After a week of beautiful sunshine, I feel it is safe to say summer is on its way. I’m even tempted to go up into the loft and bring down my true high summer wardrobe, but maybe that’s a step too far. So I thought I’d share with you some of my favourite key ethical summer wardrobe pieces. As always I’ve tried to mix good quality basics with some hero pieces to shake things up a bit, and so I don’t get bored with my clothes. Here are the pieces I’ve chosen and as always I’ve got you some great discounts.
The two piece
Let’s start with a WOW item. I love the new trend for a two piece, a top and trousers that are in the same print. Worn together its a real style statement. It is also a great alternative to a jumpsuit if you’re breastfeeding or hate getting completely undressed each time you go to the toilet. The floral print trousers and top are from one of my favourite ethical brands People Tree. The wide leg high-waisted Susie Floral Trousers and top are made from Tencel® which is a lightweight fluid fabric great for summer and soft to the touch.
Ethical✓People Tree are a very transparent company and will also declare where each item of their clothing is made. These trousers and top were made by Creative Handicrafts. It’s a social enterprise working to empower disadvantaged women of the slum communities of Mumbai.
Sustainable✓ Made from 100% Tencel® which is a fabric made from sustainable wood sources.
The Slogan T
For a less dramatic effect and a more casual look you can also opt to wear each item separately. In all my years working in the fashion industry, slogan Ts have always been en vogue. I have several in my wardrobe, but particularly love the simplicity of this EarthPositive®, organic Be Kind T Shirt from Self Care Co. I’ve also added my trusted biker, TOMS trainers and favourite Seville dome pendant from ethical jewellery brand Little by Little.
Ethical✓ Fair Wear Foundation certified
Sustainable✓ This is an EarthPositive® T which means carbon neutral manufacturing, made from 100% organic cotton.
The Mom Jeans
These slim line mom jeans from Asos’ Eco Edit are a firm favourite of mine, but I have debated whether to include them in this edit. I love the cut. The highwaist hides my mum tum, and the slim leg is flattering without being too tight. Also at £32 they are very affordable, essential with all those mouths to feed. Fashion Revolution recently revealed their Transparency Index and Asos scored 41-50% which means that they are declaring their suppliers and tackling issues such as the gender pay gap, collective bargaining and textile waste. But to my mind to say that a company is ethical they have to be paying everyone in the supply chain a fair living wage.
Ethical? Scores 41-50% in Fashion Revolution’s Transparency Index.
Sustainable✓ Made from Cotton made in Africa which promotes sustainable farming and living and working conditions of farmers through trade. Please note this isn’t organic cotton, which I would consider to be the best option.
The Straw Bag
You’ll have noticed a couple of straw bags in these pictures, and for summer I think a straw bag is an essential. The shopper is from a small market in the South of France and is just what the French use to buy their vegetables. I bought the round beaded bag from Made by Wave. Made by Wave was founded by former journalist and travel writer Victoria in 2015, she’s taken traditional Indonesian craftsmanship and combined it with modern design to create wonderful colourful bags and travel accessories.
Ethical✓ Handcrafted using traditional Indonesian craftsmanship.
Sustainable✓ Made from rattan straw with a cotton lining.
The Linen Dress
Linen is an amazing fabric, not only does it look beautiful but it’s locally grown and requires only water to grow. Also, all parts of the plant are used so it’s zero waste. This dress is from Ragtrade Clothing Co who I discovered on instagram and immediately fell in love with. Ragtrade Clothing Co was founded by Sammi, an English girl living in Dubai, who hand makes all the garments which she then sells on Etsy. This is the Amelia Dress, and because it is handmade I was able to choose the colour and the length of the dress. Naturally I opted for below the knee, after two children my days of short skirts are over. It also has buttons down the front so if you’re breast-feeding that’s a plus and it also comes in mini people’s size too, so twinning is possible.
Ethical✓ Handmade by Sammi
Sustainable✓ Made from 100% linen.
The Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are a key part of the mum uniform, as they are super comfy, practical and require zero thought to style. I love this organic cotton floral jumpsuit from Thought clothing, so much so that I’ve written about it before, but I had to include it as it is one of my favourite pieces. Please click here to read it.
Ethical✓ Thought are founding members of the Ethical Fashion Forum.
Sustainable✓ Made from 100% organic cotton slub jersey.
Fluted Sleeves
The fluted sleeve shape is an important trend this summer and I love this pretty white embroidered top also from Thought . It also helps that they haven’t made the sleeve shape too large so it is still practical, it won’t dangle in the beans when you’re serving the kids dinner.
Ethical✓ Thought are founding members of the Ethical Fashion Forum.
Sustainable✓ Made from 100% organic cotton slub jersey.
Exclusive Discounts!
To get 20% off Thought please use code N420, valid until 7th July 2018.
To get 10% off People Tree please use code N4MUMMY10, valid until 31st May 2018 on new in product excluding V&A, underwear and shoes.
Shop Your Ethical Summer Wardrobe
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Susie Floral Trousers*” | People Tree
Floral Top*” | People Tree (sold out)
Be Kind T “ | Self Care Co.
White Trainers*” | TOMS (this style sold out, but link to others)
Seville Dome Pendant” | Little by Little
Mom Jeans | Asos Eco Edit
Round Beaded Bag | Made By Wave
Amelia Dress*” | Ragtrade Clothing Co
Floral Jumpsuit*” | Thought
Fluted Sleeve Top*” | Thought
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Disclosure
All products marked with a star = affilliate links i.e. if you buy something I make a small commission (thank you!)
Those marked with a ” were gifted to me by the brand.