10 Fall Essentials to Elevate Your Sustainable Wardrobe

Building a simple and versatile wardrobe can create a huge impact for the consumer (you and me!), the maker, and the environment. For us, it reduces decision fatigue and morning stress, reduces clutter, and increases money in our account. Pieces like the ones below are ethically made by people who are earning a fair wage–a life changing impact. It also decreases the environmental impact that clothing has on the world. Win-win-win!

A simple and versatile wardrobe is built on timeless and essential pieces that can be mixed and matched for a variety of looks. Easy, RIGHT?! 😐

About 7 years ago I was feeling super overwhelmed building an intentional, versatile wardrobe, and a guide like this would’ve helped me so much! There are a LOT of “essential style guides” on the internet these days, but I rarely come across one that shares *all* ethically-made pieces.

So, here are some must-have wardrobe essentials for a simple wardrobe, that will help you look good but also feel good. These pieces create fair wage, dignified work for the people who make the clothes. And while trends may come and go, equality is always in!

Pieces linked below:

Long sleeve shirt– It’s easy to layer and the rib detail on this one really elevates the basic top.
Turtleneck– I have both black and marshmallow and wear them all the time, both on their own and as a layer.
Layering coat– This quilted chore coat is great because it can be worn on it’s own OR under a trench, sweater coat, etc. A denim jacket or bomber jacket is another idea.
Striped Sweater– When I say this one is the softest cotton sweater I own, I mean it! Cotton is low-maintenance and good for the planet, so this is my go-to for sweaters. (Code KIM15 gets you 15% off)
Crewneck Cardigan– A crewneck is so versatile: it can be worn on it’s own buttoned up, or turned around, or unbuttoned as a layer.
Neutral Sweater– Classic, versatile, simple to layer as needed.
Blue Jeans– choose your silhouette here, but I love a good high waisted jean. These wide leg ones are easy to pair with shoes and the dark wash is more classic.
Cream Jeans– Admittedly I wish mine were full length, but on nice days I pull these out because light colors in fall and winter make me so happy.
Trousers– In my opinion, they are comfier than leggings and elevate an outfit with minimal effort. They’re classic, too!
Trench Coat– Isn’t this one a given? It’s a classic Fall piece that can be layered for Winter, too!

As a bonus, I’ve also compiled my go-to accessories for this fall, which will definitely carry in to winter and beyond. Whether you fancy a black base or brown base, I’ve gotcha covered!