A woman’s closet is made up of many items that range from current trends, avant-garde pieces to basic staples. No matter what your personal style is, we believe it’s important to have sustainable core items to balance out your closet.

Whether it’s a flattering black top or your go-to pair of jeans, there are classic wardrobe essentials that we all can’t live without. These items are the building blocks to our everyday looks. If you’re not sure where to start, you’re in luck. We’re going to help you build the perfect core wardrobe with essentials that will last for decades.

The first step to building a sustainable closet is sourcing sustainable brands for these core wardrobe items. This type of clothing will be higher quality and as a result, longer-lasting. Talk about a win-win for your wallet and the environment!

The second step is knowing what type of fabrics and dyes to look for when buying from sustainable brands. Keep in mind that sustainable fibers fall into one of three categories: natural, processed natural, and recycled synthetics. As for eco-friendly products that have been dyed, your best bet is to go for companies that are Bluesign certified and/or GOTS certified.

Sustainable Fabrics

Let’s start by looking at the types of fibers used in sustainable fashion manufacturing:

natural (cellulosic)
organically farmed
harvested in the fairest way possible
fit for purpose (e.g. nice to wear)
100% compostable

Eco-Friendly Dyes

Even if you have a totally organic cotton t-shirt, it’s not sustainable, eco-friendly or compostable if it’s saturated with toxic dyes that used excessive amounts of water and damage communities.

Eco-friendly, natural dyes: Colorlfix is one example and a particularly innovative one where a group of scientists figured out how to use non-polluting renewable chemistry to create natural dyes that use 10 times less water and are non-toxic. Their dyes can be used on both synthetic and natural fabrics
For synthetic fabrics: CO2 dyeing, created by Dyecoo, uses no water, less energy and 100% of the dye itself (no wasted dye). Another company called Colrep uses patented AirDye technology, also using less water and less energy.

Now, let’s start building your wardrobe with the basic essentials!

Checklist of clothing essentials you need in your sustainable wardrobe:

1. Basic Tops (Black & White)

Whether you’re going for a professional lunch with your team, or having a girls night at home, a basic tee will go very far in creating your look for the occasion. Tanks, tees and long sleeved basics are essentials you’ll wear depending on the season. Because these are the core wardrobe basics you’ll wear the most, look at the brands we recommend below so you can get maximum wear.

Our favorite is a black tee because it can be worn from day to night and if you make the (sometimes) unfortunate mistake of dropping something, nobody will notice! Wear it with a statement necklace and your favorite bottoms. Don’t get us wrong, a white tee is so versatile and makes you look stylish effortlessly. You can wear it with any color–with jeans and a blazer, a dress or jumpsuit and you’re ready to take on the day.

Brands we love: Marine Layer, Mate, Everlane, The Classic T-Shirt Company and Outerknown

2. White Button-Down

For a dressier look, a button-down white tee will quickly become your go-to to pair with everything. Not only does a shirt make you look smarter, you can pair it with jeans, trousers or skirts depending on how you’re feeling that day. Opt for organic cotton for a soft feel and sustainable touch to your outfits.

Brands we love: Grammar NYC, Jenni Kayne, Everlane

3. LBD

Every girl needs a little black dress in her closet. Never again have the feeling of not having something to wear when you need to head out the door for your event. Your LBD can be a t-shirt dress, a bodycon or an a-line style, whatever your style, you can be sure this dress will be easy to throw on and make you feel good.

Brands we love: Amour Vert, The R Collective and Reformation

4. Clean Denim Jeans

The key word here is clean. Clean, good-quality, sustainably-made denim can last you decades and for that reason is worth the investment. If you find a pair you love but doesn't fit quite right, we recommend getting them tailored.

Brands we love: Everlane, Boyish Denim, Levi’s, Reformation, Triarchy, Mott & Bow, DL1961

5. Dark Pants

For the days you’re not interested in denim, consider a pair of simple, skimming cut in a crisp fabric for day. For evening or night, look for a fuller leg in a fabric that drapes in black or navy.

Brands we love: Eileen Fisher, Kowtow, Everlane, Outerknown, Amour Vert

6. Two Jackets (tailored and sport)

A tailored jacket that looks great with denim or a pair of your dark pants for when you need to look put together and more professional. Find a sporty shape in a refined fabric, like a bomber, motorcycle jacket, or windbreaker style in leather, suede, soft wool or cotton twill that goes from work to play.

Brands we love: Everlane, The R Collective, Levi’s, Outerknown

7. Seasonless Sweaters

It’s always great to have layering pieces no matter the season. Look for fabrics that are cotton, lightweight merino or cashmere. Three colors to consider are black, skin-flattering neutral and a rich color to make your look pop.

Brands we love: Jenni Kayne, Naadam, Eileen Fisher