Sustainable Lifestyle Trends to Watch This Fall
As temperatures finally begin to drop and pumpkin spice fills every neighborhood café, fashion lovers are eager to start shopping for cozy layers, rich textures, and warm colors. There’s a growing movement to ditch fast fashion clothing in favor of more ethical choices, and the good news is that it’s easier than ever to embrace sustainable lifestyle options. Here are the top sustainable fashion trends to watch this fall.
Earth Tones and Natural Dyes
This fall, earth tones like rust, olive green, rich reds, and mustard yellows are dominating the color palette. These colors reflect the beauty of the autumn season and are created using natural dyes. Unlike synthetic dyes, which require significant energy and chemical inputs to produce, natural dyes are derived from plants, minerals, and other renewable resources. Sustainable lifestyle brands are increasingly turning to these eco-friendly alternatives to create products that are as gentle on the planet as they are on our skin.
Natural dyeing processes often lead to one-of-a-kind pieces, as the outcome can vary slightly with each batch of clothing. This adds an element of exclusivity to sustainable fashion, making each item truly special. At Passion Lilie, each item is both naturally dyed and made by hand, ensuring your clothing is as unique and special as you are.
Passion Lilie’s fall collection features earth-toned colors like sea blue, evergreen, merlot, gray, and black. We love these rich autumnal tones for the feelings they evoke and their connection to the natural world. You can learn more about our fall collection and the color theory behind it in this blog post.
Layering Pieces Made from Innovative Fabrics
Cozy layers have long been a fall staple, making it easier to dress for a range of temperatures throughout the day. This season, sustainable lifestyle trends gravitate toward recycled fabrics, organic fabrics, and textiles created from innovative materials. The fashion industry is notorious for being wasteful, but many brands are finding ways to repurpose materials that would otherwise end up in landfills. One creative strategy is to make “new” clothes from recycled fabrics made from post-consumer waste, such as plastic bottles, fishing nets, or old garments. Other brands, like Passion Lilie, use deadstock fabrics – leftover materials from other products – to make zero-waste clothing and accessories.
This trend not only reduces waste but also encourages creativity in fashion design. Upcycled pieces often feature unique patchwork designs, bold prints, or unexpected textures, making them perfect for adding a statement to your fall wardrobe. Look for brands that prioritize recycled polyester, organic cotton, and deadstock fabrics. These fabrics provide the warmth and comfort needed for fall, while also reducing your carbon footprint.
Versatile Capsule Wardrobes
Minimalism is a growing trend among folks seeking a sustainable lifestyle, and capsule wardrobes are becoming increasingly popular. A capsule wardrobe consists of a small, curated selection of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. Capsule wardrobes are a great way to choose high-quality pieces that you love and will wear again and again.
The key to a successful fall capsule wardrobe is to select pieces that can be layered and styled for different occasions. Think classic trench coats, cozy fleece sweaters, tailored blazers, and versatile boots. Look for clothes made from durable, sustainable materials like organic cotton, wool, or Tencel. By investing in a few key pieces, you reduce the need for frequent shopping and contribute to a more sustainable fashion cycle.
Ethical Outerwear
It’s hard to think about outerwear when it’s still 100° in New Orleans, but we know cooler weather is on the way! When it arrives, we’ll be ready to follow a trend we’ve loved for years – organic cotton fleece and jersey outerwear! This fall, ethical outerwear is popping up all around us, with a focus on jackets and coats made from sustainable materials and produced under fair labor conditions. Look for outerwear made from organic cotton, recycled materials, or ethically sourced and produced wool. Our favorite option for outerwear is organic cotton fleece. The material offers superior breathability, is made without microplastics, will stand the test of time, and is as comfortable as it gets. We have tons of cute styles and designs to choose from!
Fashion forecasters expect puffer jackets made from recycled materials to be a popular choice this season. They offer warmth and style without the environmental impact of traditional down or synthetic fibers. We’re seeing many brands offering ethical alternatives to leather and wool, like plant-based leathers made from innovative materials like pineapple leaves or mushroom roots.
When you’re looking for fall outerwear, consider the brand’s commitment to sustainability, including their supply chain transparency and ethical labor practices. Choosing a coat or jacket from an ethical brand like Passion Lilie keeps you warm while supporting a more humane and sustainable fashion industry.
Slow Fashion and Handmade Pieces
As more and more shoppers become aware of the negative impacts of fast fashion, slow fashion is gaining momentum. Slow fashion emphasizes quality over quantity with an emphasis on craftsmanship, sustainability, and longevity. This fall, handmade and artisanal pieces are particularly in vogue, offering a connection to the maker and a unique story behind each garment.
At Passion Lilie, we’re proud that our clothes are made by hand in India. The talented artisans we work with possess generations-old knowledge in fabric creation, hand block printing, stitching, and more. Their meticulous attention to detail and dedication to their craft are evident in every Passion Lilie piece, so you know you’re receiving a product of unparalleled quality and authenticity.
Hand-knitted sweaters, handwoven scarves, and artisanal jewelry are all great additions to your fall wardrobe. These pieces are often produced by skilled artisans who use traditional techniques passed down through generations. When you purchase handmade pieces, you support small businesses and often preserve cultural heritage. Be on the lookout for brands that collaborate with artists from around the world, ensuring that the makers are paid fairly for their work. These one-of-a-kind finds often have a timeless appeal, making them perfect for a sustainable lifestyle that transcends the trend cycle.
Sustainable Footwear
Level up your sustainable lifestyle with eco-friendly footwear this fall. If you’re in need of new boots or cold weather shoes, look for options made of innovative materials like cork, recycled plastic, or pineapple leaves. These materials are sustainable and durable, ensuring your footwear will last through many seasons. From recycled rubber soles to uppers made from organic cotton or plant-based leathers, sustainable footwear is designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing comfort and style. Additionally, be sure to look into the brand’s overall commitment to sustainability, including its packaging, production methods, and labor practices.
Supporting Local and Small Businesses
One of our favorite sustainable lifestyle trends: supporting local and small businesses! Your purchasing power makes a huge difference for small, sustainable brands like Passion Lilie. This fall, please consider shopping from local designers, small boutiques, and independent brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production. Businesses like ours often have a smaller environmental footprint and offer unique, high-quality products that you won’t find in bigger stores or fast fashion brands.
Shopping locally also reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping and supports the local economy. Small businesses are often more transparent about their production processes and materials, making it easier to make informed, sustainable choices.
Living a Sustainable Lifestyle this Fall
Fall 2024 is a great opportunity to seek a more sustainable lifestyle. From natural dyes and recycled fabrics to ethical outerwear and handmade pieces, there are plenty of ways to update your wardrobe while staying true to your values. By embracing a sustainable lifestyle, you can look great, feel good, and contribute to a more ethical and environmentally friendly fashion industry.
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