A Fashion Writer’s Guide to Sustainable Spring/Summer Style
Spring and summer are the time of year for picnics, pool parties, and chasing sunsets over the horizon, when the wildflowers bloom and the birds fill the air with their song. When the weather is beautiful, we can’t help but wander outside to connect with nature and with other humans.
Faun Studio’s Spring/Summer 2023 collection provides the perfect attire for warm weather wanderings. Ever true to the brand’s eco-conscious roots, the knitwear pieces are produced ethically and sustainably, with pastel colours and patterns inspired by sunsets and wildflowers. To celebrate the release of Faun’s new collection, my talented friend Sofya Babak and I headed over to a local loft and garden for a photoshoot.
here are five WAYS to level up your style for the SUMMER:
Materials
When looking for sustainable clothing, I typically look for materials that are natural and/or repurposed. This typically means avoiding clothing made from virgin synthetics like polyester, nylon, or spandex, which are plastic-based. Natural materials like ethical cotton are a much more Earth-friendly alternative
Versatility
Sustainability is not just in the materials that clothes are made from, but also the wear and value we can get out of a piece. To test whether a piece is versatile, I visualize how many ways I can style it with other clothes that I own, and whether the piece can be worn in different scenarios within my lifestyle. For example, Faun Studio’s SS23 collection was designed to be worn as both luxury and casual everyday-wear, from the golf course or the tennis court to a picnic or wedding rehearsal dinner.
Timelessness
A sustainable clothing piece should last a long time, both in terms of quality and style. Rather than blindly following fast fashion trends and influencers, I always pause to consider whether I see myself wearing a piece for many years to come, rather than just for the latest season. A big fashion green flag is if I can envision myself passing a clothing piece down to my children or grandchildren to live on for future generations!
Colours
Following a colour palette when selecting your clothes can help you narrow down which pieces fit your personal style and create a cohesive wardrobe. For example, I tend to lean towards neutrals, with splashes of pink, purple, and blue as accent colours. Matching sets are also a great way to look instantly put together with minimal effort required. When selecting your pieces, also be mindful of choosing brands that dye their fabrics using ethical and sustainable practices.
Accessories
You don’t always need to purchase new clothes to elevate an outfit – making use of your accessories is a great way to add a touch of personality. Whether it’s by styling your hair in a new way, wearing a different pair of shoes, or adding some jewelry pieces to your look, there are so many fun ways to get creative with accessorizing.