Ahh, autumn. That lovely time of year when the leaves start to turn, the weather starts to cool down, and we start digging out jumpers and scarves from the back of the wardrobe. This season is a versatile one for fashion, and it can be tricky to know what pairs well when layering comes into the mix. Cooler days are just around the corner for our southern hemisphere friends, so we have done some digging of our own to put together a few sustainable autumn outfits as inspo for the upcoming season.
5 Sustainable Autumn Outfits for Those Cooler Days
The R Collective
Hove Coat – Ships internationally from Hong Kong
The R Collective’s womenswear collections are made by reusing rescued excess materials from leading luxury brands and reputable manufacturers. The brand uses a high-proportion of eco-friendly materials, which limits the amount of chemicals, water and wastewater used in production. It also ensures the payment of a living wage in its supply chain, which is why we rated it ‘Great’! This drapey, feminine coat is a great autumn statement staple and could pair with most of the outfits mentioned below! The R Collective garments are offered in two sizes: XS-S and M-L.
Kowtow
High Neck Top – Ships to Australia and New Zealand from New Zealand
Kowtow uses organic, fair trade cotton and non-toxic dyes to produce its clothes. It designs elegant, timeless womenswear, and also has a range of ceramics. Look no further for a classic black high-neck top that is perfect for the turning weather. Find the clothes in sizes XS-XL.
Dorsu
Culottes Black – Ships internationally from Cambodia
Based in Cambodia, Dorsu creates everyday basics and key signature favourites that form the core of any conscious wardrobe. We love these versatile and sustainable black culottes for transeasonal days. You can find the full range in XS to XL.
A_C
Tote Modern II Cactus Leather Black – Ships internationally from Australia
Born out of a love for design and a commitment to the Earth, A_C’s design principles are based on a circular economy, producing contemporary but timeless bags and accessories. The Australian brand uses an amazing eco-fabric, cactus leather AKA Desserto Pelle. Its entire product range is vegan, and its use of eco-friendly materials limits the amount of chemicals, water, and wastewater used in production. This modern black tote is a best seller that will take you from desk-to-dinner.
Hello, Fall Farmer
CARPASUS
Flannel Shirt – Ships internationally from Switzerland
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. Its range of shirts, like this green and gold flannel, are perfect for comfort and style in the fall. Find most products in EU sizes 36 to 46.
Outland Denim
Dusty – Ships internationally from Australia
Outland Denim makes premium denim jeans and clothes, and offers ethical employment opportunities for women rescued from human trafficking in Cambodia. This Australian brand was founded as an avenue for the training and employment of women who have experienced sex trafficking. The Archetype is a perfect in-between jean for men, not too slim and not too loose. Find most of the brand’s range in US sizes 22-34.
NAE
Etna Camel Vegan Boots – Ships internationally from Portugal
NAE is a Portuguese footwear brand using innovative materials to create shoes with “No Animal Exploitation”. Its sustainable shoe materials include recycled PET from bottles, OEKO-TEX® certified microfibres, recycled car tyres, natural cork, recycled thermoplastic, and even pineapple leaf fibre! nae also lines its stylish sneakers with material made via a carbon-neutral manufacturing system. How uncanny is its ethical take on the classic camel boot? Find most shoes in sizes 36 to 46.
Oversized Vibes
Mila.Vert
Knitted Rice Cubes Dress – Ships internationally from Slovenia
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. A sweater dress is one of the easiest building blocks of a stylish yet comfortable autumn outfit, and this oversized sand knitted dress does the trick for us! Find the garments in sizes XS-XL, or make a custom fit order free of charge!
Swedish Stockings
Lovisa Innovation Tights Black – Ships internationally from Sweden
Swedish Stockings creates the best quality eco-friendly black and patterned stockings, knee highs, tights, socks, and pantyhose. The brand also offers a recycling program to help clean up the hosiery industry—if you send in three or more pairs of synthetic pantyhose from any brand, you will receive a 10% discount code to use next time you purchase Swedish Stockings! Stockings are a layering wonder, and a pair of sustainable black tights is a must in the cooler months. Find the perfect pair in sizes XS-XL.
Shop Swedish Stockings @ LVR Sustainable.
Gucci (Pre-Owned)
Pre-Owned Gucci Scarves – Ships internationally
For a little extra interest in this outfit, consider donning a scarf. Founded in 1921, Gucci is an Italian luxury fashion house that produces menswear, womenswear, as well as shoes, bags, and other accessories. The brand has good policies to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, but still uses exotic animal skin. The good news is that you can find many of Gucci’s modern luxury pieces second hand!
