Summer Shopping: Cruelty-Free Fashion for Warm Weather
Warmer days are finally coming. The air is heating up, daylight lingers for longer, and we can look forward to long walks and cocktails on the beach. Our chunky knits have been relegated to the back of the wardrobe and replaced by lightweight dresses, bright colours and dainty sandals.
Summer is one of the easiest seasons to dress animal-friendly. We've said goodbye to fur, wool, cashmere and, overwhelmingly, leather. The only issue still on the agenda is silk – an animal-derived material that is commonly produced by boiling silkworms alive. As an alternative, we now have natural fabrics such as organic cotton, soft yet durable linen, or Tencel, crafted from wood-pulp cellulose. There are also some lesser-known yet sustainable materials such as ramie – made from a nettle plant – or Cupro, crafted from a part of the cotton plant that's not used for making cotton. Both are natural materials that can be made sustainably.
When picking accessories for your vegan summer wardrobe, choose plant-based leathers. Before these bio-based materials made their way onto the scene, most faux leathers were produced with the use of harsh, polluting substances such as PVC, which has been found to be among the most toxic materials in fashion. Today's vegan fashion brands offer leathers made from materials such as corn, apples, grapes and cactus, which are cruelty-free and kind to the environment. And speaking of today's vegan fashion brands, we've rounded up some of our favourites below, to inspire your summer wardrobe.
The heeled sandal: Bhava Imani Wedge Sandal
A chunky square block heel offers elevation but is reassuringly comfortable. US-based brand Bhava's sleek sandal features a wood heel as well as a cork insole and a fully vegan eco-suede lining. Manufactured in Spain, Bhava's designs are made in small batches to keep the production as sustainable as possible. Wear with a midi dress and denim jacket.
The crossbody bag: FRIDA ROME The Week/End Tan
Soft and supple apple leather and a caramel shade sets this accessory apart. British vegan accessory label FRIDA ROME creates a limited collection of made-to-order accessories that will last way beyond summer. A faux shearling panel can also be added to make the design even more versatile (and ready for cold weather). Throw this on over a white dress paired with sneakers for a casual but still elegant summer look.
The sneaker: MoEa Rise
An unfussy silhouette meets a selection of punchy colours in MoEa's low-top style made from corn leather. Designed to reconnect you to the ground, these shoes feature a breathable upper and a cushioned midsole. Pair with your favourite jeans for an outfit you'll keep reaching for time after time.
The hat: Delikate Rayne Game Changer
Top up your look with this simple yet statement-making cap from edgy vegan brand Delikate Rayne. The soft vegan suede makes this accessory fit comfortably, and the versatile design makes it a perfect complement to a loose jumpsuit and sneakers. The best part? A percentage of sales is donated to PETA's work to protect animals.
The minimalist day dress: Nois New York By Signe Emi Pleated Dress
Soft organic cotton, subtle pleats and a minimalist design perfect for summer: this is one dress that will become a new wardrobe favourite. This design is responsibly made in Turkey with fully natural materials. Wear with sneakers and a tote bag for day, dress up with the above Bhava heels for your next summer party.
The statement bag: Miomojo Tecla Silver
Leather made from apples is the main star of the show here – a soft and supple yet durable material crafted with apple waste. The silver sheen will turn heads, while the sophisticated design makes this bag ideal for both daytime and evening. Pair with a linen suit and flats for a relaxed yet polished vibe.
The pop of colour dress: Baukjen Bella Organic Cheesecloth Midi Dress
Known for their variety of dresses, Baukjen's a sustainable-fashion go-to when it comes to summer clothing. This tangerine-hued design brings a zesty energy to warm days. The puff sleeves and smocked detailing add to its charm. Pair with delicate, barely-there sandals and oversized sunglasses.
The sunglasses: Pala Eyewear Baobab
And speaking of sunglasses, you can't go wrong with Pala Eyewear: with attention to detail and the utmost care for the Earth impact, this brand uses recycled and plant-derived materials in their versatile eyewear. This design caught our eye (pun very much intended) for its retro appeal and versatile light-brown tortoise shade. Add this to absolutely anything this summer – you'll never leave the house without them.
Discover everything you need to become a well-fed, stylish animal-lover. This fall, join thousands of others embracing plant-powered food and fashion for an entire month! Sign up for the Species Unite 30-Day Plant-Powered Challenge here to step into an exciting new world.
Written by Sascha Camilli
Sascha Camilli is a writer, speaker and vegan fashion expert. She founded the world's first digital vegan fashion magazine Vilda, and is the author of Vegan Style: Your Plant-Based Guide to Beauty, Fashion, Home & Travel. Her podcast, Catwalk Rebel, is out now.
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