and Ralph & Russo prior. Ladéga focuses on conscious outerwear, tailoring and modular handbags. Its clean lines and refined take on fashion are guaranteed to appease minimalists.

Shop Ladéga:

17. Serena Bute

Shop Serena Bute:

Quality and fashion-forward workwear is one of fashion's biggest conundrums which is why Serena Bute is an exceptional brand. Boasting a concise capsule of refined tailored pieces with a twist (a pinstripe here and a splash of red there), you'll find your core office wardrobe pieces here.

18. Coutille

Makers of the 24/7 slip dress (a style that took the internet by storm in 2023), Coutille envisioned a form-fitting silhouette responsible for empowering many of its wearers. For SS25, founder Hannah Farrugia Sharples has revised the fabrication, offering a 100% silk iteration that boasts all of the darling components we know and love. As the owner of Coutille's 24/7 slip dress, I can attest to the aforementioned feeling. Once I step into it, I immediately feel emboldened.

Shop Coutille:

19. By Malina

Inspired by the founder's Greek heritage, By Malina melds the free-spirited Mediterranean essence with themes from nature and creativity. It's history meets modernity and the designs span playful motifs to structured tailored (as seen below).

Shop By Malina:

20. Baukjen

Coined the highest-scoring SME Fashion B Corp in the world, Baukjen is certainly a brand to uphold. In addition to its impressive sustainability credentials (of which I could list for a while), it's becoming even sharper in direction since its debut. One of my favourite summer pieces is courtesy of Baukjen— a shrunken mini I frequently wear at the first glimpse of sunshine.

Shop Baukjen:

21. The Female Archetype

Conceived for women at every stage of life, The Female Archetype's USP feels almost sentimental, which immediately sets it apart from other brands. The designs are convertible and made to evolve and move with the body. It's a truly unique brand worth celebrating as it celebrates women.

Shop The Female Archetype:

22. Faithfull

Faithfull is one of my go-to brands which can be located on many of my favourite online fashion destinations. The brand specialises in hot weather apparel, so expect to find linen and cotton-rich designs awash with spirited motifs and colourways.

Shop Faithfull:

While I've never really been one for resolutions, this year I made two that I've been determined to stick to. One was to be more financially responsible and the other was to embrace more sustainable shopping habits. Luckily for me, secondhand marketplace Vinted exists, and it's proved to be the key to helping me keep both.

Yes, there's nothing quite like the rush of a new fashion purchase, but as we all know, everyone needs to do their part to help the planet, and fashion—particularly fast fashion—is one of the biggest polluting culprits. Making a reselling platform like Vinted part of your shopping habits can help on so many levels. You still get the thrill of a new purchase but with several added bonuses: you're paying a fraction of the original retail cost, potentially finding something that has sold out in stores, saving an item from going to landfill and opting out of the production-demand cycle by choosing not to buy something brand new. That's a quadruple win.

Vinted pro Sophie Longmire found this on-trend red jumper on the resale platform.

A few months ago, I discovered the other big perk of Vinted: selling. With the start of a new season you're likely feeling the urge to do a reset of your wardrobe and create space for some fresh finds. By selling on Vinted, you not only keep the pieces you no longer love out of landfill, but you also make money from them that you can use to buy items that do spark joy (or just use it for something else). Oh, how we love a circular fashion economy.

If you're planning on joining me in a sustainable fashion commitment, I've done some digging for expert advice on how to navigate Vinted like a pro. As well as Vinted's consumer lead Natacha Blanchard, I spoke to Manchester-based influencer Sophie Longmire—a longtime Vinted shopper who's bought some seriously enviable pieces from the site—and content creator and sustainable shopping advocate Bianca Foley. Here's what they had to share.

1. BE SPECIFIC WITH YOUR SEARCHES

Longmire's long skirt is another one of her many Vinted finds.

"Rather than typing 'mini skirt,' it's better to start an advanced search without keywords, and specify each category and sub-category, including the sizes that usually fit you, colours, the brands you want (if you already know), your price range and the desired condition. Then, you will have exactly the selection that matches your filters," says Blanchard. "And try varying the product name you’re searching for, as not everyone uses the same term."

Longmire adds that she's found a lot of success by focusing on searching for specific brands. "I find it easiest to navigate the app when the algorithm knows the brands I like, so I always search for brands I know and love, and most importantly, that I know my sizing in." The more you keep looking for these brands, the more likely it is your Vinted home screen will promote similar pieces to you.

Foley agrees, and says that "Be specific" is her number-one tip. "If you type in 'black dress,' for example, you will get a lot of results, so narrow it down by brand or style in order to limit the results and find what you really want," she says.

2. START SMALL

Lucy Williams found these sold-out Wales Bonner x Adidias Sambas on Vinted.

From Sambas to Celine belts, Vinted is a perfect place to find designer, high-street and vintage shoes and accessories. "If you’re a secondhand beginner, a great way to start is to look for accessories such as shoes, bags and jewellery, since size and fit will be easier to determine," says Blanchard. "Then, once you’ve seen how easy the process is, you can work your way up."

3. GO FOR BUNDLES

This Ganni jacket? It's from Vinted, of course!

"Vinted allows shoppers to buy in 'bundles' (multiple items from one seller), and making use of this is another clever way to save money, since sellers are usually willing to offer further discounts for buying multiple items," says Blanchard. "It’s a handy feature for buyers as you can often find similar styles in your size without needing to start a new search. Plus, you can save on paying separate delivery charges, since everything can be shipped in one package—which is also better for the planet."

Foley also likes to shop bundles from one seller, and recommends hitting that follow button when you find an account you love. "Loads of your favourite content creators are now on Vinted, so why not buy their wardrobes? More often than not, they’re selling really good quality and hardly worn pieces for a fraction of the price," she says.

4. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK

A Paloma Wool jumper thrifted from Vinted.

One of the key things that sets Vinted apart from other secondhand marketplace platforms is the buyer-seller communication. "Don’t be afraid to message sellers for more information; perhaps you’d like to see the item in a better light, request measurements or want a close-up. Sellers are usually very keen to help," says Blanchard. It's particularly important to get in touch with the seller if you're buying a designer item. "Do ask for proof [that the item is genuine], such as a receipt or certificate of authenticity, and ask for photo close-ups of details such as the logo, stitching lines, hardware and label, to check that they are of high quality," she adds.

Foley suggests that before you commit to a purchase, "Ask specific questions, check the listings thoroughly and even request more photos if you need to," she says. "And if you’re buying an item for £10 that is worth much more, you will have to expect that it’s not [going to be] perfect!" You also shouldn't shy away from haggling—there's a reason there's a very prominent "Make an offer" button. Blanchard recommends starting out by offering 10-20% off the listing price, but you may be able to get a bigger discount if the item has been listed for a long time, as the seller will likely be more motivated to get rid of it. "One of my favourite finds is a Paloma Wool jumper," says Longmire. "I got such a good deal because I sent an offer to the seller that they accepted, and now I wear it weekly."

5. GET SELLING

A long dress is such a versatile piece to see you through the seasons.

The mark of a true Vinted-er is being a seller as well as a buyer. "Last year I sold loads of my own clothes on Vinted," says Longmire. "Not only did it ensure that someone else gets wear and joy out of them, but it also gave me the funds to get new secondhand things to make up my full holiday wardrobe."

If you decide to give it a go, Blanchard stresses that it's important to set yourself up for success. That means taking lots of high-quality photos, writing a great, detailed description and filling in all the relative categories such as size and condition. "If you need help pricing your item, a great place to start is to search for similar items and see the average selling price," she says. "You can then position yourself competitively depending on factors such as the brand and item condition." And if your item does have some flaws or signs of wear, don't try to pretend they're not there; it's better to show them and be upfront initially rather than deal with a disgruntled buyer and bad reviews later on.

SHOP MY CURRENT TOP VINTED FINDS:

This piece was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

September always inspires a new-year feeling that I owe to the school term—when the fantasy of summer starts to dwindle and a new phase commences. But if we’re really lucky, we’re dealt a few balmy days before landing feet first on crisp leaves, Halloween paraphernalia and pumpkin-spiced lattes. Given the weather this summer, we’re already in autumn mode, so there’s been an early shift in fashion offerings of late, and things are noticeably more autumn-forward than usual at this time of year. I’m a summer girl, so I'm still embracing being on the periphery of no-tights weather, even if I have to don my trench coat earlier than usual.

Having said that, I am looking forward to leaning into my autumnal colour palette of ochre, olive green and brown tones, all of which are making their way onto shop floors prematurely. Between greens, brown tones and scarf details in excess, autumn offerings are showcasing the timeless trends of last season, albeit with a little flare. These are the pieces that have caught my attention lately.

Shop My September Wish List:

Shop Tops:

Shop Dresses:

Shop Bottoms:

Shop Outerwear:

Shop Accessories:

Shop Shoes:

Picture this—it’s a balmy evening in Italy, the sun’s setting, and you’re frolicking in your Reformation garms. Dreamy, right? Well, that's the exact vision that is conjured up when perusing Reformation's latest collection. Ready for the summer months, the brand has flexed its muscles in the dress department that it is known and loved for, as well as showing off the many facets of its talents elsewhere. From linen staples to great denim and a playful co-ord or two, there's a lot to love about Reformation's forever pieces.

If I could only shop from one place, Reformation would be a worthwhile contender. It has refreshed the mindset of shoppers when it comes to ethical clothing. Although sustainable clothing is considered the antidote to trend-led pieces, Reformation strikes a balance between fashion and consciousness, creating runway-inspired pieces with innovative materials, and recycled and natural fibres — resulting in premium clothing with an ageless appeal. It’s also one of the few brands with a notable plus size range that spans UK sizes 18 to 28.

The brand excels at producing wardrobe staples and elevated basics—think open-back tank tops and directional designs, which make pieces feel current. But it's also a go-to destination for occasion wear. You’re guaranteed to find wedding guest-appropriate attire on-site. What's more, if you're looking to accessorize, there are shoes and bags aplenty to pull your looks together no matter the occasion.

Being the fan that I am, I spent hours looking through all of the summer styles on Reformation in order to bring you the very best new-in buys. Keep scrolling to discover some impressive summer pieces from the sustainable brand that has our hearts.

Shop Reformation's Best New-In Pieces:

When we buy beauty products, we usually don't consider much more than the price, the purpose and whether the product will work for our skin or hair type. But now, more than ever, it's important for brands and consumers to start thinking about how our beauty shopping choices impact the planet.

These days, there are so many beauty brands using labels like "sustainable," "vegan" and "eco-friendly," but it's not always clear how the brand has interpreted or actioned these claims. For this reason, it's easy for us consumers to fall for greenwashing marketing techniques, whereby brands use misleading jargon like "clean beauty" or quite literally house their products in green or brown packaging which looks natural but isn't.

Yep, it's overwhelming, and sustainable beauty is complicated for many reasons, but by understanding how beauty brands are able to be more sustainable, we as consumers are able to make better-informed purchasing decisions. The beauty industry has a massive waste problem, so in order to be environmentally responsible, brands have to consider things such as how and where they are sourcing ingredients, what their packaging is made from, if it's recyclable and the amount of carbon emissions that transporting ingredients and products creates.

Ultimately, there's really no way to be 100% sustainable, but what we can do as consumers is champion the beauty brands that really are trying to do their bit for the environment. Small everyday actions such as swapping out a moisturiser or lipstick for a more sustainable version and opting for a refillable shampoo over a new plastic bottle are just a few ways we can take a more sustainable approach to shopping for beauty products.

Ahead are the sustainability-minded beauty brands we're currently obsessed with that prove shopping for beauty sustainably doesn't mean you have to compromise on affordable prices or a luxury beauty experience.

1. Ulé

Ulé is a French skincare brand which grows all the ingredients used in its products on a vertical farm just outside Paris. This innovative farming technique means that the origin of every ingredient used in every product is 100% traceable, which massively reduces the brand's carbon emission contribution. What's more, all of the plants grown on the eco-farm are pesticide-free, and 95% of the water used on the farm is recycled. And not only is this great news for the environment, but it also enhances the product quality. Since the products are formulated so soon after the ingredients are harvested, they're incredibly fresh and potent.

Shop the brand:

2. The Body Shop

The Body Shop has been advocating for a more sustainable approach to beauty for over 40 years, and every year, the brand releases a report detailing everything it's doing to work towards becoming more ethical and sustainable. The brand is B-Corp certified, which means it lives up to strict social and environmental standards, and it caters to sustainable beauty shoppers with a refill program, a mission to eliminate virgin plastic from its packaging, vegan formulas and a packaging-recycling scheme.

