Sustainable Chic: Top Sustainable Brands for Luxury Gifting and Wardrobe Must-Haves
One of the few blessings of our modern era is that you don’t have to swap your Hermes loafers for a dilapidated, mismatched hemp sash just to prove you care about the planet. I’m constantly at war with my inner capitalist shopaholic—the part of me that screams, “Buy it all!”—while my eco-conscious side mutters, “We’re royally screwing the planet, you indulgent degenerate.” Which side wins depends on whatever headlines are scrolling across my screen.
If you’re caught in that same absurd tug-of-war—torn between gifting yourself, friends or family a designer piece and the gut-wrenching realization that every purchase might be another nail in Mother Earth’s coffin—then this luxury sustainable guide is your lifeline. So get ready to take notes as you plan out a eco-friendly gifting strategy for loved ones (or yourself, no judgement).
Conscious Gifting Ideas from High End Ethical Brands
Here’s my list of eco chic retail, high-end brands that won’t make you cringe or feel like you’re signing up for a front-row seat on the downward spiral express.
Photo Credit: Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney
Yes, yes she is the daughter of The Beatles’ Paul McCartney, but despite clearly coming from privilege this designer has tried to use her spotlight for good. Her brand has gorgeous iconic handbags like the Falabella bags which are a great starter purchase for anyone wanting to start their collection with responsible practices in mind. True it’s vegan leather (ahem, cough cough fake leather) but its quality feels luxurious with a kickass design. If you want a statement piece go for the Crystal Fringe Falabella mini tote bag or any one of her closed toe shoes like my personal fav Elsa Studded Kitten heels.
Photo Credit: Gabriela Hearst
Gabriela Hearst
A flying-under-the-radar quiet luxury brand, Gabriela Hearst has gone plastic-free since 2019 and continues to show us that being ecologically mindful doesn’t mean your clothes and accessories have to royally suck. I recommend getting or gifting some of her killer guacho-inspired Capitana boots. For holidays or birthdays gifts that will keep your loved ones cozy, splurge on her Lawrence Knit Sweater or opt to buy her Kaitlin Knit Jacket if you want to project money moves.
Photo Credit: Raeburn
Christopher Raeburn
Getting gifts for guys and mascs is really hard. But we know they mostly like basic shit (no shade… okay fine, a slither of shade), and Chrisopher Raeburn does sustainable and wearable really well. Best of all he uses organic cotton and upholds sustainable production methods so the next time you're stumped on what to get your fellow or butchy babe, I’d recommend the Overshirt in olive.
Photo Credit: BITE Studios
BITE Studios: By Independent Thinkers for Environmental progress
Confession, I only recently came across the Swedish brand BITE Studios but have been eyeing their pieces ever since stumbling across them last year. Funky designs with silhouettes that make me feel like a badass, I can’t imagine anyone who loves Mother Earth while also possessing edgy style would be upset with being gifted one of their dresses (obsessed with the Radieux organic silk evening dress) or their tailored denim shirt.
Photo Credit: Christy Dawn
Christy Dawn
For your boho, Cali-minded, comfort-seeking friendies, there’s no better gift than one of Christy Dawn’s pieces, specifically the Monica Dress they’re famous for. It’s a go-to for any time you want to just throw on a simple dress but look like you had forethought and aren’t bumming it. For a pop of color, check out the Nola Cardigan for gorgeous sculpted shoulder game. I love the fact they have petite sizing (it’s rarer than you think - as someone who literally needs to hem all of my trousers and dresses I gleefully squeal whenever petite sizes are called out). They even have a pre-loved section as a testament to their eco-driven, circular fashion brand.
Photo Credit: House of Marici
House of Marici
Let’s go down the path of purses, specifically handbags made with plant-based materials that avoid using animal products altogether. House of Marici offers a great alternative to Prada’s Saffiano 90s nylon bag with The Chelsea. Or if you or your friends are more of the Santa Fe retired hippie commune type, check out the turquoise The Chelsea Stud version to spice things up.
Photo Credit: Brother Vellies
Brother Vellies
If you’re more of a shoe addict, Brother Vellies is a no brainer. Specifically their boots, any one of them are to die for - I’m looking at you Palms Boots. Their Lilia High sandals are also gasp-inducing and would make an unforgettable gift for even the bitchiest of us. But what I love most, is their small production collaborations in the Bodega section of their store. You’ll find truly unique pieces for home decor that showcase handcrafted design above all.
Photo Credit: Stine Goya
Stine Goya
Bold colors, funky patterns and cuts with the mindset of wardrobe longevity instead of fast fashion, Stine Goya is perfect for those of us who love statement pieces and unconventional designs that make heads turn. I’m a sucker for graphic design and can spend an hour scrolling through this brand’s online store hunting for the perfect work dress or special wardrobe addition for a friend. But my heart sings at the sight of their shoes - think JW Anderson/Bottega Veneta. Take a look at Stine Goya’s version of the constantly rehashed ballerina shoe, Ergo Stone Strap Ballerina and tell me you don’t want to buy it immediately. I dare you.
Photo Credit: Caalo
Caalo
If you live anywhere with seasons (don’t judge, I grew up in Miami which only had 2 seasons: monsoon spring and full on scorch of the earth swamp summer), outerwear is a staple. Caalo is a perfect option to add sustainable coats and jackets to your closet, guilt-free especially if you live in colder climates. Chic with gorgeous cuts, Caalo’s Wool Down Coat in gray serves as the perfect last outer layer without the bulgy, frumpy look typically needed to stay warm. If you live in a misty city like London or Seattle, check out their trenches - this water resistant option with zippers lends itself to different looks and is a no brainer to gift.
Photo Credit: Bleusalt
Bleusalt
Flirting with the idea of scaling down and living a life of smaller carbon footprint but still want to look fabulously chic in the process? Give Bleusalt a try. They even have a section for anyone dabbling with capsule wardrobes so you can just gift a capsule luxe starter kit without researching hours on which pieces to invest in. The brand is unisex and its collections are vegan and cruelty-free, basically a godsend whenever you find yourself stumped figuring out what to get your earth-loving partner, parents or friends.
Mara Hoffman
Sadly closing her eponymous clothing line in 2024 as proof of how hard fucking hard it is to be a genuinely sustainable lux brand in our world, Mara Hoffman may be closing shop in 2025 but you can still buy one of her eye catching dresses in second hand shops like The Real Real, but frankly this is one earth-friendly brand I’m going to genuinely miss.
