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What To Buy To Create The Perfect (And Ethical) Capsule Wardrobe On A Budget

Pieces you’ll have forever, that won’t cost the world - by Jessica Wilkinson
  • 14 Mar 2019
What To Buy To Create The Perfect (And Ethical) Capsule Wardrobe On A Budget

The saying “less is more” is becoming increasingly relevant, and with a focus on sustainable fashion, the capsule wardrobe is earning its stripes now more than ever. There's no denying that something to the idea of only owning pieces you'll wear regularly and that are sourced ethically.

If you’re wondering how to create a capsule wardrobe, it’s easier than you think. Basically, you’re aiming to create a closet containing a few essential and timeless items that can be paired with seasonal pieces. Think a classic trench with a cigarette pant and basic tee. Easy, right?

Now for the ethical part. As more big brands jump on the sustainable bandwagon, we’re seeing a move away from fast fashion toward more carefully considered pieces. Top tier, you have labels like Stella McCartney, Eileen Fisher, Mara Hoffman and Rag & Bone leading the charge, with Australian brands like Viktoria and Woods, Manning Cartell, Bianca Spender and ethical clothing site Well Made, following suit. (Let’s not forget about sustainability stalwarts Veja and The Reformation).

But if you’re after something a little friendlier to your hip pocket, your budget-friendly go-to's are also focused on sustainable sourcing and ethical design. Kmart’s recent partnership with the Better Cotton Initiative is a great example of larger companies focusing more on ethical practices. Their promise? To source 100 per cent of their cotton more sustainably by July 2020.

So, to get you started, we’ve pulled together some pieces to kick start your ethical capsule wardrobe, and none of them will break the bank.

The Staple Jeans

kmart better cotton jeans

Lift & Shape Jeans, Kmart, $20

Reformation Liza High Straight Jean, thereformation.com

Reformation Liza High Straight Jean, thereformation.com

The Basic Tee

South Beach Linen Tee, organiccrew.com.au

South Beach Linen Tee, organiccrew.com.au

Stretch V-Neck Tee, Kmart, $4.50

Stretch V-Neck Tee, Kmart, $4.50

The Versatile Black Dress

Bare Bones Everything Dress, wellmadeclothes.com.au

Bare Bones Everything Dress, wellmadeclothes.com.au

Long Sleeve T-Shirt Dress, Kmart, $12

Long Sleeve T-Shirt Dress, Kmart, $12

The Shirt

Organic Linen Shirt

Organic Linen Shirt, Witchery

Long Sleeve Nehru Shirt

Long Sleeve Nehru Shirt, Kmart, $17

The Statement Piece

Reformation Inga Dress, thereformation.com.au

Reformation Inga Dress, thereformation.com.au

Elk Cirkel Jumpsuit, wellmadeclothes.com.au

Elk Cirkel Jumpsuit, wellmadeclothes.com.au

Lift & Shape Jeans
$20

Lift & Shape Jeans, Kmart

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Jessica Wilkinson
Jessica Wilkinson
Jess is a freelance writer covering everything from fashion to travel. You can see her work on InStyle, marie claire, Grazia and Tourism Australia. When she’s not writing you can find her at the flower market or patting other people’s dogs.

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