Finding office-appropriate attire that fits my requirements for minimalism, natural fabrics, ethics, natural movement, AND fits right has not been easy. Here is what I was able to come up with starting with my least ideal pieces first.
All-Season Sweater Tops:
I like these short-sleeve sweater tops from Lands' End for the following reasons:
1. They are very basic and they sell them all the time, only making minor changes to the style; I doubt they will ever stop selling them, but you never know
2. They are 76% cotton, so mostly natural fibers
3. They are cool enough for the summer, and in the winter I wear long-sleeve shirt underneath, with a cardigan or cotton blazer over the top
Trousers:
I have these trousers from The Limited, because I prefer extended-length pants and they are often not easy to find in extra small sizes. Luckily, these pants are also mostly plant-based (77% viscose), and they have stayed new looking, even after many washes. I chose a size that would allow me to wear thermals underneath them in the winter, but they aren't too loose in the summer either.
Button-up Shirts:
I like these button-up shirts from Fair Indigo. They are 96% cotton and fairly made in Columbia.
Sweaters:
I have two sweaters that I've kept from my thrift shop days. I kept them, because they haven't worn out over the years and they are wool, so they provide added warmth. I used to be okay with buying wool on occasion if it was not new, but am not now, so these will be my last wool items.
Dresses:
Two of these dresses come from Toad & Co. They are very basic and easy to layer with. They are made from 26% cotton and 59% Tencel -- a type of rayon that is made in an environmentally preferable way. The blue dress is from eShakti -- a company that makes dresses to your measurement specifications. It's 100% cotton.
Skirts:
Two of my skirts are also from Toad & Co. and made from the same materials as my dresses (48% organic cotton and 48% Tencel). The black pencil skirt is from Fair Indigo and made from 97% organic cotton and fairly made in Peru.
Cardigan, Blazer, and Vest:
My cardigan and blazer are 100% and 97% organic cotton and from Fair Indigo. The vest is also cotton.
Color strategy:
I tend to go with black for my cardigans and blazers, black for my socks/shoes, neutral colors for bottoms, and colorful for my tops. This strategy allows me to have fun without worrying about anything clashing. Everything goes together.
Layering:
In Part IV of this series, I will be showing my barefoot, minimalist shoes.
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