If you live on the East coast like we do at idPearl — our fashion boutique in New York — then you’ve probably noticed the trees are turning cherry blossom pink and Central Park is filled with people. Spring is officially here and summer isn’t too far behind. People are excited to wear sleeveless clothing and mini dresses. As we enter another season and change our closets from heavy sweaters to linen tops, our closets will be a lot lighter and easier to sift through.
You might be thinking of buying a new wardrobe to welcome the new weather with open arms. Wearing a new piece of clothing always exudes an aura of excitement and confidence that you don’t typically feel when wearing something old. “Out with the old and in with the new,” is a popular motto for good reason! You can always shop at the same stores you’ve been to year after year, or you can turn over a new leaf and shop sustainably from independent designers in the fashion industry. You’ll be spending a lot of time in nature the next few months, so you might as well show the environment how much you care and give back by forgoing fast fashion for slow fashion and saving resources the earth needs to sustain itself.
Some textiles and sustainable materials to look for in sustainable clothing include natural fibers like Tencel, organic cotton, recycled polyester, viscose, and wood pulp. You can also look out for labels that say zero waste, upcycled, or second-hand, which can limit your carbon footprint. Sustainable clothing doesn't look that much different and isn’t lower quality than non-sustainable dresses.
Whether you already incorporate sustainable clothing into your wardrobe and want to add a few pieces to your collection for spring and summer or don’t know the first thing about sustainable fashion, we’ve got you covered. Before you shop for a sustainable dress to wear to a park, party, or poolside, check out our list of favorite eco-friendly dresses up ahead.
These sustainable brands are fair trade brands that protect the environment and workers’ rights with fair wages/living wages.
The Midi Dress
Baruni Apparel’s CrisCross Lurex Dress comes in white, the perfect color for spring and summer. Made from wrinkled lurex, which is a shiny and stretchy fabric, this dress looks like you’re moving even when you’re standing still. The detachable belt cinches effortlessly under your bust and the square neckline seamlessly crisscrosses in the back. Style it with the white leather Coupè Foldover Handbag by Bergè and tan shoes. Versatility is the name of the game when it comes to this dress!
Shop the midi dress here.
The Wrap Dress
This is the type of dress that can bring you from winter to summer. Buy the black dress for winter and the white one for spring, summer, and even fall. The white dress features orange polka dots on the skirt with long ruffles cascading past the ankles. With sustainable fabrics like an organic cotton mix and rayon lining, you can feel good about wearing this dress for a special occasion.
Shop the wrap dress here.
The Short Sleeve Dress
When it’s too hot to wear long sleeves and not hot enough to wear sleeveless, opt for a short sleeve dress like Baruni’s flutter sleeve dress. It comes in bronze, black, or green — take your pick! The high slit at the side can be buttoned for a more modest look. And did we mention it has pockets? Conveniently store your essentials or keep your hands cozy.
The detachable tie and bell sleeves add feminine movement to the otherwise straight-line dress. Complete the look by styling it with a mini handbag and metallic slides.
Shop the short sleeve dress here.
The Maxi Dress
Add a little fun to your closet with this two-tone maxi dress by Baruni apparel. The Baruni collection uses lots of colors and flowy silhouettes for chic women who always have somewhere to be. Made of soft georgette fabric, the Baruni tiered dress features a V-neck line with a playful ruffle detail. Style it with low pumps or flats depending on the occasion.
Shop the maxi dress here.
The Shirt Dress
Shirt dresses may appear to be casual at first glance, but they’re typically considered to be on the fancier side with a collar and button-down style. Baruni’s swirl pattern button front dress sweeps the floor and features dramatic puff sleeves. The light jacquard print pattern is a friendly fabric that’s the perfect color for spring and summer. Style it with drop earrings and heels for any special occasion.
Shop the shirt dress, here.
- By Bonnie Azoulay