Responsible Dresses for Summer
Like many others, this weekend kicked off the wedding season for summer and it inspired me to come up with a list of responsible companies where I could find a versatile dress. If you're into curating a closet with more staple items like me, a lot of the brands below will provide you many options to wear to outdoor events, weddings throughout the year, and even switch it up for work attire.
Check out the list and share your favorite on Instagram with the tag, @thegoodwearblog!
DRESSES
Reformation - the first brand featured is based out of Los Angeles with clothing responsibly and sustainably manufactured with U.S. and abroad partners. Reformation focuses on transparency for eco-friendly fabrics and efficient technologies to produce more responsible items with less waste (woo!). Their pricing reflects each step of the supply chain from labor wages to production.
Try : the Lavender Dress ($$) for a fun outdoor wedding
Christy Dawn - one of my favorite new brands to find a relaxed midi-dresses that can be worn for a variety of occasions is Christy Dawn (as well as other styles including jumpers). All items are made in downtown Los Angeles with fair living wages focusing on social + environmental impact. Their moto? "We don't just want you to look good in our dresses, we want you to feel good about what you're wearing too."
Try : The Dawn Dress ($$) or for a fun look, the linen Hannah Jumpsuit ($$)
Doen - an awesome brand to know for a bohemian styled dress. Doen is another California company that specialized in unique dress styles as well as selling beautiful blouses, jumpsuits, and bottoms (I even own a few items from here). Items are responsibly sourced domestically and abroad in carefully selected manufacturing partners to empower female workers and communities.
Try : the Taos Dress ($$) or the Wildeve Dress for Spring to Fall attire
Amour Vert - for simpler + versatile day to night styled dresses, check out Amour Vert for affordable, timeless silhouettes. Most dresses are for a casual date night, outdoor wedding or even work attire. They offer dozens of styles and focus on sustainable and transparent production for each garment.
Try : the Ginger Silk Trapeze Dress ($$) with lots of colors and patterns available to choose from or the Clover Dress ($$) for a simple + versatile choice.
Everlane - you can't go wrong with Everlane's minimalist and timeless pieces. The brand sells a variety of styled dresses in fabrics like silk + cotton. They offer many silhouettes to wear to any activity you're doing this summer. With the transparency they provide, you'll know exactly where your dress comes from and why it costs the price you pay.
Try : the Japanese GoWeave Long Slip Dress ($) as a wedding guest or if you're a bride, the Japanese GoWeave Sleeveless V-Neck Dress ($) for any wedding events.
Vetta Capsule - a unique brand creating pieces that help create a more minimalist and capsule style wardrobe. Each piece can be worn in multiple ways and the dresses are no different. And what's even better is the small start-up's focus on sustainability in products and education efforts.
Try : the Swing Dress ($) for multiple style options to wear for all occasions
BOUTIQUES TO SHOP
Looking for more options? Check around your local boutiques and vintage stores. Recently I've purchased two vintage dresses for weddings at places like Rosewood Vintage in RVA and Gingerly Witty in L.A. Here's a few places to check in store and online.
Rosewood Clothing Co. - Richmond, VA ($)
Verdalina - Richmond, VA ($$$)
Gingerly Witty - Los Angeles, CA ($-$$)
Tavin Boutique - Los Angeles, CA ($$)
Moorea Seal - Seattle, WA ($)
Best place to stay up to date? Follow the brands on Instagram and see how they style their dresses. And if you have a favorite, share on Instagram with the tag, #thegoodwearblog!