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3. Neal's Yard Remedies

Being sustainable and ethical has been an important focus for Neal's Yard Remedies since the brand was first founded in 1981. It created the first Soil Association–approved beauty products and was acknowledged as the world's first carbon-neutral high-street retailer back in 2008. These days, the brand uses 92% certified-natural ingredients in its products, and its eco-factory in Dorset operates on 100% renewable energy. When it comes to packaging, the brand is on a mission to use entirely recycled plastic bottles by 2025, and all card and paper is responsibly sourced to limit deforestation.

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4. Medik8

On a mission to become the world's most sustainable professional-led skincare brand, Medik8 is a great example of how a brand can be sustainable and take a science-first approach to skincare. It targets waste within its manufacturing and operations processes (as well as packaging) and has a bold target to be a zero-waste-to-landfill company by 2025. Other key commitments the brand has made are to have 100% traceable and responsibly sourced ingredients by 2030 and to be B-Corp certified by 2024.

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5. Tata Harper

Everything from sourcing ingredients to manufacturing packaging has a planet-first focus for Tata Harper. All products are formulated, filled and shipped from the founder's farm in Vermont, and only what's needed to be made is made in order to limit excess and expired products. What's more, the farm-fresh formulations are packaged within either infinitely recyclable glass bottles or bioplastic made from corn and sugarcane. Even the text on the packaging is printed using biodegradable soy ink.

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6. L'Occitane

L'Occitane's sustainability mission is split into four pillars: traceability, sustainability, fairness and quality. It aims to make positive changes in each area in every possible way. From building long-term partnerships with local pickers to sourcing local ingredients whenever possible, L'Occitane understands that true sustainability covers the entire process, from the traceability of extracts right up to the finished products. It offers an impressive refill scheme across its hair, skin and bodycare lines, which on average saves 85% of plastic compared to the original product.

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7. LastObject

Of course, in addition to the products we use in our beauty routines, it's important to consider the tools we use. Things like cotton buds, cotton pads, and tissues are easy to overlook, but if you're in the habit of using them every day, they are contributing significantly to waste. LastObject is a B-Corp-certified brand on a mission to cut down on single-use items in the beauty industry. It offers up innovative multiuse solutions such as reusable cotton pads and sanitary towels.

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8. BYBI

BYBI's goal is to become the world's first carbon-negative beauty brand. In order to achieve this, it has an internal auditing system, the Susty Score, which grades an ingredient's carbon footprint before even considering using it within a product formulation. It takes into account everything from the harvesting process to the source location, transport and manufacturing. Where possible, the brand uses upcycled ingredients and formulates products in-house in its green energy–powered lab.

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9. Davines

Sustainability is a core value for Italian haircare brand Davines—its tagline is (and has been for over 20 years) "beauty + sustainability." The brand has been using renewable energy sources to power both its plants and offices since 2006 and has a zero-impact policy that offsets emissions generated to ensure packaging production is carbon neutral. Despite selling products all over the world and with a number of big-name retailers, it sources ingredients from small family farms in Italy, highlighting and nurturing those ingredients at risk of extinction.

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10. RMS Beauty

Since launching in 2009, RMS Beauty has utilised easy-to-recycle materials like glass and aluminum to package its products, and in 2021, it debuted its first refillable products. This same innovation is even used when considering the materials used to create in-store display units.

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11. UpCircle

UpCircle's story started with the idea that coffee grounds could be given a whole new lease of life, and the brand has since transformed more than 450 tonnes into sustainable skincare. From flower petals saved from wedding venues to blueberries salvaged as a by-product of the juicing industry, the brand strives to repurpose and upcycle ingredients wherever possible. Packaging used is 99% recyclable (there are plastic-free refills for the 1%), and you can even return empty packaging to the brand to be refilled with a 20% discount.

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12. Aveda

Aveda was the very first beauty brand to use post-consumer recycled materials in its packaging—it's now used in at least 85% of the products' bottles and jars. In addition, its primary manufacturing site is powered by wind and solar power, and the brand uses 90% natural ingredients in its products. Supply-chain integrity and traceability are also important topics for the brand, and it works to create jobs in the places it sources ingredients from, teaching suppliers more sustainable farming techniques in the process.

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13. Rhug Wild Beauty

Rhug Wild Beauty doesn't just utilise natural ingredients in their product formulations—where possible those ingredients are foraged. The likes of heather, nettle, elderflower, spring water, honey, and beeswax are sourced from the Rhug Estate in North Wales and combined with sustainably sourced natural actives—all chosen for their skincare benefits.

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14. Comfort Zone

Like its sister brand Davines, Comfort Zone is a Certified B Corporation which places sustainability at the heart of its product formulation. Ingredients are chosen to respect the skin and the planet, packaging is recyclable and CO2 compensated, and everything is made in Italy using renewable resources.

Shop the brand:

This story was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

I think we can all agree that new-season pieces are permeating our feeds and the spring wardrobe transition is now fully underway. With every glimmer of sunshine, I'm inching further towards summery styles and the easy dresses, comfy sandals and pretty accessories in my arsenal (of which there are plenty). As premature as might think it be, I've already packed away my heavy coats and have pulled out my lightweight outerwear instead, which is soon to be followed by airy materials like cotton and linen.

Although I'm an advocate for personal style, spring and summer is a great time to broaden horizons, whether that's experimenting with new colourways and shapes or adding interest to simple looks with fun accessories and statement jewellery. But, when it comes to my favourite new-season offerings, I can't deny there's a common thread: a celebration of classics with a twist and buttery hues.

So if, like me, you're ready for spring, keep reading to see the new-season pieces that have caught my attention. From draped tops to sandals, these picks will have you dreaming of the sunny days ahead. Which, if this week's weather is anything to go by, are coming in thick and fast!

Shop My Edit of the Best New-In Pieces to Get Ready for Spring:

1. Tops

2. Bottoms

3. Dresses

4. Handbags

5. Jewellery

6. Shoes

If there's one thing you're bound to find a fashion editor doing in their spare time, it's having a full and thorough scour of the great British high street. It's full of unsung heroes, and with new drops landing almost daily, we like to have our ears firmly to the ground. However, the vast number of new-ins can make the task of finding a real gem a little daunting (note our endless number of open tabs), so it’s handy to know which brands and retailers will never let you down.

Our endless searches have allowed us to pinpoint the brands that make looking polished and feeling good as easy as possible. High benchmarks you say? Well, this is the test we've been putting pieces through to help filter the trends from the staples, the classics from the one hit wonders, and thankfully it hasn’t failed us yet. Naturally, it'll take you less than a minute of scrolling to notice some recurring brands in our edits for these exact reasons. Case in point: Reformation, Aligne and Everlane, whose pieces are the piece de resistance when it comes to that perfect balance between fashion and function. 

Reformation has made it into our best picks for bridalwear, New Year outfit formulas and our classic winter staples. We work hard, and it makes our stylish little hearts soar when we find pieces that work harder. With origins as an indie vintage store, they only design and distribute small batches, making every piece feel that little bit more timeless and special than the norm. We can’t get enough of their gorgeous cashmere collection and we’re not the only ones; Celebs, influencers and street style stars continue to return to the brand for hard working wardrobe heroes that will last a lifetime.

Aligne and Everlane follow the same formula of stylish but conscious staples and so our essentials edit felt a little naked without them. They’re the ones we find ourselves unashamedly repeat-wearing whether heading to Fashion Week, the office or brunch with friends, and there's no guilt attached – both brands are highly committed to using only recycled and organic materials. What’s not to love?

It doesn’t get better than these three for building your New Year capsule wardrobe. Expect cosy knits from Everlane, polished tailoring from Aligne and standout staples from Reformation. We take full responsibility if you become just as obsessed as we are. 

1. REFORMATION

2. Aligne 

3. Everlane 

Up Next: I'm 51 and Have Finally Worked Out My Perfect Capsule Wardrobe

Shopping at the moment is no mean feat. Between the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals and new-ins, there’s plenty of possible purchases to be made from some of our favourite high street retailers and high-end designers, but if ever there’s a time to support small businesses, it’s now. Independent shopping is my kryptonite; I adore the feeling of acquiring something thoughtful and curated, pieces which have often been made in small batches and with ethical production at the forefront, making it an even more special experience. Alongside pre-loved sites, shopping small is fast become the antidote to fast fashion.

I started shopping small years ago, initially influenced by my Dad’s love of vintage and later becoming well versed on the nuances of sustainability, including fibres, production and scales of clothing being produced. Now, I hardly buy anything new and when I do it’s a meticulous process, starting with second-hand and independent brands before venturing to the high street for better materials.

After the switch, what I lost in instant gratification and impulsive buys I more than made up for with my ever-growing roster of indie brands whose beautiful creations are landing on my wish list by the day. And because of this, I’m always keen to shine a light on consignment stores, independent brands and pre-loved sites. 

On Avalon: Coutille's Romy Dress

If I hadn’t already whetted my appetite for niche brands this year, I attended 080 Barcelona Fashion Week this autumn and witnessed some small European brands showcase their collections in real life. I left feeling inspired ahead of the winter season and upon my return, scoured the internet to find the pieces and brands that had caught my eye. 

My standout brand this month is Coutille. You may have seen the brand’s 24/hr slip dress doing the rounds on Instagram, (Who What Wear UK's Editor in Chief Hannah Almassi owns this dress, too), and let me tell you, it's even more special in real life. With an expert bias cut it celebrates the female form like no other piece in my wardrobe. Plus, it's easy to dress up or down with a quick change of layers and accessories. Win, win! 

So, whether you’re looking for new knitwear, small leather goods, a fancy frock or outerwear you'll love for years, keep reading for my ultimate small brand edit. After all, December is the perfect time to shop small and treat a loved one ( or yourself) to a one-off piece. 

SHOP MY SMALL BRAND EDIT FOR DECEMBER:

Up Next: The Early Black Friday Sales Worth Shopping - and What We'd Buy

I don't really believe that the world needs more skincare brands. Right now, I feel as though the beauty industry has maxed out on everything it can provide us in terms of skincare. Unless there's a game-changing new innovation, my general opinion is that I don't want to know about any new product. If anyone is going to launch a skincare business in 2022, it better do something that nothing else can. Personally, I'd much prefer it if brands used their resources to educate the skincare consumer honestly instead of investing time and energy into launching more products.

It's safe to say, therefore, that when I first heard fashion designer Stella McCartney was launching a skincare line, my eyes rolled hard. It's not that I don't like Stella McCartney and all she's done for the world of fashion; it's just that I want skincare to be a space reserved for, well, experts. I'm simply just not sure the beautysphere needs any more skincare lines created by people who aren't fully immersed in the science of it all. And when I heard that Stella by Stella McCartney beauty was set to be "rooted in nature," I was fully prepared to never give it a second thought.

Shannon the morning after using Stella by Stella McCartney skincare.

But my journalistic instinct got the better of me, and I needed to know more. The truth is I've found Stella McCartney's impact on the fashion industry admirable—her environmental standpoint has really helped shine a light on unsustainable practices and set a precedent for the rest of the industry. So, I thought, if Stella McCartney could make a difference to the world of fashion, what's to say she can't do the same for the beauty industry?

As it turns out, Stella by Stella McCartney skincare is a feat, and I'm genuinely happy about its existence. First of all, let's touch on sustainability. It feels needless to say that the line is vegan and cruelty-free (of course), but beyond that, the collection has also put a ban on over 2000 ingredients in its products due to environmental concerns around their production and extracting (including popular silicones and carbomers, which remain points of contention among environmental experts). Impressively, the packaging itself is created with a reduced number of virgin materials, is recyclable and champions a totally reinvented form of refill with recyclable sachets obtained from certified renewable sources. (Carbon emissions are drastically reduced via shopping refills due to minimised packaging and weight.)

Above all, though, the thing I am most impressed by is the line-up itself. While most skincare brands are keen to sell countless products to us, designed to generate more sales, more money, and as a result more waste, Stella by Stella McCartney is a small, considered line-up of just three products. Utilising ingredients from nature, they aim to care for and nurture the skin in a no-fuss, simple way, focusing on essential hydration and skin health while they're at it. Not only do the products look great on the shelf, but they are exceptionally beautiful on the skin, too. Oh, and if that isn't enough to tempt you, the fresh but gentle scent (inspired by the Scottish highlands) was blended by none other than Francis Kurkdjian (yes, the man behind Baccarat Rouge 540) and smells every bit as soothing as you'd expect. Keep scrolling for my honest review of each product.

