Where To Find Fall Basics: Ethical, Cheap, and Fashionable
Even if the weather doesn’t indicate it, fall is finally here! The dropping temperatures not only mean it’s time for hot lattes and Halloween decorations, but it’s also time to bring your cardigans and jeans out of the closet. Anyone looking for fall fashion essentials that will stand out without breaking the bank will find many stores to choose from, but it can be hard to find stores that are dedicated to humane and climate-friendly production. If you’re looking to buy cute clothes that give back, we’ve selected a few options that are affordable and ethical. All options are rated on a scale of one-to-five stars, with five being optimal ethical production or pricing, and one star being the least ethical or affordable.
Thrift Stores
Thrifting has, as of late, become a popular option for anyone trying to find inexpensive clothing. The best part of thrifting is the way it gives clothing a second life; when clothes are donated instead of tossed out, it keeps textiles out of landfills. This also allows them to be sold at a lower cost than new clothing since manufacturing costs are nonexistent. Although it can be hard to find trendy clothes at thrift stores, it’s easy to find quirky vintage pieces that can be upcycled or basic tee shirts and jeans. Whether you’re looking for an accent to a basic outfit or fashion staples, thrift stores are the top option for both price and ethics.
Price: $$$$$
Sustainability: ★★★★★
Online Resale Sites
Online resellers are a great resource if you’re looking for a more specific item or curated categories of clothing. Apps like Depop, Poshmark, and Mercari are known for having all kinds of vintage and modern fashions. The apps have search functions that allow you to find individual brands, sizes, colors, and even price ranges. Depop is most known for vintage, luxury, and deadstock clothing. Poshmark has high shipping fees that may worry potential buyers, but the number of dirt-cheap items on the site make it a smart option for finding any sort of style. On Mercari, you can find all sorts of items ranging from home décor to popular clothing brands with lower shipping costs compared to Poshmark. All apps, however, have shipping fees, tax, and possible scammers that can make things pricey. The variety of clothing and the fact that it’s all secondhand may make these apps a smart option, but it may be out of the price ranges of some shoppers.
Price: $$$$$
Sustainability: ★★★★★
Big Box Stores & Outlets
If you’re looking for something quick, trendy, and brand new, your best bet would be heading to your local Walmart, Marshalls, or Target. These are the least expensive options for new clothes on this list, but they’re also the least ethical. Buying from any large corporate store is considered dubious in terms of ethics and sustainability, particularly when information on their production process is not publicly available. The amount of low-cost basic clothing makes big box stores an option to consider if you’re low on cash, but be wary of cheap materials and unethical corporate practices.
Price: $$$$$
Sustainability: ★★☆☆☆
Pact
This store boasts organic cotton clothing made in Fair Trade Certified™ factories, as well as reduced emissions in its shipping process and a partnership with a clothing recycling organization. It cannot brag about low prices, however; Pact is the most expensive option on this list. In addition, its color, print, and style selections are slim. Their 100 Percent Cotton collection is considerably more environmentally friendly than anything bought at a Walmart, but the cost may be a dealbreaker if you’re operating within the confines of a college student’s budget.
Price: $$$$$
Sustainability: ★★★★☆
Shop Pact at https://wearpact.com/
Happy Earth
While Happy Earth is a more accessible option price-wise than Pact, the styles leave more to be desired. Clothing from the website is branded and has large, bright graphics. Their accessories are the main attraction fashion-wise; they sell embroidered, simplistic snapbacks in cute colors. The organizations partnered with Happy Earth are the selling point for the company, and their collaboration with Trees for the Future has resulted in nearly 400,000 trees planted. If you’re looking for something globally conscious, Happy Earth is a place to start, but there are several other options that may be better for you style-wise and budget-wise.
Price: $$$$$
Sustainability: ★★★★☆
Shop Happy Earth at https://www.happyearthapparel.com/