Sustainable Staples | 5 Classics from J Crew That'll You'll Love for Life
A few years ago, I made a promise to myself to start reading the labels inside the clothes that I buy. At first, I felt awkward in stores, lifting skirts upside down and fumbling around for the tag. (Hint, if the dress/skirt is on you, it’s on the left seam. If it’s on the rack, it’s on the right seam). Once I became a pro at finding the tag and understanding the textile composition, I became a lot more sustainable with my purchasing decisions. Plus, who wants to spend £150 on a plastic top anyways? Case in point.
As my knowledge in textiles grew, so did my passion for hunting down the most sustainable pieces from my favorite stores. Although the most sustainable thing to do is buy nothing at all, I am here to preach on behalf of imperfect sustainability. You’ll hear it once, and perhaps you’ll hear it again: some people doing sustainability perfectly is great, but many people doing sustainability imperfectly is more impactful.
So join me! With all things in life, it’s best to approach with balance. On my sustainable fashion journey, I’ve negotiated the balance of wanting something new with making sure the item will naturally decompose after its time is up. Without further adieu, my ultimate J Crew staples will surely fill a gap in anyone’s season-less closet.
Classic Fit Boy Shirt in Cotton Poplin
If it’s good enough for Megan Markle, it’s good enough for us. It’s ~slightly~ oversized, a comfortable fit, made of 100% cotton (so hard to find these days, but easy at J Crew), and will be your closet’s shining light when you need it most. The J Crew classic is thin but not see-through, fits true to size (but order up if you want that airy and boxy vibe). Perfect for the summer and styled cozy in the winter when paired with a cardigan or under the…. 👇
Classic Cashmere Sweater from J Crew
This sweater is perfect because it is made of super soft cashmere, comes in various colors, and has a thickness that adds durability for years to come. I highly recommend getting yourself a neutral color here then branching out into some more punchy colors that will turn up the volume on some of your everyday outfits. Aso, ignore the misconception that cashmere should only be brought out during the winter. This piece serves me even in the summer, especially during those cooler evenings after the sun sets, or when I spend an evening in the movie theater or dining out where the AC is up too high. All in all, this sweater will do you good (..with jeans, french tucked, with a skirt, tied over your shoulders Hamptons style, over a dress and more..)
Italian Perforated Belt
This belt makes the list for so many reasons, starting with the fact that I just bought my second one the other day to have it in another color. The Italian Perforated Belt is legitimately perforated the whole way through, meaning you can style it as a regular or a waist belt. This 2-in-1 beauty is also thin, but not too thin. It works with the smaller belt loops but doesn’t get lost in the larger belt loops in my wardrobe. The first color I went for was pink since it is such a lovely shade. I’ve since bought the black one to give this belt true staple status. Next on my list is the tan one.
Slim Perfect Long Sleeve Tee
It does exactly what it says on the tin. This long sleeve is perfect because it’s cotton, comfy, and lasts for ages. I still have these long sleeve tees from a purchase made more than 5 years ago, and they’re still going strong. These are also amazing for layering up under chunky knit sweaters or for those in-between season temps where a sweater is too much and a t-shirt is not enough. In my mind, the long sleeve tee is the perfect addition to any sustainable closet that is aiming to become more and more season-less.
The Tissue Turtle Neck
I wore it in boarding school and we’re still here. The everlasting turtle neck is a staple, but it’s the way you style it that changes from year to year, making it a safe item to purchase knowing it’ll be with you as long as possible. Because if we’re being honest (as per usual), when has the turtle neck ever gone out of style? Rest assured, this staple will take care of your classic wardrobe needs while giving you the peace of mind that you’re not adding another piece of plastic to your closet.