Ethical Boohoo Dupes
Fast fashion brands like Boohoo seek to push new trends every few weeks, which is why you should resist trendy items whenever possible. But let’s say a trend tickles your fancy. Can you find an ethical alternative? Of course you can!
The relentless pace of fast fashion is fueled by our collective acceptance of style as an ever-changing, dynamic process driven by trends. We all seemingly understand that trends in the fashion industry cycle through the decades, creating a recognizable historic aesthetic that will eventually appear dated, once a certain amount of time has passed. On the one hand, the existence of fashion trends can encourage innovation, boldness, and creativity, allowing us to experiment with our personal style. But on the other, more important hand, relying on trends to dictate the composition of your wardrobe is a surefire way to generate more waste and increase the demand on fast fashion brands like Boohoo.
Exhibit B: this tragic bejeweled top we all wore in 2007 for no discernible reason.
We’ve all fallen victim to the allure of trends, myself included. (Exhibit A: the chunky gladiator belt I wore over spaghetti-strap tank tops and ultra-low-rise jeans I wore in the early-aughts, like everyone else.) In a way, we’ve been conditioned to believe that we’re more likely to represent ourselves as worthy if we’re clothed in the latest trends. Conforming is comfortable. It also spares us the uncertainty of deciding how we want to dress ourselves, based on what will compliment our bodies, satisfy our aesthetic, and represent our personalities. What’s easier—thoughtfully curating a wardrobe of harmonious, flattering, versatile items that are consistent with a style aesthetic unique to your own personality and lifestyle, or wearing whatever Kardashian-inspired outfits you see advertised on Instagram?
Generally speaking, ethical fashion brands favor timeless, classic pieces that are designed to withstand the test of time—that is, by definition, the sustainable way to produce clothes. My own style has evolved in this direction as well. But I do believe that there are situations in which a trendy statement piece is totally legitimate. After all, style is form of expression, and some days, you’re just feeling some kind of way and wanting to mix it up. That’s okay!
My advice, in those cases, is to ask yourself if you like the trendy item itself, or if you like the way it looked on the Instagram influencer you saw wearing it. Those are two different things. If you’re really feeling the item itself, and you can see yourself wearing it in many different ways (dressing it up, dressing it down, wearing it to various events, etc.), then I suggest you avoid the fast fashion version entirely and search for something similar among the myriad of fashion-forward ethical brands and retailers.
Let’s demonstrate! I browsed Boohoo and identified on-trend items that I could see myself wearing if I wasn’t in self-imposed Trend Rehab. (This was not as easy as it sounds, as I’m not a fan of Boohoo and was mostly horrified by the absurdly low prices and obviously poor-quality materials, but I made it work in the name of content.)
#1: Slinky mesh look
The Boohoo version: she’s sexy, she’s eye-catching, she’s got different textures and patterns going. And, if we’re being honest, she’ll probably fall apart the first time you wear her.
The Ethical Version: Reformation little black dress ($78), Sami Miro Vintage mesh dress ($350).
You get all the sass of the Boohoo version, but with higher-quality, eco-friendly materials made in smaller batches and designed to last.
#2: Y2K Look
The Boohoo Version: I didn’t personally ask for the fashion of this era to make a comeback so soon. I lived it. I was there. However, this top is fun, and the flares are fire. I will welcome flares back with open arms.
The Ethical Version: Reformation silk scarf top ($128), Nanushka faux leather pants ($305).
Obviously, I would mix the silk texture with the faux leather texture only if I was coming to fully slay. Those are two very powerful textures. But sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do.
#3: Bright Blazer Dress
The Boohoo Version: neon colors just happen to work on me. The double-breasted look, on the other hand, is so flattering that it works on everyone.
The Ethical Version(s): I gave you two options here with two different price points, because I don’t know what you’re working with and maybe you can and will shell out over a G for Etro—that’s your business, not mine.
Vetta blazer dress ($179), Etro blazer dress (on sale on Farfetch for $1,200)
#4: Sassy Corset Top
The Boohoo Version: This is a flattering, feminine-yet-edgy little number that you could wear with a moto jacket and jeans, over a tee, or paired with a pencil skirt for a date-night serve. If only it didn’t look it was in imminent danger of falling apart at the slightest provocation…
The Ethical Version: Delikate Rayne vegan leather bustier ($126)
This neckline is a little more forgiving for the ample-bosomed among us, and could be worn in as many ways (if not more) as the Boohoo version. Plus, it’s made of a high-quality, low-impact vegan leather substitute.
#5: Festival-Ready Belly Chain
The Boohoo Version: I don’t know if we’ll ever get back to the sweaty, minimally hygienic, personal-space-violating festivals of yore. But if we do, I fully intend to embrace festival boho-chic (in a way that doesn’t bastardize indigenous cultural traditions).
The Ethical Version: Laura Lombardi Tesoro Belt ($480)
We’re calling this a belt, but it can certainly be worn as body jewelry, and it. Is. Everything.
A couple of closing comments:
I recognize that the prices on the ethical versions are astronomical compared to the Boohoo prices (which I didn’t list here because it’s irrelevant to the purpose of this particular post). Please recall that fast fashion prices are low specifically because garment workers in the factories that supply their mass-produced goods are not being paid a living wage or provided with safe working conditions. Does everybody have $480 to spend on a belly chain? Of course not. I realize that. The point is not for you to go and spend money you don’t have on things you don’t need. The point is to ask yourself what kinds of trendy items serve you, and to identify sustainable alternatives to those items that fit your budget and style so you can develop a thoughtful defense against the constant inundation of fast fashion-induced trend temptations.
I’m (unfortunately) not being paid to promote any of these items—but if Etro, for example, does want to pay me, I shan’t decline. ;)
