5 ethical outfits & a word on mental health
Let’s be real for a minute. When I’m not feeling my best, one of the first things to go out the window is the energy I can put into hair, makeup and getting dressed. These things usually spark joy for me as I simply enjoy the ritual of it (beauty standards can go take a long walk on a short pier). But when I’m low, any extra minutes I can spend in the safety of my own bed in the morning feel like a little gift to myself. As far as work goes I’m mostly confined to jeans+T-shirt+sneakers anyway, but at times when I’m really a bit of a mess, that is as much as I can muster even off duty, though it makes me feel (and look) even less like myself.
As soon as I’m somewhat on the mend, though? I wear my favourite things like armour at any prospect of a social gathering, however low key. Long story short: a couple of weeks ago I had a major panic attack, called my mum, she sent me this song and I took that personally. I sincerely hope you can overlook the 2010 fashion blogger cringe because I tried my best, felt like capturing it and actually had some fun in the process. These are all outfits I wore out, in the spirit of “fake it till you make it”.
Racers, start your engines
My ideal boiler suit should look truly workwear inspired: not too dainty and made out of a true sturdy denim rather than a breezy lookalike Tencel. This one isn’t all that dissimilar to what my grandpa used to wear during his days as a car mechanic. Toot or boot? This look brings both.
I do wear this to work with a pair of funky trainers but as soon as I’m off duty, out come the ankle boots. I really enjoy dressing up such a blue collar staple.
I’m wearing
People Tree Yara denim boiler suit (ethical, via Vinted)
O My Bag Nano bag in cognac (bought in their pre-loved section)
Alohas West boots (ethical, via Vinted)
Burgundy leather trench
This type of coat landed on my wishlist somewhere between binging Only Murders in the Building*, and writing my post on Françoise Hardy last year. I wanted a trench-like cut that also keeps its shape without tying the belt, not too brown, and long enough - but not so long that it makes me look like a flasher when wearing a mini skirt underneath. I found the perfect one on Vinted. It was from one of those curated vintage accounts so it wasn’t cheap, but it truly is a gem and well worth its price if you ask me. I wore this outfit to go voting.
*Mabel Mora Style Study already in the making, keep your eyes peeled.
I’m wearing
Vintage burgundy leather trench (via Vinted)
Les Sublimes T-shirt (very very old)
Sézane Alexane patchwork skirt (ethical via Vinted)
Square toe suede ankle boots: very old & not ethical
Matt & Nat Mitsuko bag (discontinued, try second hand)
Euromama
I’m sorry for putting this song in your head, but not really because this reworked men’s suit jacket is pretty cool. I got it when I was 16, which is a whole 15 years ago as of writing. Unfortunately it was somewhat of a bad bargain at the time because the shoulders are pretty strong and I was self-conscious about the fact that mine don’t slope (?). The teenage mind boggles…
Cue 2024: I found it again when cleaning out my old room and thought that it was too cool to donate. One problem: I can’t stop thinking about Joost Klein’s iconic blue jacket when wearing it, but I can live with that for now.
Let’s quickly address the elephant in the room: the trousers are not ethical, because Uniqlo. For shame! It was a well-considered purchase though. I tried virtually all ethical alternatives regardless of price range and none came close. This is my first slip-up in many years and I solemnly swear I’ll wear them to death.
I wore this to my friend’s birthday drink.
I’m wearing
A very old Episode blazer
Uniqlo pleated wide leg trousers (NOT ethical, please avoid buying new)
la fille d’o Found Out top (doubles as a bra or swimwear)
Patent derbies (not ethical, via Vinted)
Dear Audrey
An understated look inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s joyful barstool photoshoot. Granted, I look too depressed for this to be a true remake (I was going for “solemn” okay), yet looks can be deceiving. While not the flashiest, this outfit has been a trusty staple for years when I felt the need to look subdued yet somewhat put together. Looks great with a trench coat in spring, and equally great with a wool camel coat in autumn.
I’m wearing
Sézane Clara trousers
Black cashmere turtleneck (not ethical via Vinted, similar: Teym)
Josefinas Nostalgic Black ballet flats (old, not sure if ethical)
A random drugstore claw clip
La bruja
We’re going out with a bang. It might be hard to believe, but this dress has proven to be rather versatile. The print is special enough for a semi-festive occasion yet the cut is plain enough for everyday wear. The colours scream summer, but the black background also makes it work in colder seasons. The fabric - a thicker Tencel - is neither too flimsy nor too warm for any time of year or occasion.
The shoes make all the difference here. I usually wear this dress with a pair of patent mid-heel ankle boots to dress it up. For everyday use, combat boots dress it down without taking away from the witchy vibe too much.
I’m wearing
Elise Chalmin Scarlett dress in Ubud print
Dechase combat boots (ethical, yet unfortunately defunct)
O My Bag Luna bag (discontinued, try second hand)