One thing that I struggle with in dressing for the summer isn’t knowing what to wear per say, but finding office-appropriate clothes that’s also weather-appropriate. I work in a corporate office in downtown D.C. and while summers can be furiously hot and humid, dressing for office-life means layering so that I’m cool enough on my commute to and from the office, yet warm enough to survive a full day in the heavily-A.C.’d land of cubicles. All taking into consideration my office’s more conservative, yet business casual dress code.
One piece I’m missing in my sustainable/ethical closet and currently on the hunt for? A summer jacket or duster that is lightweight, goes with lots of outfits, and is still professional for the office yet fun, not a super stuffy-looking blazer (though I do love me a good blazer). And if it can be worn throughout the colder months, that’s a plus too! Here are some sustainable, ethically-made options I’m considering:
Elizabeth Suzann Clyde Jacket in Cotton Canvas
I’m dying to have something special and versatile from this cult favorite eco-friendly brand in my closet. The Clyde Jacket would be a great investment piece that I could also potentially wear year-round. I like that this is available in ES’ new extended size range, the XXS would fit me nicely.The open-front style of this jacket feels more like a casual drapey cardigan rather than a formal blazer, but dressed up—it’s more summery and a modern take on a work blazer, and can be easily dressed down for the weekends. I’d choose this in the Cotton fabric, because it’s a bit more durable than linen (in my opinion) and could be nice for all seasons. Although the Midweight Linen version sounds of great quality for most weather, and is seriously tempting but at this point I can’t buy two of these jackets.
Reasons I’ve been a bit hesitant to jump on anything from Elizabeth Suzann are that the silhouettes tend to be your average, flowy, loose-fitting styles, and everything gives off a more “casual-wear” vibe. The sizing is also something I’m worried about. I know ES includes clothes in size XXS and “OS-Minus” (smaller one-size-fits-all pieces), however I’m still a bit scared to commit to these less structured styles. Additionally, there is also a 2-3 week production wait time on all pieces since everything is made-to-order in Nashville.
I have heard that their customer service for returns/exchanges is wonderful, so perhaps if the fit doesn’t work out, the worst I’d be stuck with is store credit. Another alternative to buying direct from ES is keeping my eye on sustainable used clothes communities on Instagram and getting lucky with a used ES jacket in my size. However, it’s proving to be very much a gamble and an unpredictable waiting game.
There are some more affordable alternatives to Elizabeth Suzann jackets I’ve been contemplating too. Similarly styled linen jackets from Linenfox and Not Perfect Linen are under $100 and seem to be quite popular in the slow fashion community. However the downsides being these is a wait time of 4-6 weeks and both companies ship internationally, meaning if the fit isn’t right returns/exchanges could be troublesome for me. Plus, while I don’t mind supporting ethically-made products from other countries, I do like the idea of purchasing from U.S. designers and brands.
Sseko Designs Reversible Blazer in Blush/Secret Garden
This shop sells fair trade, women-made clothing, shoes, and accessories, and uses sales to funds the schooling and training of women in Uganda. They feature a sales program structured kind of like Beautycounter, where you can be a representative, sell products to friends or neighbors, make a small commission, and help women across the globe.
This Reversible Blazer caught my eye because of the unique pattern and neutral colors. I like how this is a funky alternative to your average work blazer, one that I’d definitely wear on the weekends too. The colors are neutral enough to pair with almost any outfit, and the leafy, floral pattern is perfect for summer. The fabric also sounds right down my alley: 97% Tencel (better known as Tencel, lyocell is manufactured from natural wood pulp cellulose and usually produced using recyclable, Earth-friendly solvents) and 3% Spandex so it sounds like it’d be light, soft, and stretchy.
I haven’t tried any clothing from Sseko Designs, so I don’t know what the sizing or fit is like. It doesn’t seem like they have many pieces for smaller sizes, however the measurements on this blazer seem okay. It comes in two general sizes (“Size 1” and “Size 2”), and even if I did purchase this in Size 1 (the smaller size) I have a feeling this would fit a bit loose and baggy. I really do love the pattern and could see this fitting more like a flowy, soft cardigan rather than something more fitted.
Ace & Jig Sail Cardi (Update: This is longer a current style offered by Ace & Jig, similar style here.)
I really want to push myself to get out of my regular style by wearing more colorful and patterned clothes, and exploring silhouettes that are out of the norm for me (while still fitting for my petite frame). I’ve admired Ace & Jig’s signature mix of fun textiles and bold colors and always wanted to own something from the brand, though the brand’s laid-back, less-traditionally professional styles have made me hold back because I never think I could wear them to the office.
This fun, Sail Cardi might be the perfect push in my quest for style outside my comfort zone. This jacket features reversible patterns (I’m leaning towards the Seine or Eucalyptus), pockets, and a removable fabric belt for multiple styling options. Something like the Sail Cardi might be enough to inject some life and fun into my stagnant closet, and inspire me to be a bit more adventurous when it comes to patterned pieces.
The XS seems a tad more slim-fitting compared to other loose, open-faced style jackets, which could be great. It is difficult for me to know, many brands vary in the specifics of their measurements. It looks like Ace & Jig are getting rid of many of their spring/summer patterns, so a bunch of styles are on sale now. I wondering if it’s worth the plunge having never tried on or seen Ace & Jig pieces in person? I’ve also been stalking the Ace & Jig resell community on Instagram…there’s such a fandom that even used, pieces are snapped up super quickly and still a higher price point!
Used jackets or blazers from sustainable brands
I’ve been more regularly selling and shopping through consignment apps like Poshmark (use code “SIENNAROGUE” for $10 off) and threadUP (get $10 off through that link), with my eye on quite a few good deals on used jackets from brands like Eileen Fisher, Madewell, and Anthropologie.
Buying used clothing on apps is kind of a hit or miss for me, the price has to be right and I have to seriously consider the clothing condition and sizing, which makes it a bit more time-consuming. However, I think used clothes shopping is great since it really helps recycle and re-purpose clothes, and can be a bargain for gently worn items from more expensive, high-end brands. I am trying to purchase used clothes more often, so if there’s a gem that meets what I’m looking for (petite sizing especially), I’ll definitely consider it.
