Through the Wardrobe, Trend Sustainability in Winter 2024

JAX WEAFER for MacInStyle 

Monday November 13th 2023

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Via IMAXTree for The Impression

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It is important to note that, before discussing the claims of sustainability, the most sustainable thing to do in fashion is to reject trend cycles, especially microtrends. At the global level, excess and conspicuous consumption are driving the climate crisis, and leaving the global west's last-season textile waste to accumulate in the very countries that were exploited to produce it. With that being said, it is entirely possible to engage in trends in a way that considers their environmental impact. Here are some ways to participate in the 2023/24 Winter season styles, sustainably.  

1. Leather 

Most controversially this winter season, leather is making a comeback, much to the chagrin of environmentalists and sustainable fashion enthusiasts. While pleather is often recommended as an alternative to animal leathers, pleather is made of plastic and has its own set of environmental drawbacks. Instead of purchasing new, animal or pleather products, search in thrift stores and vintage shops for vintage leather or pleather goods. 

Isabel Marant, Fall 2023 (Image Via Nast)  

2. Bows, lace, ribbons

Considering recent collections from Miu-Miu, Sandy Liang, and the impact of the current ‘girl-economy', bows, ribbons, and lace are all growing in popularity amongst fashion enthusiasts and Pinterest users. While this trend may seem very light-hearted and fun, the fast-fashion implications of it are not, and clothing featuring bow and rosette appliques (a-la Sandy Liang SS24) has already appeared on fast-fashion sites such as Cider and Shein. Instead of opting into this trend unsustainably, try adding lace, ribbon, or rosette appliques to your garments instead. Conveniently, adding any of these details is incredibly easy to do by hand and with no prior sewing expertise. Better yet, is that Hamilton happens to be one of the best places in Ontario to buy cheap, bulk or sample-size fabrics, lace, and ribbons.  For a video tutorial on how to make rosettes, check out this tutorial from Kita Liss on YouTube. For all your lace, ribbon, and fabric needs, check out Empire Make Space on Ottawa Street.  

Sandy Liang, FW 2023 (Image VIa Gregoire Avenel)  

  3. Dark Red/Marron 

It seems like the drab millennial greys and beiges inundating audiences and filling the racks of Zara and Aritzia are beginning to fade. And in their place, a new classic color is staking its claim. Dark Red has been showing up across feeds and in the collections of various designers over the past few seasons, and with the color's rise in popularity, will, inevitably, come with the rise of more clothing manufactured and purchased in this color. Aside from the usual environmental and social impacts of fast fashion, clothing manufactured with dye poses various environmental and health risks, as discussed in Articles of Interest’s most recent episode. While thrifting clothing does not guarantee the quality of dyes used in the manufacture of the garment, it does ensure that you are not feeding into fast fashion cycles via purchasing new items. If you wish to ensure that the clothing you are buying is produced using quality dyes, check to see any possible information listed on the company’s website about the dye manufacturers they are working with.  

Via @nikitamacrae on TikTok 

 4. Boots 

Shoes are, and have been, an item that is in constant stylistic flux. Take, for example, the Versace Medusa style heels taking strides (pun intended) last year, vs the Miu-Miu ballet flats of 2023-2024, and massive stylistic shifts can be seen. While purchasing a new pair of sneakers every year to fit what is trending may seem inconsequential, the impact of these consumer trends is insurmountable. Despite efforts from activists and watchdog groups, working conditions in Nike and Reebok shoe factories are still incredibly inhumane. And the environmental impact of Nike's practices is not ideal. While it may be difficult to renounce the purchase of certain shoe brands, it is entirely possible to opt out of sneaker and shoe trend cycles for styles of footwear that you appreciate and wear for more than one year. Instead of buying into footwear micro-trends, take time to invest in figuring out what styles of footwear best suit your stylistic preferences and needs.  

Via Steve Madden 

It is easy to sit and talk about abandoning all trend cycles and rejecting fast-fashion in theory. However, it is far more difficult in practice. Often, discussions about sustainability in fashion tend to ignore the simple fact that we, as people, and as fashion enthusiasts, want to look stylish. And often, fast fashion is a very easy buy-in to looking the part. However, the impact of trend cycles, at the environmental and social level, cannot be ignored. Ultimately, it may be better for us, as consumers, and as lovers of fashion, to be more selective about which trends we engage with. Considering first, the quality, longevity, and our personal tastes before buying into a trend. After all, it will be better for our planet and for our wallets. 

 References

Trufelman, Avery. “Articles of Interest.” Substack.com, Articles Of Interest, 8 Nov. 2023,  articlesofinterest.substack.com/. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023. 

“How Ethical Is Nike Inc? | Ethical Consumer.” Ethical Consumer, 13 May 2018, www.ethicalconsumer.org/company-profile/nike-inc. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023. 

“Working Conditions in Sports Shoe Factories in China | Corpwatch.” Corpwatch.org, 2021, www.corpwatch.org/article/working-conditions-sports-shoe-factories-china. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023. 

Image References: 

Nast, Condé. “Isabel Marant Fall 2023 Ready-To-Wear Fashion Show.” Vogue, 2023, www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2023-ready-to-wear/isabel-marant/slideshow/collection#33. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023. 

‌Staff, WWD. “Sandy Liang RTW Fall 2023 [PHOTOS].” WWD, WWD, 11 Feb. 2023, wwd.com/fashion-news/shows-reviews/gallery/sandy-liang-rtw-fall-1235519017/sandy-liang-rtw-fall-2023/. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023. 

“ROCKY BROWN DISTRESSED.” Steve Madden, 2023, www.stevemadden.com/products/rocky-brown-distressed. Accessed 13 Nov. 2023. 

Numéro, La rédaction. “7 Trends Spotted at the Fall/Winter 2023-2024 Fashion Week.” Numéro Magazine,

‌ @CamriHewie on Instagram

The Impression Team. “Selkie.” The Impression, 9 Sept. 2021, theimpression.com/selkie-spring-2022-fashion-show/. Accessed 20 Nov. 2023.

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