Shop More Refillable Skincare

Next up, an expert just revealed the best skincare routine for your 20s.

Brittany Bathgate is what most people would consider a 'style expert'. With a honed eye for how to layer and create beautiful, minimalist outfits, and an effortless wardrobe full of pieces from across high street and luxury brands, it's no wonder over 400k followers look to her for inspiration. And because we here at Who What Wear UK are just as nosy as you are, when I got the chance to catch up with her recently to celebrate the launch of her second curated edit with one of our favourite Brit brands, Aligne, I couldn't help but try and squeeze as much expertise out of her as possible. 

Brittany wears the new Gilda trench coat so well. 

Going into the new season, I wanted all the goss on which pieces she has her eyes on for autumn—knowing full well I'd probably add them straight onto my own wish list too, as well as her top tips for creating the most hard-working autumn/winter wardrobe. "My go-to must-haves are a trench coat, black penny loafers and a sturdy umbrella!" She told me. "I try to be more sustainable by mostly wearing what I already own, but there are a few new AW22 trends I've got my eye on, like the return of corduroy and velvet in more sophisticated forms—think waistcoats and wide-leg trousers. I'll also be trying out XL silhouettes which I always think is an easy way to make classics look fresh."

As for outfit ideas to wear right now, Bathgate says, "I find this time of year the hardest to get dressed for, but also the most fun because you can experiment with layers. A sweater vest always ends up being my most worn piece because it can be layered over a T-shirt or worn on its own. I also love a cropped shacket when the temperatures still hover around the high teens—it's just enough coverage without making you too hot. As it gets colder, often I can get stuck in a rut of jumper after jumper, but this year I'll be wearing more turtlenecks under half buttoned shirts which manages to feel a bit fresher."

Proving the Gitty leather shirt dress can be layered up for winter. 

Bathgate's latest edit with responsible, yet affordable clothing brand Aligne is full of classics the influencer herself has become so well-known for wearing. Chunky knits sit alongside a timeless leather dress and a beautiful oversized trench coat. "The Gilda trench in Mustang is an absolute favourite", she tells me. "I'm picturing it with a green knit around the shoulders, or maybe a green turtleneck layered underneath; I can't decide!" On working with one of the most exciting new brands right now, she said, "It's always a joy to work with a young brand like Aligne as you get to watch it develop and grow over time. This season is definitely my favourite so far, and as it goes from strength to strength it's definitely one I'd recommend having on your radar." We're with you on that Brittany.

Keep scrolling and you can see and shop Brittany Bathgate's current autumn wish list, as well as the new Aligne edit too... 

Shop Brittany's Autumn Wish List:

Shop More From Brittany's Aligne Edit:

Up Next: I’m a Stylist— 7 Basics I Always Buy At This Time of Year

When it comes to sustainable fashion, no brand does it quite like Pangaia. What started as a materials science company researching and developing the newest innovations in sustainable textiles for the fashion industry soon launched their own line - and they haven't slowed down since. From J.Lo to Tracee Ellis Ross to Sarah Jessica Parker, celebrities have stepped out in Pangaia's iconic tracksuits, bold coloured blazers that often sell out and sleek sustainable accessories. Better still, they've just released their new collection. 

Everything you need to know about Pangaia is in the name: Pan meaning all-inclusive, Gaia meaning mother earth. The brand consists of scientists, technologists and designers that combine their skills to create innovative technology and bio-engineered materials, all amalgamating to form a sustainable brand that's loved by celebrities and the fashion set alike.

Tracee Ellis Ross wears the matcha green limited edition trackpants and sweatshirt. Shop the similar sweatshirt and trackpants. 

More than a fashion brand, Pangaia is a treasure trove of information. With the environment at the core of it, Pangaia openly shares its contribution to protecting the environment, along with plenty of information (and even a glossary if you're looking to expand your sustainable understanding). With each purchase, the brand promises to plant, protect or restore a tree, which has allowed them to reach a milestone of planting, protecting and restoring over 1 million trees through the Tomorrow Tree Fund. 

If there's one thing Pangaia doesn't shy away from it's colour, and its become an aspect of the brand that makes it so recognisable. Name a palette, and they probably have it, although with new seasons we're given new core colours to suit the changing mood. For their new release, their classic tracksuits are dyed using natural food dyes and an innovative dying technology which pulverises textile leftovers to create soft pastel tones. 

The most recent release is a capsule collection between Pangaia and painter Kenny Scharf, in celebration of the brand planting over 1 million trees. Each product in the capsule has a unique quote about the importance of trees. Along with this capsule, Pangaia's new-in section has everything for a sleek autumn wardrobe. Not only does it offer up its signature loungewear, but you'll find jeans, trench coats, classic stripes and so much more. The new collection can serve as its own capsule wardrobe, and of course everything is made with the planet in mind. Keep scrolling to see celebrities wearing Pangaia, and shop the new collection. 

SEE CELEBRITIES IN PANGAIA AND SHOP THE NEW COLLECTION

Mindy Kaling wearing the 365 track pants and 365 sweatshirt. 

Alessandra Ambrosia wears the limited edition PANGAIA X SDGs hoodie designed to support and celebrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

Maria Sharapova wears the 365 sweatshirt and 365 track pants. 

Tracee Ellis Ross styles the 365 hoodie and 365 track pants with mules and a bold red lip.

Jennifer Lopez wearing the 365 track pants and 365 sweatshirt. 

Sarah Jessica Parker styles a white blouse with the 365 track pants. 

Chelsea Handler wears the 365 sweatshirt and 365 trackpants. 

Elsa Hosk wears the signature hoodie and 365 track pants. 

SHOP PANGAIA'S NEW COLLECTION

Up next, These Are The 2022 Trends I'm Trying Second-Hand. 

It can get a little uninspiring searching for affordable clothing at the same old high-street stores. Of course, we have our favourites we know we can always rely on, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to diversify once in a while. And as editors, we take our responsibility for introducing you to lesser-known brands we come across quite seriously‚ especially when those brands have nailed the trifecta of being affordable, stylish and sustainably conscious. Enter Nobody’s Child. 

If you’ve been reading Who What Wear UK for a while, you’ve probably heard us raving about the British brand before. We’re big fans of its versatile, throw-on dresses, and we’re not alone. So many celebs, including Rochelle Humes, Holly Willoughby and Sienna Miller, have been spotted in its pretty styles.

Humes wore the understated Rosie Linen Midi Dress to present This Morning last week. 

Pretty floral dresses might be the brand’s MO, but after a recent scroll through the new-in section, I discovered that’s not the only thing Nobody’s Child can do well. Actually, it was the minimalist, understated wardrobe staples that caught my eye this time, from chic suiting to simple slip skirts and monochrome linen dresses. These are expensive-looking basics at their finest and the kind of buys I love to bolster my wardrobe with, especially since they can be worn across all seasons and are often much more timeless than printed or trend-led items. 

Keep scrolling, then, to see an edit of my favourite minimalist pieces from Nobody’s Child’s current new-in section, perfect for wearing right now and all the way into autumn/winter and next year too.

Shop the Nobody's Child Minimalist Edit

Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

We're pretty well versed in both It items and incredible dresses, so you bet your new raffia tote we can spot a killer It dress from about 50 paces away. Here it is: the £65 wear-it-to-everything midi our wardrobes have all been waiting for. And it has a great pedigree, coming from our very own newly-launched sustainable and affordable fashion collection, Drop 01 by Who What Wear UK.

This dress is flattering and easy to wear thanks to its softly elasticated waist and shoulders and flowing linen-blend fabric—we haven't yet met a person it doesn't suit. But for all of its practical details, it's still incredibly "wow" thanks to the intricately designed four-in-one neckline-and-sleeve concept: You can wear this as a criss-cross halter or tie the straps neatly in a bow at the front as well as on the shoulder or off the shoulder, creating multiple silhouettes and levels of sass depending on your mood or occasion. 

Lara Betiku in the green Cader dress.

It has captured the hearts of our fashion team, influencer pals and the cool women who helped us design it (huge thanks to Port Hotel for giving our community a very chic place to try everything on ahead of the launch). This timeless midi is part of a small but perfectly formed capsule collection we launched this week called Drop 01 by Who What Wear UK. It's filled with only the best summer pieces you'll feel excited about wearing now and for many hot-weather seasons to come. The pieces are sustainable thanks to a made-on-order model that eliminates a lot of the usual garment and fabric waste you'd normally accumulate, and the cost savings are redirected back to support higher wages for garment works and to educate children in the factories' surrounding areas via our partner Unfolded and their work with the organisation Pratham. 

This gorgeous style comes in two colours—a chic black and a vibrant green—and we're having a tough time choosing a favourite. Help us, won't you? Keep scrolling to see the Cader dress in action, and shop it for yourself.

SHOP THE DRESS

SEE MORE WOMEN WEARING THE DRESS

Style Notes: I couldn't help but take the styling to the max with mine! A giant sunhat and tan accessories really help the green to pop.

Style Notes: Acting assistant editor Maxine looked incredible in this black version, showing how you can wear it on a chill day with flats and sunnies.

Style Notes: Shopping editor Remy opted in for the green and provided a fun clash with a printed headscarf.

Style Notes: Fancy do to go to? Take beauty editor Eleanor's lead, and try all-black accessories plus a red lip.

Style Notes: Introducing Cader herself! Here she is at Port Hotel modelling the fabulous dress that is named after her and her involvement in our community of WWW Insiders. Doesn't she look fabulous?

Style Notes: Content creator Eleanor Barkes gave her black midi a Parisian spin with espadrilles—it just works!

Style Notes: Avalon Afriyie is not only a Who What Wear contributor but also a sustainable-fashion fan who has been taking part in our community-led design approach. This dress is a statement in itself, so you don't even need multiple accessories to make an impact.

Style Notes: The skirt on this style is full of fabric that gives great movement, but it's still super lightweight and good for a hot day.

Style Notes: Remy took this look to the streets with the addition of a macramé bag and oversized shades—perfect for a city stroll.

Style Notes: Lara loved the dress so much she got it in both colours! We're enjoying her addition of chunky lace-up sandals to offset the cute vibes of the dress itself.

Style Notes: When in doubt, add neutral accessories, and go!

Click to shop more of Drop 01. 

Up next, see what the team wore to work this week.

When it comes to pinpointing affordable pieces that look good year after year, the team at Who What Wear are, if I could be permitted to say, connoisseurs. We know a good buy when we see one, and this week, the arrival of 14 summer-friendly items—a perfectly formed capsule, if you will—has everyone here in the office excited.

Okay, so we're slightly biased because this sustainable range has been designed with the coolest people we know: YOU! Thousands of members of our community banded together a few months ago to start a very innovative and agenda-setting process alongside our editors. Along with some trending ideas, the demands and desires of our audience were put forward as design inspiration, and those involved had a chance to make the big and small decisions along the way once the aesthetic and mood started to form. Necklines! Colours! Prints! Hemlines! Even the product names are dedicated to our readers. Every detail was up for debate, and the fascinating feedback has allowed us to create Drop 01 by Who What Wear UK—a small-but-mighty range of items that has longevity and rewearing front of mind, caters to a broader sizing range (6 to 24) AND is sustainably produced thanks to a unique made-to-order model powered by Unfolded, which limits waste, allows for higher wages for garment workers and supports children in education around the factories where the clothes are made with impact partner Pratham UK. 

We've combined the elements that we know provide the DNA for longstanding classics with a sprinkling of trend-driven details, and every piece had to go through the same rigorous list of questions we apply to all of our best purchases: Will this look fantastic in a few years' time? Can I wear it in multiple ways now? Is it easy, comfortable and going to be that thing I fall back on time and again? Yes, yes and yes to all of the above. We've thought about bra straps and comfy elasticated waistbands. We've considered print combinations that you won't find anywhere else and everyone will ask you about. 

The range is available to order (now!), so to celebrate, we had our editors and some of the chicest women from our network cherry-pick their faves to road-test them before you decide which you'd like to add to your basket. Keep reading to find out all about the summer capsule we are completely and utterly obsessed with—and shop it for yourself as you scroll!

Wear Your Greens

At the start of the design process, our editors and audience were all in agreement: Green is really, really great! So great, in fact, that two shades came out on top: first, a punchy tropical green and then a more muted sage. Yes, these verdant hues are having a moment, but they are also very well suited to different seasons throughout the year (not just summer—that floral slip skirt would look so cool with a knit in autumn) and to many skin tones. Green is never not flattering, IMHO.

