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13 Dec

7 Ethical Outfits for the Festive Season

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If you want to inject a little festivity into your wardrobe while still approaching the holiday season with a more sustainable attitude, we’ve found some amazing ethical festive outfits.

Festive outfits ideas from “Good” and “Great” brands

December is here, 2023 is almost finished, and the holidays are officially upon us. ‘Tis the season for decadent meals, festive decorations, and time spent with loved ones. But with all the shopping we’re about to do, it’s also the season of mass consumerism.

Let’s face it; the holidays are one of the most common excuses to add new pieces to our closets. It can be hard to say no to some indulgent purchases, from the new sweater dresses and seasonal sales to the collections of shimmering shoes that are like ornaments for the feet. What’s even more difficult is saying no to the fast fashion boom that’s almost too tempting with its velveteen and sequins designs attached to cut-rate price tags. But with this list, you’ll be one step closer to starting 2024 on a more eco-conscious foot.

We know the difficulties of 2023 have placed limitations on this year’s holiday season again, so we’ve tailored our list of the best ethical outfits to fit all circumstances. Whether you decide to go out or stay in, our collection of “Good” and “Great” brands will have you decked in garments made with cruelty-free production methods, quality materials, and sleek cuts. After all, this is the season of giving.

For that holiday movie marathon

Underprotection

Rated: Good

Fie Shirt and Short– Ships Internationally from Denmark

PJs this decadent can only be fit for the holidays. All of Underprotection’s synthetic materials come from recycled sources, and are both GRS-certified, guaranteeing that the materials have actually been recycled, and Oeko-Tex certified, which labels it free of harmful chemicals. These vegan PJs not only wrap you in some of the cosiest satin material, but are also produced with your best interest in mind.

Find the range in XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Underprotection.

Conscious Step

Rated: Good

Socks That Protect The Arctic – Ships internationally from the US

Socks with a cause. Conscious Step is an American brand that offers premium fair trade, organic, vegan socks matched to a direct charitable impact. Choose from several causes including protecting our oceans, planting trees, and providing safe drinking water. Get snowed in supporting iconic bears with these cute organic cotton pairs.

The socks come in S-L sizes.

See the rating.

Shop Conscious Step.

For drinks with your crew

Christy Dawn

Rated: Great

The Elsa dress – Ships Internationally from the US

Using a farm-to-closet initiative, which involves regenerative cotton farming that helps in rebuilding soil organic matter, Christy Dawn is a brand that creates cosy, flexible dresses that work for those unpredictable family moments. The Elsa dress is a simple yet beautiful wrap dress fit for celebrating and unwinding.

Find the clothes in standard sizes XS-XL, or shop the Extended and Petite collections.

See the rating.

Shop Christy Dawn.

NAE

Rated: Good

Vane Vegan Heels – Ships internationally from Portugal

NAE is a Portuguese footwear, bags, and accessories brand using innovative materials to create goods with “No Animal Exploitation”. Its lower-impact materials include recycled PET from bottles, OEKO-TEX® certified microfibres, recycled car tyres, natural cork, recycled thermoplastic, and even pineapple leaf fibre. These gorgeous vegan block heels can be paired with any outfit for a touch of chic.

Find most of the shoes in sizes 36-46.

See the rating.

Shop NAE.

Shop NAE @ Staiy.

Shop NAE @ Urbankissed.

Mashu

Rated: Good

Philippa 2 White – Ships internationally from the UK

While Mashu’s price range is a little on the higher end, the British brand creates high-quality sustainable accessories, specializing in luxury handbags. The Philippa 2 White is a great sustainable addition to your wardrobe, complete with a removable strap and magnetic closure for your versatile needs. All of Mashu’s products are vegan and handmade in Athens, Greece.

See the rating.

Shop Mashu.

ASKET

Rated: Good

Black Merino Roll Neck – Ships internationally from Sweden

ASKET has been creating timeless wardrobe essentials since 2015 with revolutionary sizing and fair pricing. The brand disregards seasonal collections, cuts out all the middlemen, and only sells directly to you—putting its entire focus on building a single permanent collection. Chuck this black cosy roll neck sweater on if it gets a little chilly.

Find the range in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop ASKET.

For a lovely winter hike

Finisterre

Rated: Good
Person wearing ethical khaki puffer jacket by Finisterre

Nebulas Insulated Jacket – Ships internationally from the UK

Be one with the trees on your outdoor adventures in this 100% recycled (GRS certified) polyester puffer, the brand’s warmest insulated ladies jacket.

Born from the needs of hardy British surfers, Finisterre is a pioneering, sustainable outdoor brand, built to inspire a love of the sea and anchored in exceptional products.

The range is available in UK sizes 8-16.

