Shopping·8 min read

Sustainable Clothes, Shoes, and Accessories to Wear this Fall

We Skimm'd our favorite sustainable clothes, shoes, and accessories to wear this fall.
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Cariuma
September 21, 2021

When you say 'fall,' we hear 'fashion.' And putting together new looks is a staple of the season that dates back to kindergarten (shoutout to our first-day-of-school overalls). But, ICYMI, green is the new black. 

So, with help from our friends at Cariuma, we’re sharing our picks for doing right by Mother Earth and looking your best at. the. same. time. From brands that are doing their part to recycle materials, save water, reduce waste, and cut their carbon footprint. We’re talking versatile pieces that will keep you warm – and stylish – as the temps drop...without compromising all your other eco-efforts. Planet-friendly purchases, coming right up. 

A sweater that feels more like a blanket…

A sweater that feels more like a blanket…

True to its name, this brand plants 10 trees for every item purchased. And this French terry cocoon cardigan is no exception. They also save nearly 600 liters of water, 1 kilogram of CO2, and .02 grams of waste by making it more sustainably than their competitors. Oh and we should mention: It’s v flattering. We’re partial to the olive green color, but you do you. ($88, Tentree)

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Athleta Leggings

Buttery soft leggings for all your yoga, workout classes, and outdoor runs...

Or, you know, just hanging around the house. No matter what you plan to wear ‘em for, you can feel good about your buy. Because these ribbed, breathable bottoms are made from recycled nylon. Plus, the ultra-high waistband smooths and supports. Aaand they come in sizes XXS-3X. ($60, Athleta)

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Lo and Sons Backpack

A durable backpack with plenty of pockets…

On the inside and on the outside. Including an external sleeve that can fit 15-inch laptops. So you never have to scramble or reveal what else you’re carrying as you get yours out (*cough* tampons *cough*). The best part? Each bag keeps 25 plastic bottles out of landfills. It’s on the pricey side for a backpack, but this is one you’ll use for life. Plus, the adjustable straps are lined with memory foam padding. Deluxe, indeed. ($248, Lo & Sons)

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Super comfy canvas kicks that go with everything…

Super comfy canvas kicks that go with everything…

Neutrals FTW. We bet you’d never guess what these classically cool, Insta-famous sneakers are made of. So we’ll just tell you: organic cotton, natural rubber, cork, and mamona oil. Oh, and the laces, threads, and labels are brought to you by recycled plastic bottles. Which all come together to create something you won’t want to step – or be seen – out of. Did we mention the brand plants two trees in the Brazilian rainforest for every pair purchased? ‘Cause they do. They also give Skimm’rs a little something off the price tag. ($79, Cariuma)

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Au Natural Underwear

Seamless underwear that feels like no underwear at all…

Made from Merino wool (ahem, a renewable fiber that’s more breathable than cotton), this underwear is lightweight, cute, and comfy. Talk about a triple threat. You’ll wanna wear these to morning exercises classes, as you WFH, during date night, and while drifting to sleep. Aka all day, erry day. Bonus: The small biz that makes ‘em is women-owned. ($32, Au Natural)

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Patagonia Beanie

A classic beanie that’ll keep your head warm into winter…

Recycled wool, meet recycled nylon. And say ‘hi’ to lots of eliminated waste and carbon, too. This insanely cozy, Fair Trade Certified™ sewn hat is the perfect topping to all your cool weather outfits. You miiight even wanna snag multiple colors. Thing to know: some have logo patches, while others just have a tag along the cuff. ($39, Patagonia)

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Avocado Mattress Masks

Organic cotton face masks so you can stay safe and chic…

Global Organic Textile Standard certification? Check. Two layers? Check and check. A pocket you can put a filter inside? You bet. When COVID-19 hit, a large portion of Avocado’s Cut & Sew Department pivoted to make face masks. Now, you can pick between solid colors or prints. And tie straps or over-the-ear elastic loops. Blocking germs never looked so good. ($30/4-pack, Avocado Green Mattress)

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Wear Pact Scarf

A scarf that does right by everyone…

No toxic chemicals or exploitative labor practices here. Just 74 inches of raw-edge jersey your neck will reeeally appreciate when the wind blows. You can double wrap, tie, loop, braid, cross or knot it. The options are truly endless. We wish a very happy layering szn to all those who celebrate. ($25, Pact)

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Everlane Denim

Straight-leg jeans with an extra-high rise…

You haven’t felt hugging in all the right places ‘til you try these bad boys on. The premium rigid denim and ‘90s fit combine to deliver serious butt-boosting benefits. And since this brand believes in radical transparency, they’ll let ya take a peek inside the LEED-certified Vietnam factory where the jeans are made. Which recycles 98% of their water and mixes byproducts with concrete to make building materials, thank you very much. ($88, Everlane)

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For Days T-Shirt

A classic t-shirt you can swap for something new later…

This vintage-style crewneck fits true to size and holds its shape for the long haul. No matter how many times you put it in the washing machine. But when you feel you’ve gotten enough wear out of it, you can send it back and get $7 toward your next eco-conscious purchase. It’s called closed-loop fashion, sweetie. Look it up. ($28, For Days)

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Dear Denier Tights

Full-coverage tights with a full satisfaction guarantee…

Tights you’ll feel good in? For fall? Now, that’s groundbreaking. This Danish brand’s rip-resistant hosiery is shaping without giving you get-me-out-of-these-ASAP vibes. And the extremely climate-friendly production – think: recycled materials, renewable energy, and purified wastewater – emits exactly zero waste. Pssst...if for some weird reason you don’t love ‘em, just send ‘em back within 30 days. Brb, breaking out our fave mini skirts. ($26, Dear Denier)

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Freedom Co. Hoodie Dress

An ethically-made-in-America hooded sweatshirt dress…

Cue the Springsteen playlist. Because this minimalist, one-and-done look will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy. In general, but also about the good ‘ol US of A. It’s half GOTS-certified organic cotton, half recycled cotton, and 100% on-trend. Yes, those are pockets you see. ($130, Freedom Company)

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*This denotes a sponsored post. 

If you buy anything from this article, theSkimm may get something in return. Oh, and if something’s out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) when we published. Thanks.

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