Introducing the beautiful Cader in green—you're going to love it. Shopping editor Remy Farrell's bohemian styling of this breezy summer midi is a great example to follow. "Summer is shorthand for bright colours as far as I'm concerned, and there's nothing easier than a lightweight dress in a bold shade for a holiday-ready outfit," says Farrell. "With trips abroad in mind, I had to pair this dress with a bandana and flat sandals ready for exploring the city or ending up on the beach. The best thing about this dress, other than how light and easy it is to wear, has to be the neckline—tie the straps around the neck to create a halter-neck detail, or my personal favourite, loop them into a bow to create a keyhole."

Shop the look:

In a sustainable cotton-and-linen mix, affiliate editor Emily Dawes's shorts-and-shirt co-ord can be worn in so many different ways (more on that later). True to her normal layering ways, she decided to go open-shirt with a simple vest underneath. The silhouette of the shirt is purposefully oversized, and the leg of the shorts cuts an A-line shape to create a more flattering and roomier line. The overall effect is a smart look that still feels easy to chuck on and not worry about. And she's got plans for each individual item in the future. "I love these shorts just with a classic white vest for heatwaves in the city or beach days on holiday, and then the shirt looks great also with a classic pair of blue jeans too," she says.

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Acting assistant editor Maxine Eggenberger first reached for the mix-'n'-match Georgia skirt and Avalon wrap blouse, which provides a chic alternative on those days when a dress just doesn't feel like the answer. By using the same print screens in different colourways, we were able to avoid additional waste, which would normally come with introducing further print scales or styles—so you get all of the impact of a print clash with a lot less environmental impact. 

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The Works-for-Everything Dress

Got a wedding coming up? Want something cute for the office? Love dresses but feel bored of the same old, same old? Then have we got the style for you! Our mixed swirl-and-floral tea dress is a real winner and super striking in flame red. It's flattering, classic yet completely unique.

Who What Wear contributor and brand consultant Sara Brown and I couldn't resist the charms of the, well, Hannah dress (!) and both styled it in a similar way for a more formal occasion, and multiple people in the street commented on how much they loved it on us. Heels, mismatched accessories and a smattering of jewellery add some extra personality to an already-upbeat style. 

Sizing note: I'd recommend sizing up in this style, especially if you are in between sizes. 

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Our Perfect LBD

It was a veritable bun fight as to who could get their hands on the black Cader four-in-one dress first. With its ultra-flattering cut and versatile neckline/shoulder options (hence the four-in-one proposition), it is one of those winners that work on everyone.

Friends and content creators Lara Betiku and Eleanor Barkes (who can often be found on Instagram trialling out the same trends or pieces together), looked incredible in theirs, styling it differently for both low-key and dressed-up options. You can opt for all-black accessories, and a pair of chunky sandals offers a cool way to toughen up this pretty dress style, or you can go for a French-girl vibe with espadrilles and a red lip. 

"I just know it's a type of dress that you'll be able to get lots of wear out of," says Barkes, adding that it's a chic classic in the making. What's more is that the linen/viscose/cotton blend fabric is really lightweight and cool to wear, giving good swish as you walk, so it feels great on too. 

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All the Wedding Guest Vibes

When designing a collection for this time of year, and 2022 specifically, we simply had to think about styles that could work for lots of different events—everyone's schedules are packed out. But more than that, it was incredibly important for us to create dresses and looks that could be worn outside of those fancy moments too. There is simply no point in buying something fabulous only to wear it once! 

So depending on your occasion and location, we have options that look great with heels, jewellery and a cute clutch but also can be tempered with sneakers and layered tees, for example. 

Digital creator Hameedah went for an eclectic combination for her mixed-print Hannah dress, pairing white and black layering pieces alongside a bold pair of neon orange mules. The Hannah dress is made from Ecovero, a fabric that uses up to 50% less water and is sourced from sustainable and renewable wood.

Sizing note: Remember to size up on the Hannah if you're in between sizes or prefer a slinkier fit.

"My favorite piece from the collection is this amazing red patterned dress," says beauty editor Eleanor Vousden. "I think it's so versatile for summer. It can be dressed up or down. Here, I've paired it with a basket bag and heels to wear into the office." A red lip isn't essential, but it does look good, doesn't it?

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This flame-red linen-blend fabric had many of us instantly falling in love, and this warm shade of red appears to suit everyone. But it's also the elegant darted waist and cross-back style that makes this seemingly simple piece a lot more considered than you might think on first glance. "It's that back detail that just elevates what could have been a very simple style," says social media editor Joy Ejaria, who combined her Claire midi with all-black accessories a slick look that could work for an important event such as a wedding or a day at the races.

Sizing note: Due to the fitted style of this bodice, we'd recommend sizing up if you're fuller in the bust. A multi-way bra works well with this style.

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There's Something About This Slip Skirt…

Whether worn as a co-ord to look like a dress (great for those of us with different-sized top and bottom halves), layered up for a unique effect or combined with the collection's other tops—such as the linen Tejal shirt or a plain white boxy tee—there's just something special about this floral Georgia slip skirt.

First up, it fits like a dream (and we designed it with a flattering internal elasticated waistband to make it extra comfy and smooth). Secondly, it seems to be endlessly versatile. And thirdly, it's made from 100% Ecovero, which is significantly more environmentally friendly than your average slip skirt fabrics available elsewhere.

"I'm absolutely obsessed with the length of the skirt, and it's such a simple piece that I know I'm going to be able to style up in lots of different ways,” says Brown. "Plus, the green is such a good tone.” And she’s not wrong. There’s something about the vibrant-yet-muted green print that seemed to suit everyone, and the cut just skims over the body like a dream.

Hameedah made the most of the contrast waist tie by fastening it with a bow at the front—we made sure the ties were long enough to offer this cute detail. "You can style the skirts and the blouse in completely different ways all seasons long, and it would still be perfect,” she says.

Remy shows how you can put a trans-seasonal spin on a summery skirt—this shirt-and-boots combo will work well into the autumn and then once more for spring.

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Monochrome Staples

For those of you who aren't into ultra-saturated colours, we haven't forgotten you! Sometimes, there's nothing chicer than a black summer dress, and we have a few iterations that speak to different personal styles.

Acting assistant editor Maxine Eggenberger sums it up about the Cader dress. "I don't know about you, but I'm always on the lookout for easy throw-on dresses that I can just chuck on on a whim pair with my favorite sandals, a cute handbag and gold jewelry and just know I'm going to look polished wherever I'm going. And that's what I found in this dress," she says. "I love the versatility of sleeves and the strap neckline. It's really fun to be able to change it up literally in seconds and have a different look for day, night, beach, bar. Wherever you're going, it's going to work. I do love the green color. But for me, the black is just perfection. It's classic, it's chic, and it's going to go with a multitude of things in my wardrobe already."

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Giving it a '60s mod spin, Emily took the retro-feel Elizabeth out for a spin to show how you can wear it on cooler days in between seasons. Of course, it works wonderfully with black accessories, but it's equally as good with tan, white or any other shade you can think of!

Sizing note: If you are in between sizes or prefer an easier fit, we'd recommend sizing up.

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Eleanor is clearly a black-dress fan, as opted for the breezy Katie dress for a second look. By pairing it with pumps and a polished bag, she ensured this outfit has all the hallmarks of "lunch with friends." 

Sizing note: With the Katie dress, it's worth taking a size up if you're busty because it's a more fitted silhouette around the chest and waist.

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Heatwave-Ready

Linen and linen-blend fabrics are everything when it comes to styling out summer in the city (or on a beach, if you're lucky enough), so they are the backbone of this collection. From statement-making linen trousers through to floaty midi dresses and boxy shirts, you'll find a linen piece to love forever more. 

Art director and content creator Seun Ogunsola is fantastic at making minimalist looks that still stand out. So it makes sense to top and tail those flame-red Gigi pants with a simple ribbed vest (that's Abbey, and she's perfect, BTW) and cool mules. 

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Okay, if you aren't persuaded by now that the Cader dress is the easiest, suits-absolutely-everyone style, then you haven't been paying attention! 

Here, Eleanor combines all-black accessories for a slick look that could work on a hot day for the office as nicely as it could for a family get-together or balmy night on holiday.

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Sensible from the front and all party at the back, the Claire dress is the kind of style that doesn't date but still looks entirely modern. My automatic go-to for a colourful summer dress is to add classic tan accessories—if it ain't broke! I have an hourglass figure and found that my size was a little looser around the waist than I wanted it to be, but I'm very used to adding waist belts to everything, so this still worked for me.

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Minis Are Back

Minis are back and looking set to stay (autumn/winter 2022 runways are full of them), but we know it’s an adjustment after years of midis being at the fore. So our minis are designed with all of that in mind—a careful balancing act of shorter hemlines alongside demure necklines and more sleeve coverage in neutral, easy colours and prints that look understated.

Stylist and content creator Lara Betiku played into the monochrome base of the swirl-and-floral print mix featured on the Elizabeth dress and provided a masterclass in exactly how to give a shorter hemline a more casual spin—just add chunky flat sandals and go!

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The Kate—a shorter black version of the cross-back Claire dress in flame linen—is a swishy, easy little number. Seun cherry-picked this minimalist number as her favorite piece and wore it in the coolest and most unexpected way with cowboy boots and a matching black bag—simpler is so often better. "I love taking typically feminine pieces and adding my own little twist to them. The cross-back detail really stood out to me, as it separates this dress from your standard LBD,” she says, adding that a pop of colour from a red lip was all that was needed to elevate it into more playful territory.

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Super Brights Are Go

Our audience clearly loves a hot shade for summer, and we landed on a couple of key hues that not only work together but are easy to throw on and combine with other more neutral colours you're already likely to own. Flame red and tropical green have entered the chat, people.

Sara styled the Claire cross-back dress in a unique way with her own gauzy blouse underneath—a perfect solution if it's a day where you want to cover up a little more. This shade of red works surprisingly well with pink and lilac tones.

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"I love how versatile the neck detail is and the fact that you can style it in different ways," says Betiku. "I chose to style it with a pair of orange sandals and my oversized basket bag." A pair of clashing sandals plays up to the statement colour of this throw-on dress in a very simple-yet-effective way.

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I'm a real "dress person," but there was just something very tempting about these flame-red linen-blend trousers. I think it was the fact that they were just a really comfy, easy fit. The elasticated waistband just means that they're a bit more versatile, depending on your figure. And I'm quite hourglass, so this really helped cinch in around my waist but give a bit of room around my bum!

The Gigi trousers still make quite a statement because of the colour. I wore mine with our perfect-fit Jude T-shirt plus sandals, bag, sunglasses and a little scarf because I wanted to fully accessorise the look and not be too minimalistic.They could work equally well for people with completely different styles, and actually, you could dress them up for more of an evening vibe. Plus, they're really very well suited to the office during a heatwave.

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The Ultimate Linen Shirt

By the end of our shoot day, it was plain to see: This green linen shirt is a winner for everyone! You can wear it in so many different ways and combinations that it's a sound investment for many summers to come. 

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Each member of the Who What Wear UK team has a favourite Mulberry bag—don't we all? However, it's becoming harder and harder to choose just one favorite because the luxury lifestyle brand continues to up the ante when it comes to both its designs and its approach to sustainability. And just when we thought the Lily (aka the most practical, neat and long-lasting multi-strap bag) couldn't get any better, along comes a carbon-neutral version.

Influencers, editors and many stylish customers have been turning to this signature shape, with its instantly recognisable Postman's lock, since it was first introduced back in 2010. Some handbags don't stand the test of time, but thanks to the Lily's versatility and minimalistic chain-strap design, it has surpassed a fleeting trend moment and become a classic buy. And now that the clever Mulberry team is using innovative methods to produce a carbon-neutral range of 12 different Lily bags, its status has shot up once more. We like our investment buys to be both infinitely re-wearable and created consciously so they have as little impact on the environment as possible.

So what goes into making the Lily Zero collection? First of all, the styles in the Lily Zero family are made from carbon-neutral leather and produced by skilled craftspeople in Mulberry's carbon-neutral Somerset factories. It's the next step in Mulberry's big plan to go net zero on carbon emissions by 2035. Even the German tannery that supplies the leather of these lovely bags commissioned its own solar park on-site earlier this year in order to support its other renewable energy sources. And before you wonder about the environmental toll of getting one of these bags from Germany into your hands, you should know that Mulberry has undertaken a full "life cycle assessment" to analyse the carbon emissions of the range. This analysis includes components, transport, and packaging, all of which have been additionally offset with the World Land Trust, the brand's carbon offsetting partner. You can see Mulberry's full Made to Last program here for more information about all of the initiatives across the business.

