Ethical Fashion From Head to toe
03/19/2025
Written by Claire Kelly
Not everyone likes to thrift, and not everyone knows how to thrift. It's a process that takes time and patience, and sometimes this is not everyone's cup of tea.
Once in a while the thrift gods look out for you, and sometimes you leave empty-handed.
If thrifting isn't your thing, but you still want to shop ethically, you're in the right place.
Stella McCartney
First up is Stella McCartney, a luxury brand known for its commitment to sustainability. From womens clothing to handbags, shoes, and even kids' apparel, this posh brand offers a wide range of essentials.
Due to the diverse nature of the McCartney collection which features coats, dresses, t-shirts, denim, swimwear, and more, the price is a bit on the heavier side. While a dress can range from $1,000 to $4,000, that's the price you pay for sustainability.
Founded by Stella McCartney Herself, an English fashion designer and daughter of Paul McCartney, the brand blends both luxury and ethical commitment. An example of this commitment would be the usage of Mylo, a mycelium-based leather alternative derived from the root structure of mushrooms.
Although Stella McCartney comes with a high price tag, the brand's dedication to ethical sourcing and quality craftsmanship makes the investment much more worth it.
The VEJA Volley
Apart from clothing, if you're looking for a sustainable sneaker, VEJA has you covered. Since 2005, VEJA has been making sneakers differently, focusing on ethical production.
Their shoes are crafted in high-standard factories in Brazil and Portugal, using materials such as organic cotton and wild Amazonian rubber, extracted from forest trees. The emphasis on upcycling and deconstructing old sneakers to reduce waste is one of VEJAs many missions.
The brand offers a wide range of options for men, women and kids, including vegan styles and specialized running shoes. Prices range from $70 for baby shoes to $370 for adult sizes. This is quite fairly priced for an ethically sourced brand.
Pamela Love
No outfit is complete without jewellery, and Pamela Love offers numerous stunning pieces crafted with sustainability. Founded in 2007 in Brooklyn, NY, Love's designs aim to tell a story through jewellery. The brand has since expanded internationally with a concept store in Paris, with a global presence in Italy, Spain, Thailand, Myanma, and of course Los Angeles and Brooklyn. Recognized by Vogue as one of the “15 Ethical and Eco-Friendly Jewelry Brands to Know Now,”
The jewelry is made from recycled materials, including 14k gold sourced from antique and estate jewelry or post-consumer waste. Other than metal materials, Gemstones and Diamonds are all used ethically as well.From Necklaces and earrings to engagement rings, Pamela Love offers a broad range of ethically crafted pieces.
For example, a basic gold hoop, which features hand-carved coils and 14k yellow gold plate over brass is priced at $280–the price differs based on the pieces you are in search of. Although Pamela Love, like many other sustainable brands, is deemed on the pricier side, it is evident that the quality and ethical production justify the cost.
Between Stella McCartney for the perfect jeans and blouse, VEJA for sustainable sneakers, and Pamela Love for a pair of gold hoops or a pendant necklace, you can build an entirely ethically sourced outfit without compromising on style, or thrifting abilities.