Thankfully for the sake of our environment, more shoppers these days are paying attention to the ethics surrounding the clothes they buy. While it is important to make sure that you are purchasing sustainable, cruelty-free clothing though, another responsible approach is to simply set yourself up to buy clothing in the first place. This can be accomplished by focusing on new wardrobe items that are both fashionable and longer lasting. That way, you’ll go longer stretches without having to buy new items and go through more material.


If that sounds like an interesting, responsible approach to you, take note of these suggestions for products that are both timeless and, typically, quite durable.

Combat Boots

We’ll start with a good pair of combat boots, which could last you just about a lifetime. This is actually an item that might not occur to some as a reasonable responsible option, but this is due to a common misconception that only leather boots are worth the money – that anything else might fall apart in a matter of months.

Prada

Thankfully, this is simply not true! We might point interested readers toward the classic Doc Martens Vegan 1460, for instance. These boots are very comfortable and can add some edge to any outfit.

They also have good traction (making them perfect for the winter, when the group can be more treacherous), and they’re built to last.

Blazer

If you work in an office setting, it’s likely that you have to wear a blazer from time to time, or at least could get away with doing so.

This particular form of outerwear is versatile enough that it can be worn over any business outfit, and can even be dressed down for stylish, casual look on the weekend.

The J. Crew Factory Brushed Cotton Thompson Blazer

We’d simply suggest shopping for quality here. Look for something made of brushed cotton and presented in a neutral hue that you won’t be tempted to replace too soon.

Party Dress

A party dress should be a staple in your wardrobe. After all, you never know when a formal occasion will spring up. That said, you probably really only need one, or at least a fairly small set.

Stefan Jokovich FW21

This sort of item can be a little trickier to pick out for the long term, because a party dress can be somewhat less forgiving to any minor fluctuations in shape or size over time. That said, a look at the dress selections on Woman Within and their inclusive sizing options can give you some ideas of what to go with. These dresses, like the Burnout Pattern Velour by Ellos, show a more flexible side to the traditional party ensemble that can suit you for several seasons.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are among the most useful accessories one can buy, to the point that it’s just about essential to have a pair you love. Whether you wear them everywhere, keep them in your car for driving, or simply break them out on vacation, you need a reliable pair that will last.

Naughty Sunday

These days there’s actually quite the trend toward stylish internet companies selling cheaper sunglasses. While these can look great though, they’re almost meant to be bought in bulk, with different colors for different outfits, new styles each season, etc. It’s fun, but it means an awful lot of resource consumption. So instead we’d recommend finding a high-quality pair you can see yourself wearing for a few years at least. Just take care of them! These beloved stables are distressingly easy to lose….

Backpacks

For anyone who may not have noticed, backpacks aren’t just for students anymore. In recent years, they’ve actually become quite trendy as alternatives to larger purses or day bags.

Fendi

That said, buying one that’s not well made, or which winds up not having enough space for your needs, will only result in another replacement before you should need one. So, again, opt for quality and consider versatility if you decide to buy one of these accessories.

Tortuga

To start you off on the right foot, we’d note the waterproof Tortuga “Outbreaker Backpack” as a durable and roomy option, ideal for travel but okay to sling over one shoulder for a day out in town as well. Something like this ought to last quite a while.

Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings can always add a bit of glamour to even the simplest of looks. The accessory also isn’t typically subject to the ups and downs of trends, so it’s likely that you’ll be able to continue sporting a new favorite pair for many years to come.

Aurate

If that’s the goal though, and you’re going for something durable to cut down on future shopping, it’s again in your best interest to invest in something of a good, reliable make and design – even thoughthere are innumerable cheap, pretty earrings out there. You don’t want to have to keep recycling your jewelry drawer as cheap pieces dull or break.

Hat

Purchasing a high-quality hat will ensure that you won’t have to deal with other accessories for your head (such as headscarves, which are so often made of silk)

Any time you’re having a bad hair day, you want to cover up a bit, or you just want to elevate the rest of your ensemble with something bold and stylish, a favorite hat can be the perfect solution. And what better option to start with than this Panama hat from Clyde Pinch?

Hopefully this has given you some things to think about. Supporting responsible design and sticking with eco-friendly materials can be wonderful efforts toward reducing your impact on the environment. But focusing on lasting pieces for your wardrobe can help to cut down on material waste in its own way as well. And with some of the pieces above, you can do it! For some style inspiration, check out Julia Bortsova‘s street style photography.