If you still aren't convinced by the brand's credentials, the great new colourways (everything from oak to Mulberry pink) and our enthusiasm, then why not try the new Lily bag on via AR (augmented reality) technology? You can see what the bag looks like through a virtual lens if you can't get to a store IRL.

Shop our picks from Mulberry's Lily Zero collection below.

SHOP MULBERRY'S LILY ZERO RANGE

Growing up, I took to thrifting as an Olympic sport, prying resale sites and rails of vintage and charity shops for inspired one-off pieces. As I journeyed further into conscious shopping (and technology caught up), I discovered an array of labels beyond the high-street names I was accustomed to and became enamoured with independent brands. I have gradually built up a mental directory of designers and artisans with sustainability at the core of their brand philosophies.

Chances are if I’m talking fashion IRL, I’m chatting away about a small brand I recently discovered, marvelling at its artistry and attention to detail. (It’s one of my favourite things to talk about.) This year, in particular, I’ve added discovered more independent brands than ever before. They’re fast becoming my worst-kept secrets and for good reason.

With made-to-measure models, scrupulous methods and designers boasting fashion expertise, it’s a refreshing approach to shopping that should be celebrated as an exhilarating foray into mindful consumerism. The pre-loved, small-brand market has become an antidote to overconsumption, as it encourages a mindful approach. With the emergence of fresh talent and the typical shopper becoming increasingly discerning about where to part with their hard-earned cash, there’s been a rise in the popularity of independent brands over the last few years.

If you’re wanting to shop small and don’t quite know where to start, or simply want to add some new names to your roster, here are some lesser-known brands I think deserve to be on your radar in 2022.

1. Sunshine Living

Behind Sunshine Living is a one-woman production. British designer Sakara sources fabrics, hand-designs, darns and packages all pieces in her quaint home studio. Her collection is intimate, which reflects her brand philosophy: long-standing, wardrobe staples that can be effortlessly interchanged. You’ll find pieces from the classic white shirt (with coconut-shell buttons) to linen totes and wide-leg culottes, made from organic cotton. You needn’t worry if you’re tall, petite or in between sizes, as she also offers bespoke customisation. The Lovina trousers have become part of my everyday WFH uniform and fit just right. Recently introduced is the bamboo slip dress, which looks soft to the touch.

2. Black to Grey

Mariona and Hannah debuted their S/S 22 collection at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year. Their ethos is simple and reflects the brand's name: timeless, minimalist staples with sharp tailoring and made-to-measure pieces. Their mindful approach extends to their business model, in which they have small production runs on a limited basis to avoid waste. They also offer a take-back scheme to encourage circularity when your garment has come to the end of its life. Black to Grey reflects the modern Scandi aesthetic and draws inspiration from nature, spanning from geology to cosmology. Look out for bold injections of colour if you’re wanting to level up the bones of your wardrobe for something a little more striking.

3. Three Graces London

You may have seen Three Graces make its way onto luxury retailer sites, and it’s no surprise that buyers are gravitating toward its offerings. Catherine Johnson’s UK-based brand boasts conscientious styles that I can guarantee will remain in your wardrobe for years to come. Although its USP pertains to warm-weather dressing, its polished, classic silhouettes and wrap styles are also appropriate for formal occasions. This season’s collection is playful with a slight nod to S/S 22 trends, featuring asymmetric styles and exposed-back detailing, yet it’s still in keeping with the brand ethos. You may know that dresses are my kryptonite, but two-pieces are a close second, and the Benjamin skirt-and-top duo has piqued my interest.

4. Lora Gene

This B Corp–certified brand is founded by designer and sustainability advocate Lora Nikolaeva. In addition to overseeing the production-and-manufacturing process of Lora Gene, Nikolaeva educates her customers on how to best make informed decisions and the nuance of textiles and fabrics. The latest collection is centred around the expression of womanhood and includes pieces that will transcend seasons. From timeless trench coats to slip dresses (in naturally dyed fabrics, no less), there’s something for everyone, and best of all, it’s made to last. The brand honours the importance of inclusivity, with most styles ranging from UK 8 to 28, with the added benefit of custom sizing.

5. LRD Studios

Sustainability is at the forefront of Lily Rose Dambelli's brand. The entire collection is made from deadstock, recycled and organic materials, and there’s an expert level of diligence about the entire garment composition, from fastenings to threads. The limited collection encapsulates ease of comfort paired with gilded opulence through the use of rich tones of bronze, terracotta, cream and black. The pieces wouldn’t look out of place at formal or casual events, as they teeter between whimsical summer dressing and occasion-appropriate attire. Think Great Gatsby but 2022. I’m particularly impressed by the innovation of the Annabel dress. It’s a classic tier-style midi with shirring, made from 100% Naia, an Oeko-Tex–certified, regenerated cellulose fibre. It’s also a convertible design, meaning the dress can also be worn as a top and skirt. Absolute genius if you’re wanting your wardrobe to work even harder!

6. Diotima

Jamaican native Rachel Scott founded Diotima in her hometown, Kingston. The collection comprises artisanal ready-to-wear pieces that ooze exuberance. At the brand's heart is the implicit homage to Scott’s roots, portrayed through handcrafted techniques and nods to Dancehall and Carnival, both of which are synonymous with Jamaican culture. The emphasis is on crochet weaves and tailored pieces with a twist, with enhanced shaping and tawny shades. 

7. Pujka

If, like I am, you’re taken with all things Parisian, you’ll be pleased to know that style maven Sabina Socol has taken a foray into fashion design with the release of her very own label, Pujka. Pujka reflects the highly sought-after Parisian aesthetic from a woman who embodies the soul and spirit of Paris. You’ll find classic micro floral prints, slim-line fits and wrap and midi dresses with saccharine pops of colour. The brand is still in its infancy and released an extended collection just last month. The standout piece has to be the green ensemble. It's reminiscent of the iconic Gwyneth Paltrow look from Great Expectations.

8. Realms London

A brand that breathes new life into deadstock is always magic in my eyes. Realms London's visuals conjure imagery of folklore and wonderment. Its pieces carry an air of fantasy into the real world. You'll most likely agree that its dresses in rose and lavender hues were made for frolicking in tufty fields and romance. To add to the intimate sentiment, each piece is made to order, just for you.

Next Up: The 10 Lesser-Known Fashion Brands You Need to Know About in 2022

Do you follow Andrea Cheong on Instagram or TikTok? If you don't, you should! She has become the trusted and approachable authority in an arena that many find daunting to step into: sustainable fashion. Andrea's Mindful Monday Method breaks sustainable shopping down into bite-size pieces of information one can easily digest and use for more sensible shopping tactics in the future, and it's an absolute must-view if you want to be a more conscious consumer of fashion. With her wealth of knowledge and very good taste, it's no wonder we had to knock on her virtual door. Join Andrea each Friday on Who What Wear UK's TikTok channel (@whowhatwear.uk), where she'll be dissecting the latest trends and shopping phenomena. This week? It's how to shop the high street in a more sustainable way.

More and more of us are attempting to shop more sustainably. We're repeating our outfits, thrifting, upcycling where we can and fervently researching sustainable and small brands to support. But a lot of the time, the calls of the high street are louder and more seductive. Los Angeles–based cult brand Reformation claims that the fashion industry’s standard for garments is 52 washes. That's equivalent to one laundry load a week for a year. But with so many retailers using fast fashion tactics such as planned obsolescence, "buy less, choose better" seems a lot harder than it needs to be. I hold the rather unpopular opinion that the best thing to do is learn to shop mindfully rather than relying on brands that simply claim to be conscious—particularly because there are absolutely no regulations around what this term means and who can claim it.

In 2019, I crafted a set of shopping filters that I call the Mindful Monday Method. While it can't completely eliminate the threat that is planned obsolescence, it was created to mitigate a lot of the risks of greenwashing and poor-quality purchases. These are my five tips for shopping on the high street that can help you save money and the planet.

1. SHOP ACCREDITED FIBRES

This could look like Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), which protects sheep against mulesing, or Good Cashmere Standard (GCS), which not only protects the welfare of kashmir goats but also other wildlife in the Tibetan Plateau that are endangered thanks to the demand for luxuriously soft knitwear. Leather Working Group (LWG) is a big one to look for particularly when investing in accessories. Even high-fashion maison Hermès works with them to ensure its suppliers follow an "environmental stewardship protocol." The accreditation needs to be renewed every two years. Another common one to look out for is organic cotton. This is most commonly signified by Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). The good news is that so many of your beloved high-street shops work with these groups. It's just a matter of keeping an eye out.

2. DON'T RELY ON THE SWING TAGS ALONE

Think of that shiny, beautifully designed swing tag clinging onto a garment by a tiny safety pin as a headline. It's created to grab your attention. High-street brands use this to justify their prices. After all, £39.99 for a "linen" jumpsuit seems like a great find. The real story of what we are purchasing is inside and between the seams: the care label. Look here and you'll probably discover that the charming romper is mixed with a cheaper fibre like polyester, a plastic-based material used by retailers to reduce their cost to manufacture. Some of the worst offenders can be found in knitwear. Premium fibres like alpaca, yak or cashmere are often highlighted not just in the branded tags but also in the name—for example, a "cashmere hoodie" isn't always what it seems.

3. CHECK THE HARDWARE AND CLOSURES

Did you know that hardware costs more money and requires special machines? Increasingly, I've noticed more elastic and shirring techniques used to cut costs. But that's for another time. Let's chat about zips. A garment that's unlined should not have an exposed zip. Ideally, bias binding is used to conceal its edges.

Additionally, zips come in various lengths and should be appropriate for the garment. If that pastel silky dress you were thinking about comes with a zip that looks more like an appendage than a closure, it could indicate that the brand is cutting corners. The brand was getting away with it because most of us don't know what to check for. But now you do.

When it comes to buttons, a reinforced stem is a good sign. This might look like a little stalk, and the space between the hardware and the fabric makes it easier for the wearer to use. Don't overlook the back. Premium finishes will have a smaller button to reinforce the main, larger one. If that oversized boyfriend blazer you have your eye on lacks this, at the very least, make sure that the knot matches the colour of the fabric—for example, black thread used on black lining.

4. BUY 100% NATURAL FIBRES WHEN YOU CAN

We know planned obsolescence is a real thing. For those of you that need a recap of what that is, it's when brands design something to be frequently replaced. It's entirely intentional in order to ensure that fast-fashion sales targets are always met, no matter how ambitious they seem. As consumers, we have options to shop secondhand, rent, borrow and even create our own pieces. But if purchasing new from the high street is your preference, no judgment. Many high-street retailers are also fast fashion, but they have the most accessible price points and tend to be more size-inclusive. My biggest tip here is to make sure you shop for natural fibres only.

Some categories such as swimwear, specialist outerwear and workout clothes do need to be made of synthetics. But for the majority of your everyday wardrobe, synthetic blends and materials like nylon, polyester, acrylic and rayon (a semi-synthetic) are entirely unnecessary. Not only are these uncomfortable for the wearer, but some of them are fossil-fuel derived and contribute to microplastic pollution.

5. CHECK THE TEXTURE OF YOUR GARMENTS

Now this is something I've never seen a brand disclose, but I wish they would! At the factory stage, fabric undergoes third-party testing for integrity. It's trialled for three main things: light degradation, which refers to dye fading in the sun, colour transfer (this one is pretty self-explanatory) and friction, whereby the fabric is rubbed with a rough surface to test for its sensitivity to pilling. All fabrics can pill, but it's most commonly seen on knitwear.

The first two are almost impossible for customers to check on the shop floor. However, what I call "premature pilling," which looks like bobbling, often indicates short or loose fibres. If you see something in-store that's already pilling, I recommend avoiding that purchase. Combined with the amount of non-biodegradable clothing out there (it's estimated that 65% of fashion is made of plastics), you don't want a piece that's going to the landfill after a wear or two. All of a sudden, that £29.99 top doesn't look like such a great deal after all.

Bianca Foley is an influencer and sustainable-fashion expert who we follow closely because she's super skilled at bringing together style and more conscious ways to consume. From amazing second-hand pieces and inspiring ways to rewear clothes through to her thoughts around rental, alterations and new sustainable brands, Foley is our go-to girl both via her Instagram (@biancaffoley) and the podcast she co-hosts, Sustainably Influenced. For the next three months, she'll be sharing her intel with you, starting with her journey from a self-confessed shopaholic to a more sensible shopper.

