Sustainable Summer Wishlist
Everything I’d buy right now if I were to overhaul my wardrobe
Everything I’d buy right now if I were to overhaul my wardrobe
It’s been a minute since I’ve shared a roundup of pieces I have my eye on, and as always with a seasonal post like this one, I like to focus on wardrobe elements that will shine in the summer but will work flawlessly in any other season of the year. Investing in fewer high-quality things that will last for ages is my favorite way to shop, and all of the following dresses, bags, skirts, tops, shoes, and so forth will be lovely styled for years to come! I aim to highlight brands with sustainable and ethical values: think repurposed or recycled materials, low-impact fabrics, heavily monitored supply chains, and brands offsetting their impact and focusing on producing considered offerings. Let’s get into it:
DÔEN Melanie Dress, $398
This organic cotton eyelet dress features the most beautiful construction and attention to detail. I can see this dressed up with a kitten heel, worn with knee-high bucket boots for a prairie feel, or dressed down with some New Balance 990s. Pair it with a cozy sweater or a long trench in the fall and winter to continue wearing it all year long— or pick up the skirt version for even more versatility.
Paloma Wool Lenora Bag, $300
This leather bag is made in Spain and comes in pink and orange colorways, as well. Everything I have from Paloma Wool is so well-made and lasts forever: the colors they choose are so beautiful and I never get tired of looking at them.
Beach Coverup/Sheer Top, $95
In love with this as a swimsuit coverup for beach or pool days, and equally love it worn with a simple bralette. In the colder months, pair it with an oversized sweater or wear it with a long sleeve underneath.
Madewell Harlow Wide Leg Linen Trouser, $88
The linen trouser is the perfect breezy vacation pant, and I love this creamy/buttery colorway from Madewell in 100% linen. If you’re looking for something a little more high-rise, opt for the Cleo linen pants from Reformation ($198).
DÔEN Delaney Dress, $268
Trying to narrow down summer favorites from DÔEN is a truly impossible task— everything they make is stunning. In crisp, lightweight GOTS-certified organic cotton seersucker, the Delaney Dress features a rounded square neckline and slender straps trimmed with contrast piping. Three fixed ties extend down the bust, creating a keyhole effect. Princess seams lend structure to the fitted bodice, which closes with an invisible side zipper and gives way to an ankle-grazing A-line skirt. I love the top ($98) and shorts ($68) in the same print.
Paloma Wool Leiti Triangle Bikini Top, $75
Contrast trim frames this triangle bikini top made in Spain from a stretchy fabric knit with fibers sourced from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Pair it with the matching bottoms.
Reformation Val Mid Rise Baggy Jean Shorts, $128
Very into a longer short for spring, summer, and fall, and these fit the bill. Pair with knee-high boots and a trench for more coverage year-round, and a big sweater for cooler nights. Made with 57% Regeneratively Grown Cotton and 43% TENCEL™ Lyocell.
Jenni Kayne Leather Lake Sandal, $325
These slightly square-toe fisherman sandals come in three colors and are handmade in Portugal. Leather sandals have become essentially the only way to go for me for summer shoes since they last forever and are pretty easy to keep conditioned and clean.
Reformation Myles Maxi Skirt, $188
This slim-fitting, high-rise, maxi skirt is made sustainably with rigid denim. It features a slit detail at the center back and has a zip fly closure. Fabric details: 60% organically grown cotton, 40% TENCEL™ Lyocell. (Organic cotton doesn’t allow genetically modified seeds and restricts the use of many chemicals. It still uses water and land but it helps sustain the land it is grown on through crop rotations and natural ways of controlling pesticides.)
Madewell Lucie Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $107
This cotton puff sleeve dress from Madewell supports their Do Well initiative: by buying cotton products from Madewell, you're supporting our investment in Better Cotton's mission to help cotton communities survive and thrive while protecting and restoring the environment. It looks like this dress is almost sold out, but Madewell offers tons of other beautiful options for mid-length and long black dresses.
Paloma Wool Asymmetric Sleeveless Stripe Cotton Blend Blouse, $190
Slender stripes pattern this crisp, cotton-blend blouse that features a scoop neck and subtly asymmetric front. This is a great piece for a hot day: it’s unique and intricate but will allow you to stay cool, and can be styled endlessly with jackets and sweaters come fall and winter.
Reformation Nasha Satin Dress, $378
This ice blue dress is stunning for wedding season, and equally wonderful for a summer night spent by the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also available in cream if you’re looking for a pre-wedding or laid-back wedding dress, yourself, and in black if you’d like a more wearable option for year-round occasions.
Paloma Wool Moonless Chain Detail Recycled Organic Cotton Blend Pants, $223
These straight-leg trousers patterned in stippled stripes are given a modern upgrade with an asymmetric waist cutout detailed by a gleaming chain. Naturally, a black pant stands the test of all seasons and will work wonders for you on cooler evenings in the summer, and pair perfectly with your boots come fall and winter.
Dear Frances Balla Mesh Ballet Flat, $380
Crafted from sheer Italian mesh, the Balla is every bit as flattering as the classic ballerina but with a subtly seductive twist. Its near-nude composition and glove-like fit will lend sleekness and simplicity to wardrobes for work or for pleasure. This is a shoe that will likely not work in the winter, but a three-season shoe seems like a solid investment to me.
Outdoor Voices Exercise 3” Skort, $68
Workout skorts paired with dainty tops are the perfect solution for a hot day, and these are truly peak versatility. Dress them up for a night out with kitten heels and a button-down, wear them to the beach or out hiking with a swim top, wear them with a simple tank and Birks for errand-running. Compare with the Girlfriend Collective Sport Skort ($62).
Boden Shirred Waist Linen Midi Skirt, $150
The wide shirred waistband on this linen midi skirt anchors the voluminous silhouette—it's both flattering and practical for styling with tucked-in tops or cropped separates. 100% linen.
Happy shopping! x
Disclosure: I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to buy any of the products I refer to and promote. All opinions are my own.