See the rating.

Shop Finisterre.

Thesus (Alice + Whittles)

Rated: Good
sustainable weekender boot from fashion brand Alice + Whittles

The Weekend Boot – Ships internationally from Canada

Thesus (formerly known as Alice + Whittles) favours transparency, ethical manufacturing practices, and sustainable materials as a means of creating long-lasting, positive change. We love these hiking boots that can lower your carbon footprint while supporting your feet.

Find the boots in EU sizes 36-46.

See the rating.

Shop Thesus.

tentree

Rated: Good
A red wool beanie with a pompom, ethically made by tentree in Canada.

Wool Tree Cable Beanie – Ships internationally from Canada

A winter staple, this classic pom beanie will keep you warm all season long. All tentree’s products are created with an Earth-First approach, meaning they’re made in fair, safe working conditions, and constructed using only sustainably sourced and recycled materials.

tentree’s super comfy fabrics and easy wardrobe staples are typically available from XS to XL.

See the rating.

Shop tentree.

LANIUS

Rated: Good

Wool Scarf – Ships internationally from Germany

“Love Fashion, Think Organic, Be Responsible” are the maxims of LANIUS. It uses eco-friendly materials, like GOTS certified cotton. All LANIUS facilities are SA8000 certified and it is a member of the Fair Wear Foundation. Warming and stylish, this sustainable scarf is made in Europe and sets a course in every outfit with the elaborate ribbed pattern.

See the rating.

Shop LANIUS.

For the family gathering

Mother of Pearl

Rated: Good

Marsha Dress – Ships internationally from the UK

Mother of Pearl is a sustainable and ethical luxury womenswear and accessories designer brand from the UK that celebrates individuality and authenticity. We love the Marsha dress. The brand uses a high proportion of eco-friendly materials including organic cotton and ensures the payment of a living wage across some of its supply chain.

Find most products in UK sizes 6 to 16.

See the rating.

Shop Mother of Pearl.

Shop Mother of Pearl @ Rêve en Vert.

Shop Mother of Pearl Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

NOAH

Rated: Good
Black heeled sustainable vegan Chelsea boots by NOAH.

Martina Vegan Leather Chelsea Boot – Ships internationally from Germany

NOAH creates cruelty-free and 100% vegan shoes and accessories. This German brand’s high-quality and long-lasting shoes are hand-crafted in Italy, using a small proportion of eco-friendly material. The Martina Chelsea boots would pull off an effortlessly chic outfit when matched with Mother of Pearl’s Esther dress.

Find them in EU sizes 35-42.

See the rating.

Shop NOAH.

Shop NOAH @ Immaculate Vegan.

Svala

Rated: Good
A black sustainable Pinatex tote ethically made by Svala.

Simma Tote – Ships internationally from the US

Svala creates luxury designer vegan handbags, purses, bags and totes. Each bag is handcrafted sustainably and ethically in LA with high-quality, premium vegan leather PU, cork, and Piñatex, like in this versatile black Simma Tote with plenty of room for that last minute gift for your niece or nephew.

See the rating.

Shop Svala.

Opera Campi

Rated: Good

Camicia Zero – Ships internationally from Italy

Founded in 2017, Italian brand Opera Campi creates premium quality garments from locally-sourced raw materials. By using a balanced approach to sustainability, the brand makes conscious choices throughout its supply chain and donates 4% of its profits to social causes. Go for the low-impact hemp shirt for a timeless, minimalist look.

The brand is inclusively sized from 3XS-3XL.

See the rating.

Shop Opera Campi.

For that virtual office holiday party

Mila.Vert

Rated: Great

Paintbrush Blouse– Ships within Europe from Slovenia

If you’re going to celebrate the holidays in front of a screen, you might as well be comfortable while you do it in this gorgeous blouse. Mila.Vert offers timeless, minimal, and chic clothing, adding sophisticated details that give the garments a modern feel. The Slovenia-based brand wants to make desirable clothing, avoiding the ethical and environmental issues that the fashion industry represents.

Find the garments in sizes XS-XL, or make a custom fit order free of charge.

See the rating.

Shop Mila.Vert.

Raven + Lily

Rated: Good

Diaz Large Hoops – Ships internationally from the US

Stand out from the crowd with these beautiful golden earrings. Raven + Lily supports local female artisans to create handmade jewellery, bags, and homewares. This US brand’s products are eco-friendly and empower communities through fair wages, healthcare, and education.

See the rating.

Shop Raven + Lily.

Shop Raven + Lily @ Cerqular.