I started my journey with ethical consumption about eight years ago, just as I was getting into the blogging space. At that time, it was trendy for everyone to post their daily #ootd and wear what, to me, seemed like brand-new looks every single day. My small wardrobe and even smaller bank account just couldn't keep up, and the idea that we needed to be showcasing brand-new looks and trends before they were even a thing was terrifying to me! I started to look for more inspiration in the form of slower-fashion bloggers and capsule-wardrobe enthusiasts—those who seemed to know their style and weren’t afraid to show that they wore items in their wardrobe more than once.

I began looking at my wardrobe differently. My mindset started to shift from that of a self-diagnosed shopaholic to someone who really thought about what she was spending her money on. By this time, I was approaching my late 20s and started to have other responsibilities outside of shopping for an outfit for a night out, so being mindful about my consumption came from a place of frustration and budget constraints. 

If you follow me, you will know that over the past few years, I have ditched fast-fashion brands in favor of more ethical, slower and more "sustainable” brands. I am aware that shopping in this way often comes with a sizable price tag and environmental impact, but if you are shopping less and more consciously and genuinely getting more use out of what you own, then you will subsequently get more for your money by having a very beautifully curated closet. 

I love the idea of creating a perfect capsule wardrobe of those key pieces you find yourself reaching for time and again, unapologetically and without a second thought. This month, I’m showing you a few of my favourite pieces straight from my capsule wardrobe and the steps you can follow to create your own.

STEP 1: FIND YOUR PERFECT FORMULA

I have always been a huge fan of a simple outfit combo of jeans + white tee + blazer. It’s the type of look that can be dressed up or down depending on how you accessorize. Start your capsule by looking at the outfits you wear on repeat. 

For me, jeans and a white T-shirt can make a solid foundation, something that can be built upon. Swap a blazer for a knit or layer up with a cardigan and trench to get multiple looks from one easy formula.

Shop my formula:

2. TEST YOUR PIECES FOR VERSATILITY

I’m a big fan of versatile clothing. I often ask myself, "How many ways can I wear this?” I like knowing that 90% of my wardrobe is made up of items that can be worn in a variety of ways, whether that be for work or popping down to Tesco!

Items like slip skirts and dresses have been a constant on shopping sites for the past few years (we all remember the summer of *the* Topshop slip skirt in 2018), and I love to wear mine dressed up or down. I think it’s always good to invest in a simple, chic and well-made slip dress in a neutral colour—I've been wearing this one for years now!

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3. TAKE YOUR LIFESTYLE INTO ACCOUNT

Your lifestyle dictates what you will need in your perfect capsule. When I worked in the city, I had way more corporate-appropriate clothing, as it was what I wore for the majority of my week. During the first few lockdowns, I (like everyone else) invested in more comfortable pieces. 

Now, I wear more fun and colourful clothes and items that can take me from meetings to any evening event. 

Do you follow Andrea Cheong on Instagram or TikTok? If you don't, you should! She has become the trusted and approachable authority in an arena that many find daunting to step into: sustainable fashion. Breaking it down into bite-size pieces of information one can easily digest and use for more sensible shopping tactics in the future, Andrea's Mindful Monday Method is an absolute must-view if you want to be a more conscious consumer of fashion. With her wealth of knowledge and very good taste, it's no wonder we had to knock on her virtual door. Join Andrea each Friday on Who What Wear UK's TikTok channel (@whowhatwear.uk), where she'll be dissecting the latest trends and shopping phenomena. Last week, she shared the coolest sustainable moments from LFW. This week, she brings you her edit of the four sustainable co-ord sets that are worth the money.

The wonderful thing about coordinating sets is that you barely have to think about getting dressed in the morning. If your hair remains unbrushed and you have remnants of last night’s mascara dragged across your eyelids—do not fear. That matching set makes you look effortless. Plus, if you know how to shop for one that looks expensive, no one will notice anything else but the outfit. These are the four more sustainably minded co-ords that I think are worth the price, and yes, I’ve checked them out in real life.

1. REFORMATION VARENNE SET

It may surprise you to know that when it comes to the most appropriately priced garments (meaning you are mostly paying for the materials and construction rather than brand hype), 100% cashmere or wool knitwear tends to be the most favourable to customers. However, these well-loved fibres come with a great deal of environmental implications. It’s best to opt for recycled and ethical cashmere wherever possible. One I’ve come across that I love is Reformation’s Varenne Cashmere set, an adorable cropped tank top with a cardigan. I absolutely love pairing them with denim.

Why it’s a sustainable buy: Made of 70% recycled cashmere and 30% cashmere, it’s reducing the amount of virgin fibre used in its production. Why is this important when it’s already natural? When it comes to animal-derived fibre, overgrazing is a huge issue. It's estimated that 95% of forage-able land across the Tibetan Plateau, Mongolia and Northern India is taken over by livestock, mainly Kashmir goats.

2. MAJE WAISTCOAT AND SHORTS

As you know, shopping sustainably means limiting the amount we purchase, prioritising what’s already in our wardrobes. That’s why looking for quality pieces if and when we need to replace items is essential. This Maje set of a matching waistcoat and shorts (there’s a blazer, too!) is easy to mix and match. Open the zipper of the shorts to find bias-bound seams, where most high-street brands have an overlock finish. Unbutton the waistcoat to see it’s fully lined with organic cotton. While expensive, it’s not hard to justify the price with attention to detail like this and a 100% natural composition.

Why it’s a sustainable buy: If you've been looking for a smart co-ord set, this could be the one for you. It’s 74% cotton, 26% linen. And not just regular cotton but organic. This is always preferable as it uses less water and doesn’t rely on fertilisers and pesticides that can damage the earth and harm workers.

3. SELF-PORTRAIT PASTEL MULTI-STRIPE KNIT SET

This brand has never claimed to be sustainable and neither am I suggesting that it is. But when it comes to the price-quality axis, Self-Portrait is one of the most reliable out there. It is refreshing to see classic yet on-trend pieces in mostly natural fibres. This co-ord is 80% cotton and 20% wool. If you’re unsure about styling, this set does all the work for you. No special jewellery or special accessories are needed to elevate the look thanks to the bougie buttons and beautiful texture of this knitted set.

Why it’s a sustainable buy: There’s a difference between sustainable brands and a sustainable buy. The latter is influenced by a garment’s potential to be versatile, last and stay valuable in the resale market. If this is your style, I think this is the set to last through the years!

4. MYCASHMERE ABBIE JUMPER AND LONDON JOGGERS

Have you ever seen a co-ord look more expensive? While MYCASHMERE has a great deal of covetable loungewear sets, the cut-out detail on this turtle neck jumper caught my eye. Extra points that it's made of Re.Verso. This is a recycled cashmere made from post-factory leftovers in Italy. I loved wearing these with my coolest pair of trainers and high tube socks.

Why it’s a sustainable buy: As we’ve established, cashmere may be luxurious, but the high demand for this has meant numerous environmental challenges arise. MYCASHMERE claims its suppliers are part of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA), meaning that the herders are certified and audited. Also, the recycled cashmere that’s used is rarely re-dyed, which helps to minimise the environmental impact.

Do you follow Andrea Cheong on Instagram or TikTok? If you don't, you should! She has become the trusted and approachable authority in an arena that many find daunting to step into: sustainable fashion. Breaking it down into bite-size pieces of information one can easily digest and use for more sensible shopping tactics in the future, Andrea's Mindful Monday Method is an absolute must-view if you want to be a more conscious consumer of fashion. With her wealth of knowledge and very good taste, it's no wonder we had to knock on her virtual door. Join Andrea each Friday on Who What Wear UK's TikTok channel (@whowhatwear.uk), where she'll be dissecting the latest trends and shopping phenomena. Last week, she showed you a more sustainable denim edit. This week, she brings you her standout moments from London Fashion Week.

We’ve come a long way since the term "eco-conscious” inspired visions of sackcloths fabricated with detritus in shades of greige and beige. This London Fashion Week continues to inspire hope, and I’d count it as a win for sustainable-fashion champions. Notably, we see a departure from the dependence on mainstream textiles where designers opted for fabrics with a more positive environmental impact. In particular, three collections really stood out: Vivienne Westwood, Richard Malone and Marques’Almeida. These distinctly different examples show how varied, imaginative and aesthetically diverse conscious fashion can really be.

1. VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

Leading the way, the queen of corsetry. Let’s begin with an impressive statistic: Vivienne Westwood estimates that 95% of the A/W 22 collection that will actually be produced for sale will be environmentally friendly with a particular focus on regenerative agriculture. Yes, that oxblood skeleton stripe suit really is made of non-mulesed wool. And the gabardine trench coats with those impressive shoulders are 60% recycled cotton and entirely natural fibre.

The focus for Westwood was to use lesser-impact alternatives, particularly for its best sellers. For example, switching to FSC viscose for lining. This accreditation refers to viscose that is sourced from renewable forests, whereas normal viscose is typically linked to deforestation and loss of habitat for animals. 

Shop the current Vivienne Westwood collection:

2. RICHARD MALONE

This collection is described as elevating the ordinary with a touch of "17th-century court frivolity.” Just take a glance at the opulent citrine tones and creamy pastels, with lots of draping and lashings of ruffles. But it goes further than that: Richard Malone opted for recycled and deadstock fabrics to create this incredibly wearable Age of Enlightenment fantasy.

True to the brand’s ethos, pieces are made in limited quantities if not one-off commissions instead of the wholesale model that even luxury fashion subscribes to. This season, the collection boasts that all of its materials are fabricated locally. This is important for sustainability because supply chains in fashion are often convoluted and murky. You may have heard that transparency is key to a fairer industry, and a part of what this refers to is traceability.

Shop the current Richard Malone collection:

3. MARQUES'ALMEIDA

And then there's Marques'Almeida. The husband-and-wife team returns to the London programme (digitally) after showing in their hometown of Porto last year. A/W 22 is the result of M'AKERS, a research and mentorship initiative. Its contribution to the sustainable fashion conversation is highlighting artisans and preserving craftsmanship.

Sculptural pieces in a mishmash of bright hues were created in collaboration with a rug maker, using leftover fabric. "Crazy patchwork,” a technique traditional to the Azores, is imagined as ephemeral tops, dresses and skirts. Not stopping there, the designers used recycled polyester instead of virgin organic cotton, rather than the regular "thirsty crop,” and mulesing-free wool.

Shop the current Marques'Alemida collection:

In 2021, the British fashion industry was estimated to be worth a whopping £62.2 million. For context, that's almost three times more than our native pharmaceutical industry. We may not have the historical trend-setting lineage of, say, the French, but for well over 50 years, Britain has been synonymous with cool and setting the trends. While there are some big players who contribute the largest portion to this enormous sector of our nation's economy, I've noticed that there are more small and independent brands thriving than I've ever seen during my time working in publishing.

The step change could be down to multiple factors. Firstly, the way many of us consume fashion is changing and has been gradually shifting for some time now. We've been through the whirlwind of fashion fashion and come out wiser, dissatisfied and determined to improve our ways. Yes, we're left with an excess of clothes we didn't wear and feel terribly guilty about, but at least there are ways we can now increase a garment's lifespan (hello, Depop and Vinted!) and the course can henceforth be corrected.

Secondly, the wider industry's timelines and focuses have also been updated. Although trends and microtrends do still exist, an emphasis on personal style, designer signatures and wardrobe investments that you can rewear time and again has come to the fore. In fact, it's been at the core of what we do at Who What Wear for many years. 

Diversity, inclusivity and conscious and sustainable practices are now non-negotiable: We want our clothes to be fairly, slowly and carefully produced; to be marketed on people who look like us; and to be created by those who have equal chances to "make it." 

Social media platforms have allowed new and more innovative brands to break through and not be dependent on a buyer from a big store giving you a chance. Made-to-order models are now commonplace, and if you're crafting a product people want, they can—and will—wait. Shoppers are keen to understand sustainable fabrics and, in response, a level of transparency is now woven into many a start-up label's offering. 

All of these elements combined with a passion many fashion lovers have for looking truly unique means that it's a good time to be an indie brand. However, even with a keen audience, it's never easy to set up your own business, so that's why we wanted to shine a light on the names we're cheering on from the sidelines. The brands we would rather spend our hard-earned cash on than some standard item you'll see everywhere. Below are the British brands we really want you to know about—enjoy!

