For as long as I can remember as women we have been trained to want…no NEED new clothes every time the season changes. It’s lead to a rather problematic fast fashion industry that churns out new styles nearly weekly to meet the consumer appetite. So to buy new or not to buy new? I deal with this struggle daily, but I’m learning there’s no need to feel guilty every time you buy something new. Here at Bloom & Spark it’s my mission to explore little ways I can be most sustainably minded while still living my life…and buying cute new clothes occasionally.   

I’ve found that the simple habit of shifting WHERE I purchase my clothes can reduce some of the negative impact that certain fast fashion brands have on the environment. Focusing on brands that have a sustainable supply chain with ethical, and eco conscious practices is one simple way I can be more eco friendly in my day to day life.   

So I’ve looked at some of my most beloved sustainable clothing brands to pull my favorite FALL FASHION items! I do the searching so you don’t have to. I hope this can be a simple place where you can find a few beautiful pieces for fall, without spending hours researching the sustainability practices behind the brands. I’ve done all that for you!

As always, some of these items contain affiliate links which allow me to make a small commission from products I share here, but you don’t pay any extra (this helps tremendously, as most of these posts are thoroughly researched for many hours and I have a large golden retriever to feed). It’s just a way for brands to say “thanks!” when bloggers share their products. I only share products I use myself, plan to use, or brands that are aligned with my values. To learn how this works see my affiliate disclaimer.

Fall Fashion…but make it sustainable

“Mom” Jeans or “Mother Earth” Jeans?

Pre-covid I tried on these “momjeans” from Madewell and I heard a chorus of angels singing. Seriously, I’ve never worn jeans that still felt comfortable to bend and sit in. My husband was none too impressed with the momjean look so I decided against them at the time…but I’ve thought about these jeans ever since. Now that we’re all mostly working from home it’s important to find daily work “uniforms” that are both comfy, but also not sweats. I am definitely ordering myself a pair of these so I feel like I’ve actually gotten dressed, husband be damned. These  similar pairs here and here are from H&M’s Conscious line.

Merlot & Mustard

I’m really feeling these colors this fall, what can I say. A great fall staple is this turtleneck body suit from Everlane in “dark spice” yes that’s the color and it’s stunning! This gorgeous mustard crewneck from Everlane is made with organic cotton *throws confetti.* I’ve never worn a sweater knotted in the back like this one from Amour Vert but it’s just what “fall vibes” are made of (also their packaging is compostable…I know right?). Take a look at all my favorites:

Stay Warm

I could make some quip about global warming *sheads a tear*, but instead I’m just gonna leave these gorgeous (and eco-friendly) coats here. Another winner from Everlane (can they do any wrong?) with their ReNew Teddy Bomber is made of 100% recycled polyester. I’m also really feeling this double breasted blazer from H&M’s conscious line. 

What makes these items “sustainable”

We all know that ultimately the most sustainable clothes are the ones already in existance. Repairing and rewearing items that you already own, or purchasing through consignment and thrift stores are the best ways to do that. However, for making new purchases I look into the companies practices to see how they make the clothes, and how far the clothes have to travel to get to you. I will break down some of the ways these items are sustainable with a few examples:

The ReNew Teddy Bomber from Everlane is made from 100% recycled polyester. Only the buttons and trim are not made from recycled materials because those pieces can’t currently be sourced in recycled materials. Everlane is one of the most transparent brands which for me speaks volumes to their ethics and values. They break down the true cost of this (and every) item from the materials and hardware, to the labor and transport. They also share honestly about the factory where it is made and workers who put it together. 

This sweater from Everlane is made from organic cotton and is certified organic from seed to shirt. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification takes over a year to account for every step of production from the processing of certified organic fiber into yarn, to the dyehouses, mills, factories, and printers. Since it’s from Everlane we also know exactly where it comes from. 

Truthfully H&M is not the first place I go when I think of “sustainable clothing.” However I applaud their efforts to move toward a more sustainable model and when I see companies doing that I want to support it. You can read about their sustainable initiatives here. These jeans from H&M’s Conscious collection are made from partly recycles materials. How much you ask? Well, it’s not detailed on the website, which is an area I think they could use a bit more transparency. But at this price point I am happy to support these more accessible brands that are moving in the right directions. 

Amour Vert lays out their sustainability practices on their website which you can see here. Three ways they are sustainable include 1) making their pieces in limited quantities to reduce waste 2) producing a majority of their pieces in California which reduces it’s carbon footprint for those of us purchasing in the U.S. and 3) using renewable and recycled materials such as recycled wool, sustainably grown hemp, and TENCEL made from sustainably farmed eucalyptus trees. *BONUS* their packaging is all compostable!

See All of My Sustainable Fall Favorites

See more sustainability posts!