Inside an Ethical Wardrobe: Spring 2017

Inside an Ethical Wardrobe

A quick look inside my ethical spring wardrobe.

I had intended to make this a regular feature on StyleWise, but it’s kind of a pain to pull everything out of my closet then put it back in again, so it seems I neglected to share anything in 2016. If you’re interested in comparing this season’s wardrobe to Spring 2015, you can read that post here.

The weather is all over the place this time of year, so I still regularly pull out sweaters and boots, but I wouldn’t say they are really a part of my spring wardrobe. I should also note that the vast majority of these items are not new – most have been a component in my closet for at least a year, but some of them have been going strong for 4-5 years!

Without further ado…

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Clockwise from top left: Elegantees Giselle Cold Shoulder Tee | Stack of Elegantees Tee (out of stock), Everlane Tees, and thrifted top | Everlane Striped Tee | Thrifted Striped Top and Button Down Tank | Thrifted Silk Bandanas (similar) | Elegantees Celeste Flutter Top

What’s New: I added a few Elegantees stretch knit tops to my wardrobe this season to spruce things up, including a moss colored tunic that’s currently sitting in my clothes hamper.

Clockwise from top: Karen Kane Jeans (similar), made in USA | American Eagle Boyfriend Jeans (not ethical) | Eileen Fisher Cropped Jeans (similar) | Vintage Jeans

What’s New: Just the Karen Kane jeans.

Left to right: Old Cardigan | Everlane Soft Cotton Square Cardigan | Love Justly Kimono Jacket (c/o)

What’s New: Both the Everlane cardigan and the kimono jacket are new this season, and I wear them all the time.

a sampling of spring skirts - Inside an Ethical Wardrobe

Clockwise from top left: Synergy Organic Clothing Full Skirt (similar) | Thrifted Cutoff Skirt | Synergy Organic Clothing Holly Skirt | Vintage Skirt, thrifted

What’s New: I just bought this “Made in Texas” peasant skirt at a local thrift shop last week. The denim skirt was purchases a few months ago, but I haven’t been able to wear it much until now.

leather and orange crossbody and red paisley vera bradley tote - Inside an Ethical Wardrobe

Left to right: Greenheart Shop Crossbody | Thrifted Vera Bradley Tote (similar)

What’s New: I couldn’t resist this old school Vera Bradley tote when I saw it at the thrift shop. It’s in good condition, and the lightly padded quilted fabric will be good for toting around my new laptop.

four pairs of shoes in a row - Inside an Ethical Wardrobe

Left to right: Sseko Designs Suede Loafers | Sseko Designs Gold Loafers | Thrifted Earth Shoes (similar) | Frye Oxfords (questionably ethical, but some styles are made in USA)

What’s New: Not shown, a pair of red suede loafers I thrifted last week. I’ll feature sandals in my summer wardrobe post (if I manage to remember to photograph it!). I also plan on buying a pair of the Everlane flats (featured in the first image on this post) when they come out next week.

That’s (mostly) it! There are a few items I couldn’t photograph because they’re dirty, and I left out dresses because I have yet to wear a dress this season. For me, they’re more of a summer item.

I hope this is helpful to you. Let me know if you have any questions!

Leah Wise

Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.