"It may have only launched in 2018, but Colville has already secured its place in the cult London fashion brands line-up. The creation of former British Vogue fashion director and stylist Lucinda Chambers and ex-Marni designer Molly Molloy, the brand is characterised by its vibrant use of colour and print that manages to feel definitively fresh yet still timeless. It's personality-packed designs are essentially everything I want my wardrobe to be in 2022. Here, I'm wearing a midi dress from Colville's SS22 collection, which boasts a glorious graphic print and dramatic asymmetric silhouette. I can tell it's the sort of piece that I would happily wear now as a 30-year old, but would continue to treasure for another 20 or 30 years. Now that's what I call a classic." — Joy Montgomery, shopping editor

"Palmer//Harding is a brand I’ve only recently come across but I love their flair for refreshing and reinterpreting essential everyday pieces.

"I love a two-piece suit situation, so I decided to style these denim pieces which lean into the '70s era in a modern way. As the denim suit is dark, I decided to pair it with a basic white shirt and white heeled boots to show off the gorgeous split details. Palmer//Harding’s inspiration behind the creation of these are from the 'chasm in society caused by covid, a literal separation from our familiarities', which I find very fascinating!" — Remi Afolabi, video content creator

"I'm currently obsessed with Aligne for affordable, elevated wardrobe staples. The British brand is only just over a year old but it's already making big waves in fashion circles. They're also an ethical brand, committed to sustainability and full transparency in their processes— which is always a plus. The collection is full of chic workwear and everyday classics from tailoring like this, to denim, coats and great dresses too." — Emily Dawes, affiliates editor

"Every item you buy from Franks London is designed and made-to-order by the founder Frankie in her studio in Hackney. I actually asked if I could borrow a dress for this shoot, and she quickly stitched up this beautiful sample for me. Frankie sources the fabric herself, designs the cut and fit of each item, and then all pieces are hand sewn—making them really special. The square-neck dresses are now a Franks signature (Holly Willoughby has worn them)—and I love how this dress falls just above the ankle, the statement puff sleeves and how soft this lemon shade is. It’s perfect for weddings, or for me to wear more casually around London with a trench coat." — Emma Spedding, editor

"You will have no doubt seen a range of Hades's fun slogan-fronted knits all over Instagram in the past few years. I've finally joined the gang with this fun Bowie tank, and now I know what all the fuss is about. Not only are the brand's knits very unique but they have a great story to tell too: The British brand's jumpers are hand-knitted from pure fibres (that come from a mill in Yorkshire) in Scotland. I'd recommend sizing down if you want quite a snug, retro fit.

"As the '70s punk feels were already in place, I decided to pair this with a classic kilt-style skirt from up-and-coming designer, Laura Pitharas. Her range of minimal, cool tailoring is not only full of items you'll wear forever because of their classic styles, but they have all been produced to impeccable standards, and will last in a different sense too. This particular kilt was made by one of the last hand pleaters in London. Kyri, the pleater, has over 47 years' experience working with various established British luxury brands, and the woolen fabric used for the kilt is woven in Yorkshire by a family-run mill. Also, I just love that giant bobby pin!" — Hannah Almassi, editor in chief

"I’ve been familiar with Aspiga for a while now, but I always associate it most with summery wares. Floaty linen frocks and embroidered beauty blouses were what I thought it did best. As such, it would inevitably fall off my radar during the colder months when warmth becomes my priority. That was until I realised that I could trace every dress I saw (and loved) on social media back to Aspiga. I found myself especially taken with the brand’s Victoria dress; a midi with a flounced hem, 3/4 sleeves complete with double ruffles, and rendered in a corduroy fabric with just the right amount of thickness to wear now until summer. An Aspiga bestseller, my contact at the brand has told me that I can expect the Victoria dress to be reimagined in new fabrics and colourways for the season ahead. Until then, I’ll gladly wait it out in this gorgeous sapphire shade. What I also love about Aspiga is that it is committed to working only with ethnically a suppliers and sustainable materials to create its pieces." — Maxine Eggenberger, acting assistant editor

"I'm wearing some of my preferred British brands here—Jimmy Choo shoes are one of the most comfortable out there, and I've paired it with a recycled tulle skirt from Raey. Wanting a more sustainable wardrobe doesn't mean compromising on your aesthetic; there are always 'better' options out there, and this ballerina-esque number is just that. I went with a statement pearl and velvet clutch from Mae Cassidy, a mother-daughter team that creates hand-crafted bags. And of course, a cosy cashmere jumper from Chinti and Parker. It's one of the most reliable knitwear brands I've come across for quality and price. I've owned a handful of its pieces, and they're always luxurious and slow to pill." — Andrea Cheong, contributing editor

"Every fashion editor has their favourite London Fashion Week show, and Eudon Choi has always been in my top five. As someone with a penchant for tailoring, I love the wearable polish that Choi infuses into his collections, whether it's via a classic suit or elevated trench coat—it figures that the designer started out in menswear design. This season, I have particularly fallen for the brand's tonal separates, which are so easy to layer up: The textured waistcoat will look great with a ribbed knit now, then over a white tee come summer. All it needs is a neutral tote and platform loafers, and I'm ready to go. These exact pieces aren't available online yet, but a few more favourites are below." — Joy Montgomery

"Glassworks definitely knows how to strike a good balance between offering trendy pieces and unique and essential basics that will stand the test of time.

"Believe it or not, this was actually my first time styling a knitted vest (I know, very late to the party)! I think that the striped detail makes it easy to style over a pair of jeans for a laid-back casual look or with tailored trousers for a smarter, chicer finish. The faux-leather jacket thrown over adds a really nice great contrast with the mix of textures." — Remi Afolabi

"L.F.Markey is another British brand that prides itself on sustainable practices and ethical manufacturing. Louise, the designer, graduated from Central Saint Martins and with her namesake brand, focuses on turning utility workwear into bright, bold yet wearable fashion pieces. I particularly love their boilersuits, which are some of the best in the business." — Emily Dawes

"I got a little bit greedy here and instead of profiling one small independent British brand I love… I chose three. Rixo will need no introduction to our readers, and although it now has several stores and an international following, it is an example of the power small London brands can hold. Rixo founded by Orlagh Mccloskey and Henrietta Rix in their 20s from the living room of their flat share, creating dresses inspired by retro prints they found on their weekend rummages at vintage fairs. These two are pretty much the reason why we’ve all been wearing printed midi dresses for the past few years—although florals will always be a Rixo signature, I love the graphic wavy print of this slip dress.

"Next up, Hayley Menzies is another favourite of mine, thanks to her eclectic take on knitwear and prints. She set up her brand in 2011 from a stall in Portobello Market in Notting Hill sending vintage pieces and recycled fur scarves, and the vintage aesthetic is still at the heart of her designs. The wrap cardigans with bold motifs are a Menzies signature, but for this shoot, I was drawn towards this black cardigan thanks to the dramatic fringing along the sleeves and back.

"Then finally, I wore a pair of Dear Frances buttery leather boots, which are quite simply heavenly. The London-based brand was launched by Jane Frances in 2016 and creates luxury footwear that is made in Italy, with a focus on classic styles rather than anything too trend-led. That’s why you’ll find the perfect ankle boots or knee-highs that you’ll wear for years and years at Dear Frances." — Emma Spedding

"If I look happy in this dress, it's because I am! I spotted Coal and Candyfloss's retro printed pieces on Instagram and got in touch with founder Sally Jones to arrange for a sample to be sent to me. She didn't have any of the Jackie dress to hand, so she speedily whipped me up a version for this shoot. Smocked and form-fitting at the waist, a good statement sleeve, full in the skirt to feel swishy… This silhouette has everything I like from a dress, but the fact it's made to order (do allow two to five weeks on a normal basis!) and the cotton is OEKO-TEX certified 100% cotton poplin, well, I'm sold! You can even select a petite, regular or tall fit." — Hannah Almassi

"Marcéla London proclaims itself to be the home of hardworking, premium, luxury basics, and, honestly, I have to agree. With a predominately neutral colour palette, Marcéla London doesn’t create pieces that scream for attention. Instead, its designs are quiet but elevated—an astute representation the low-key luxury aesthetic that feels so prevalent right now. Not only that but they’re made to the highest possible standard for lifelong wear. If you think the pieces are precisely the sort of thing Rosie Huntington-Whiteley would pose for a mirror selfie in (my ensemble was unashamedly inspired by her), then you wouldn't be wrong—for she has worn the brand on multiple occasions. If that’s not a selling point, I don’t know what is." — Maxine Eggenberger

"I'm a big fan of the work Ninety Percent does to give back to environmental and social justice issues. The best part is that it gives its customers the power to vote for themselves. All this would be amiss without great-quality clothing, and its wardrobe basics are made well in eco-friendly fabric, like organic cotton and lyocell. I am loving its knitwear in particular—it's a win for the vegans, too, as none of it is plastic-based or animal-derived fibre! I wore this all-black look with a cute cashmere and wool scarf from Bamford. I love the hand-stitched elements of both the jumper and accessory that tie in so well together." — Andrea Cheong

Do you follow Andrea Cheong on Instagram or TikTok? If you don't, you should! She has become the trusted and approachable authority in an arena that many find daunting to step into: sustainable fashion. Breaking it down into bite-size pieces of information one can easily digest and use for more sensible shopping tactics in the future, Andrea's Mindful Monday Method is an absolute must-view if you want to be a more conscious consumer of fashion. With her wealth of knowledge and very good taste, it's no wonder we had to knock on her virtual door. Join Andrea each Friday on Who What Wear UK's TikTok channel (@whowhatwear.uk), where she'll be dissecting the latest trends and shopping phenomena. This week, she brings you her edit of the 5 best sustainable denim brands.

Andrea wears jeans by Frame

Let’s make this clear: the most sustainable jeans you can get are the ones straight from your wardrobe. The next best thing would be secondhand. Denim has a reputation for being one of the most unsustainable garments. The process uses an astonishing amount of H20—just try to picture 10,000 litres. You probably can’t. So that’s why they say to picture 13 years worth of drinking water for an individual. Then there’s the dyeing of denim, which often involves toxic dyes that pollute waterways. Oh, it doesn’t end there. Often, our favourite wardrobe essential is made with more elastane than "necessary”. While elastane may provide some comfort, it’s not considered a sustainable addition to what would otherwise be a natural fibre because it’s not biodegradable and is derived from fossil fuel production. However, if you're inclined to a little stretch in your jeans, look for up to 2% elastane and opt for recycled options wherever possible.

That’s a lot to get our heads around. But if the thrifting didn’t work out for you and you really do need a new pair of jeans, then here are the five denim brands that are doing their best for the planet.

1. FRAME

Andrea wears Frame jeans

Frame is already a firm favourite among the fashion crowd but its offering of eco-conscious options is relatively new. It’s really the recent partnership with Candiani that has the true denim obsessives sitting up in their chairs. This is a Milan-based textile mill that’s known for its high quality and leading the way with sustainable innovations, such as creating stretch denim that degrades in just six months. I absolutely love the Oversized Button Detail Denim Pant with exaggerated cuffs. I’d wear this with tube socks and chunky loafers or a black stompy boot.

2. BOYISH

Andrea wears a Boyish denim jumpsuit

LA native Boyish makes absolutely no secret of their claims to sustainability. To its founder Jordan Nodarse, this is a journey, not a destination. And it's a long road where his brand is leading the way. The Ricky jean is a flattering, high waist style that flares at the bottom. A guarantee to optically add an inch or three to your height. And those of you that love the comfort of a little elastane can rest easy knowing this has 1% and it's recycled.

3. E.L.V

Monikh in E.L.V jeans

E.L.V stands for East London Vintage Denim and as the name suggests, it’s all about using upcycling vintage in the name of circular fashion. This "reworked” aesthetic has been on the rise for a long time, dare I say fuelled by the thrift flip phenomena on Depop. So comparatively, E.L.V’s prices do seem a little intense. But as opposed to the brand simply sourcing larger sizes that are actually wearable and don’t need to be reconstructed, it sources old jeans that would have ended up in a landfill.

4. SEVENTY + MOCHI

Joy Montgomery in Seventy + Mochi dungarees

A delightful British brand that’s all about circular fashion. Using a range of recycled materials it purports to use absolutely no virgin or non-organic cotton. My preference is the Mabel jeans. Not because they're black and I constantly spill coffee down my legs but because it’s a slouchy yet elongating trouser that manages to make patchwork look chic.

5. BLACKHORSE LANE ATELIERS

Kelly Harrington in a Blackhorse Lane jacket

Remember this name because it is a must know if you love denim. Both a manufacturer (they work with E.L.V denim) and a brand in itself, they sell by weight or according to your textile preference: selvedge, Japanese, Turkish or organic.