NOAH
Renata Vegan Flat Boot – Ships internationally from Germany
NOAH creates cruelty-free and 100% vegan shoes and accessories. Hand-crafted in Italy, which reduces its carbon footprint, the brand uses a small proportion of eco-friendly materials in its high-quality and long-lasting shoes. Knee-high boots are a timeless autumn vibe. Find them in EU sizes 35-42.
ARTICLE22
Virtuous Circle 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. ARTICLE22 gives back to clear more unexploded bombs in Laos, supports traditional artisans, and donates a proportion of profit to community development for workers. Some elegant silver circle earrings are a great addition to this outfit! The range is available in sizes S-XL.
For a flipped colour palette, pair the grey knitted dress with these stunning gold hoops.
ZEROBARRACENTO
Katagi – Ships internationally from Italy
ZEROBARRACENTO is an Italian brand that creates zero-waste silhouettes that celebrate the personality of those who wear it. We love this oversized long puffer jacket, made using a zero waste pattern making technique with only best quality materials. You can find most pieces in sizes S to L.
Keeping it Cool and Comfy
A.BCH
Mock Neck Skivvy – 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 organic skivvy will be your go-to shirt for autumn, or any cold days for many years to come. As a bonus, A.BCH offers free repairs and accepts the shirt for recycling at end-of-life. Otherwise, simply cut it up into pieces and compost it after a long life! Find the range in sizes XS-XL, or customise to fit you!
tentree
TreeFleece Atlas Sweatpant – Ships internationally from Canada
tentree is a Canadian sustainable lifestyle brand that plants 10 trees for every item purchased. The certified B-Corp brand has already helped to remove tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere and reforested over 5,000 hectares of land (that’s equal to 12,000 football fields). But its commitment to sustainability extends way beyond trees. Using recycled, organic, and circular fabrics, tentree cuts down on huge amounts of waste and water usage with every piece. We love it for its super comfy fabrics and easy wardrobe staples like these black sustainable sweatpants. The range is typically available from sizes XS to XL.
Etiko
Sneakers Hitops Black & White – Ships internationally from Australia”
Etiko is a designer of organic, eco-friendly, and fair trade clothing and shoes. Give your classic kicks a conscious makeover with these black and whtite hitops, suitable for this and any outfit all year around! Find the clothes in AU sizes 8-20, and the shoes in UK sizes 3-13.
For a bolder look, opt for the red skivvy and red hitops!
The Retro Set
Afends
Unisex Textured Corduroy Jacket and Textured Corduroy Pant – Ships internationally from Australia
Afends is a Byron Bay based fashion brand leading the way in organic hemp fashion, using renewable energy in its supply chain to reduce its climate impact. The whole range is retro, street, and totally on-trend. Bring corduroy back with this textured jacket and pants set. You can find the full range in sizes XS-XL.
NICO
The Basics Crewneck Tee – Ships internationally from Australia
Established in 2012 by Lis Harvey, NICO celebrates minimalism and understated luxury. The brand brings high quality basics and underwear to the Australian fashion landscape, featuring clean lines, luxe fabrics, and the styles and colours needed for everyday. NICO’s factories are signatories to The Bangladesh Fire and Building Safety Accord and are compliant with BSCI and certified with WRAP. The brand’s Tencel basic tees are breathable and great for layering. Find the range in sizes XS-2XL.
Will’s Vegan Store
Classic 4cm Belt – Ships internationally from the UK
Will’s Vegan Store produces animal and human friendly women’s and men’s footwear and accessories at affordable prices. A belt is an easy way to add a stylish touch to any outfit, and this black vegan belt is carbon neutral! Find the women’s shoes in US sizes 5-10, and men’s in 7.5-14.
Womsh
Vegan Loop Black – Ships internationally from Italy
Fashion and sustainability can go together and Womsh is the footwear brand that proves it. Its shoes are entirely designed and manufactured in Italy. While it has an extensive range of sneakers, if you haven’t seen its kick-ass sustainable boots, you’re missing out. Find most styles in EU sizes 35-42.
Editor's note
Feature image via Afends, all other images via brands mentioned and Vestiaire Collective. Good On You publishes the world’s most comprehensive ratings of fashion brands’ impact on people, the planet, and animals. We love to recommend some of the best sustainable brands, rated "Good" or "Great". We also encourage shopping pre-owned as another great way to reduce the impact of our fashion choices. Use our directory to search thousands of rated brands. We may earn a commission on sales with top-rated partners made using our offer codes or affiliate links.