CARPASUS

Rated: Good
man wearing white CARPASUS sustainable workwear Oxford shirt

Dress Shirt in Porto Sky – Ships internationally from Sweden

Dress shirts made from 100% organic cotton. Yes, please. CARPASUS is a Swiss menswear brand that makes fine shirts, ties, socks, and pocket squares. CARPASUS uses GOTS certified cotton and manufactures locally to reduce its carbon footprint. It also traces its supply chain and ensures workers are paid a living wage.

Find most products in EU sizes 36 to 46.

See the rating.

Shop CARPASUS.

For the outdoor celebration

All The Wild Roses

Rated: Good

Lia Indigo Stripe Cotton Wrap Dress – Ships internationally from Australia

For those living in a warmer climate, a BBQ or backyard celebration is the best way to spread some holiday cheer. If you’re looking for some new threads, All the Wild Roses has you covered with a collection of vibrant dresses suited for sunnier festivities. All the Wild Roses offers bohemian fashion for the dreamers and change-makers. This Australian brand uses up to 50% deadstock fabric to create high quality and long-lasting products.

Find most items in sizes XS to 2XL.

See the rating.

Shop All the Wild Roses.

KAYU

Rated: Good

Elle Ribbon Straw Tote Bag – Ships internationally from the US

Handcrafted bags, hats, and accessories. KAYU commits to using natural materials such as straw, wood, and shells. It also partners with local artisans in the Philippines to produce its products. This timeless straw tote you’ll reach for year over year is perfect for celebrations on the beach.

See the rating.

Shop KAYU.

Shop KAYU Pre-Owned @ Vestiaire Collective.

Afends

Rated: Good

Hemp Cuban Short Sleeve Shirt – Ships internationally from Australia

Afends is an Australia-based fashion brand leading the way in organic hemp fashion, using renewable energy in its supply chain to reduce its climate impact. A short-sleeve button up is always a classic warm weather choice.

You can find the full range in sizes XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Afends.

For that New Year’s kiss

Whimsy + Row

Rated: Good
Someone dancing around wearing a silky navy blue dress ethically made by Whimsy + Row.

Fiona dress – Ships internationally from the US

This LA-based brand mixes sustainability with style, delivering classic, flirtatious garments that’ll have any suitor puckering up for countdown. Specializing in non-toxic, organic materials and zero-waste production, it’s hard to choose from the wide assortment of dresses. In our opinion, the shiny Fiona dress is the best choice for this year’s New Year celebrations.

Find most products in XS-XL.

See the rating.

Shop Whimsy + Row.

Shop Whimsy + Row @ Earthkind.

ARTICLE22

Rated: Good
emma watson wearing silver hoop earrings

Laos Dome Earrings – Ships internationally from the US

Every piece of ARTICLE22 jewellery is locally handcrafted in Laos using recycled materials from Vietnam War bombs, plane parts, military hardware, and other aluminium scraps. The brand embodies the innovation that the fashion industry needs more of—using recycled materials to produce beautiful globally-marketable products, while equipping locals artisans with new skill sets and providing them with a sustainable source of income. These ARTICLE22 unique silver dome earrings were worn by our lovely supporter Emma Watson.

The jewellery range is available in sizes S-XL.

See the rating.

Shop ARTICLE22.

HYER GOODS

Rated: Good

Mini Shoulder Bag – Ships internationally from the US

HYER GOODS is an NY-based, leather goods label that curates handmade products including handbags, wallets, and accessories. By upcycling “trash” it eliminates the massive energy footprint needed to cultivate land, livestock, crops, and fertilizers, while simultaneously reducing the amount of waste being sent to landfill. Less energy and less pollution mean fewer greenhouse gases. The mini shoulder bag will pair well with any NYE ‘fit.

See the rating.

Shop HYER GOODS.

A.BCH

Rated: Great

Long Sleeve Linen Shirt – Ships internationally from Australia

A.BCH is a Melbourne-based, Australian-made fashion label for individuals who care about garment provenance. It utilises renewable, organic, and recycled materials. This modern black linen shirt looks good on everyone, for every occasion.

Find the range in sizes XS-XL, or customise to fit you.

See the rating.

Shop A.BCH.

Just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your values. You can look glam into the New Year while still consuming in a mindful and sustainable way, simply by shopping with ethical brands and choosing items that will last year after year. Happy holidays, ethical fashion lovers.

Author bio: Delilah Smith is freelance journalist, storyteller, and sustainable fashion advocate from Oakland, CA. After changing her career path from editorial to film, she balances her position at Pixar Animation Studios with her Good On You contributions, returning back to editorial to spread awareness on the environmental effects of fast fashion, and give readers more eco-conscious choices. When not writing, you can find her on an aerial silk, which everyone should try at least once! You can find her on Instagram.

Editor's note

Feature image via Underprotection, all other images via brands mentioned. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands.

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