What’s selvedge you ask? Only the most premium in the jean world. It’s made on a shuttle loom where the edge is self-finished. It’s considered almost artisanal and those who know, know. You can identify it by the way hems are cuffed to reveal a beautiful seam that looks like a stripe. No overlock necessary.

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next, It's Official: These Are the Best Tops and Shoes to Wear With Baggy Jeans

You might have sensed that we like fashion. Scrap that—we LOVE fashion. Fashion is our everything! Getting dressed should be a joy, and one of the things that make us happiest is finding a (somewhat rare) sustainable, affordable fashion gem. We're big fans of shopping vintage, hiring fancy outfits for big events and rewearing the heck out of everything we buy (so much so that we have an entire franchise dedicated to finding out how our favourite influencers and experts get the most of our their clothes), but in general, there's a lot more that the sustainable, affordable fashion market could offer, and that's where we're deciding to step in.

That's right, folks—we're designing our own affordable and sustainable fashion brand that doesn't scrimp on a single bit of fabulousness while remaining true to our ethos of filling our wardrobes with beautiful pieces we feel happy and psyched to wear time and time again. We're here for the journey of perfecting our personal style, and if you feel the same way, then we need YOU.

Switching the entire traditional design process on its head, we're setting up dedicated feedback groups on Slack and Facebook so that you can call the shots and help us create a range of amazing, sustainable buys. You'll get to help decide on silhouettes, prints, colours and details. Fed up with summer dresses that never have cool sleeves when you don't want to show your arms? Bored of all the styles you can't wear because you need a bra? Exasperated by the lack of pockets? Want to have a say in the colours, prints and shapes you actually do want? This is where we can collectively make a difference and craft a summer collection full of items you've been waiting for. FINALLY! 

SIGN UP BELOW TO JOIN OUR WWW INSIDERS GROUPS AND, ALONG WITH HUNDREDS OF OTHER AMAZING WOMEN, HELP SHAPE THE MOST EXCITING, FUTURE-PROOFED FASHION COLLECTION.

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The longer I work in fashion journalism, the more I become convinced that in order to make the average person's shopping habits more sustainable, they need to be presented with a genuinely appealing alternative. Rather than measuring individuals' behaviour against fashion's answer to the Ten Commandments (thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's high-street coat), we have to find creativity and excitement in new ways of consuming. Upcycled clothing has always seemed an exciting prospect in this regard, using the industry's surfeit of waste and harnessing the limitless creativity of designers to create one-of-a-kind pieces that rival any fast-fashion find.

Fanfare Label is one of a line-up of new fashion brands that are making upcycling a core part of their brand DNA. Launched by ex–fashion buyer Esther Knight in 2018, the brand takes pre-loved garments and gives them a new lease of life through a variety of innovative textile techniques. One of Fanfare's most popular offerings is the "upcycle your jeans" service, where you can post a pair of your old jeans and get them upcycled to your specific requirements. From colourful patchwork and hand-painted prints to intricate embroidery and embellishment, the result is totally unique to you, and all for just £65. It's the perfect Christmas present for any tricky-to-buy-for fashion lover. 

Fanfare gives me hope that a future exists in which a love of fashion doesn't come at the expense of the environment—something tells me that this is only just the beginning for the world of upcycling. Watch this space.

I sat down with Knight to find out more about how the brand started and her top tips for making our shopping habits more sustainable. Scroll down to see what she said plus what happened when I sent off an old pair of Whistles jeans to be upcycled. 

What inspired you to start the brand? 

I have worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now within buying, working for many high-street and designer brands including Vivienne Westwood. As a buyer, you are responsible for everything in a production line. You take the entire process from sketch to store. Therefore, if there is an unethical part of the supply chain, buyers impact this directly. Buyers are trained to hit margin targets no matter what the cost is to people or the environment, and I was witnessing first-hand. It has become a race to the bottom on cost, resulting in corner-cutting, and we are seeing that, globally, it's vulnerable people and children who are bearing the brunt of this. 

When I started researching sustainability, many of these factors changed my outlook on the whole fashion supply chain. I began questioning why many brands just think about profit margins and are not considering the well-being of the people who are making their clothes or the well-being of the planet. But fashion doesn’t have to be this way. I realised I couldn’t be part of this industry in the same way anymore. Rather than leaving it, I decided to create a business that tackled this issue head-on. That’s when Fanfare Label was born.

Why did you choose upcycling as your USP?

I decided that I could not start a sustainable business without dealing with the sheer amount of waste already in existence. Each year, $500 billion is lost due to the underutilisation of recyclable clothing (according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation), and less than 1% of all materials produced for clothing are being recycled into new clothing. We saw this as an opportunity. 

The exorbitant amount of waste generated in the fashion industry inspired me to represent the circular economy standard; the label is a representative of what fashion could and should look like. Fanfare reduces waste by turning clothing and textile waste into premium products. It allows us to be more innovative with our collections and intelligently reuse existing materials.

We are transforming vintage pieces into unique contemporary designs, combining elements of second-hand and surplus clothing by giving existing materials a new life through various textile techniques. We have a recycled collection that takes clothing and textile wastage that would have ended up in landfill and repurpose them into new garments.

By shopping our recycled jeans, each pair saves 9500 litres of water; the 34 kg of CO2 emitted to produce one pair, similar to taking a car and driving for 111 km; and 1 kg waste from UK landfill; and supports 1.5 days of fair working conditions and pay.

How have you seen the shopping landscape change since you first launched? 

The fashion industry has taken on new depths in the past year due to the pandemic; we are more aware of the poor treatment of garment workers due to fast-fashion brands failing to pay up at the beginning of lockdown. These ethical concerns have led to a growth in supporting smaller businesses that are more sustainable in their practices.

Sustainability has grown into consumers' everyday vocabulary, resulting in a rising demand for garments to be more sustainable. Transparency has also been an important theme for the industry, both in terms of sustainability and wider cultural values. In an era of misinformation, consumers are demanding companies to be authentic and truthful in their mission. 

Although this year has undeniably been tough for both individuals and businesses, staying at home has strengthened people's ties with local community, and there is a strong shift towards supporting small business this Christmas. Now is the time for collaboration within the industry where sharing sustainable strategies, data and technology will enable faster recovery. 

What has been the best seller on the website?

Definitely our signature jeans. Customers love the idea that they can shop for their very own pair of upcycled denim jeans. Plus, we also provide the option of upcycling customer’s own pair currently in their wardrobe. We are encouraging customers to love and cherish their garments and showing them inspiring ways to promote longevity and repurpose their clothing instead of buying new.

What's your top tip for making our shopping habits more sustainable?

I would say to slow down. Starting the sustainability journey can be extremely overwhelming, so I would always say, firstly, start with research to understand why you need to make these changes. Then consider every purchase and only buy products that you truly want and that will stand the test of time in your wardrobe. It is important that we are not overconsuming and that we are valuing our fashion purchases. 

What are your future plans for the brand?

We’ve got London Fashion Week planned and new collections coming out. Next year’s focus is on building our engaged community further and finding more style-conscious individuals who love the brand. Creating brand awareness and holding more of our sustainably focused events will be a key goal for next year. As for physical goals, we dream to have our own store where we can show people what the future of fashion looks like.

See my Fanfare jeans:

Style Notes: I decided to upcycle a pair of old Whistles jeans, as I already had a couple in the same silhouette and fancied something a little different. I asked for one of the brand's patchwork options and sent a few inspo pics for reference. I'm super happy with the outcome: The updated jeans feel so standout and, in my opinion, could be mistaken for a designer buy.

PS: My jumper is from another fab upcycling brand called Mad Brown Knitwear—go check it out!

Shop Fanfare Label's Pieces

Up Next: How to Find the Best Vintage Pieces, According to a Second-Hand Expert

It was a single coat by Swedish fashion label Rave Review that first caught the attention of the Who What Wear editors back in 2019. Coming in a traditional plaid check in rich autumnal hues of red, yellow and green, we were struck by its originality that somehow felt both nostalgic and innovative—and that was before we knew it had been made out of old blankets. We couldn't quite believe that anything that chic could have been upcycled. Oh how wrong we were.

Founded by Josephine Bergqvist and Livia Schück in 2016, Rave Review made its debut at Paris Fashion Week in Spring 2018. It quickly won-over the fashion elite with its bold patchworked designs and radical production methods that saw pieces crafted out of deadstock fabrics (including bed sheets, blankets and scarves) and second-hand clothes. While the brand's plaid blanket coats have become a signature, each collection is eclectic is its own unique way, and you can expect everything from retro florals mashed-up with tartan, to photographic Sci-Fi prints pasted onto trench coats. Unsurprisingly, despite its relative youth, the brand has collected a variety of industry awards, including the Changer Award from the Swedish Fashion Council and the H&M and Elle Newcomer Award. It was also a semifinalist for the famed LVMH Prize in 2020.

With many of the designs pieced together with disparate, mis-matched fabrics, the creation process and, in turn, the final effect, has an almost couture-like quality, with the designers often turning to home textiles to achieve a more distinctive finish. Original details, such as blanket fringing, are often embraced and seamlessly integrated into the final product. 

"All the blanket coats, for example; we design every single piece of them, [putting this] blanket together with this one for this particular coat. It changes the context.", Bergqvist told British Vogue. "A lot of the textiles I wouldn’t have in my home, they’re kind of ugly. It’s amazing how you can transform them.” 

While Rave Review remains a lesser-known name in the mainstream fashion market, it continues to spread its sustainable message and expand its reach within the industry's most influential circles. Trust me, once you've seen one of the brand's pieces on one Instagram feed, you'll start to see them everywhere. One thing's for sure: This is a fashion name to watch for 2022. Scroll down to see how our favourite influencers have been wearing the brand, plus shop Rave Review's latest designs.

Blanca Miro's floral-and-check dress was part of Net-a-Porter's exclusive collaboration with the brand. A sign of good things to come.

Ok, I think this is the best outfit i've seen in a while. The check skirts makes for a perfect eclectic counterpoint to the printed top. 

Another piece from Net-a-Porter's collaboration, but this time it's a very cute mini dress. I love how it's styled here with loafers. 

One of Rave Review's iconic blanket coats, as seen on Pernille Rosenkilde. All it needs it chunky boots and colourful sunnies.

A great example of the brand's ability to create something sculptural out of random bits of fabric. This mini dress looks great over flared jeans.

If you want to embrace Rave Review full-blown fashion extraversion, make like Marianne Theodorsen and throw-on a print clash co-ord.

Shop Rave Review's Designs

Up Next: I Can't Stop Telling Everyone About This Cool Under-the-Radar Brand

If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, you’ll know we like to seriously consider the trends we buy into as editors. Because we see an awful lot come and go, it’s not unusual to see the office (or our Zoom meetings) filled with a team dressed purely in classic capsule basics. But we’re only human, and some trends are just too good to ignore. 

2021 had its fair share of them— from cult dresses, to statement shoes and fun knits that excited us enough to invest. And we’re sure you felt the same way about them. The challenge is how to keep those pieces feeling fresh year after year. So we’ve done some thinking, alongside research into next year’s biggest trends, and come up with some easy ways to spin 9 of 2021’s most popular buys for the new season ahead. Keep scrolling to find out more…

If you bought a knit vest...

... try wearing it over a dress

We've all grown to love knitted vests. The best way to keep them looking fresh in 2022? Try layering over dresses rather than the usual jeans. 

SHOP THE TREND:

If you bought a second-skin top...

... pair it with a maxi skirt

Maxi skirts are back in a big way for SS22, and the chicest way to wear them is with your slim fitting second-skin tops (or bodies) tucked in. 

SHOP THE TREND:

If you bought a cult dress...

... why not rent it out and try a new one?

If you've worn your favourite cult dress to death in 2021, why not list it on a rental site like HURR for 2022 and use the fees you receive to try out a new It style, like one of Molby the Label's fanciful designs? The bonus is that after a year of lending your dress out, you'll probably really miss it and appreciate it all over again. 

If you bought a bikini and haven't had the chance to use it... 

...wear it in the city

The pandemic may have scuppered more than a few holidays, but nothing can come between the fashion crowd and their bikinis. Flashes of swimwear were seen all over the SS22 catwalks and it's now totally acceptable to incorporate one into your city wear. Try layering it underneath an open shirt when the weather warms up and pair with a midi skirt or cropped chinos. 

SHOP THE TREND:

If you bought into a bold colour...