FOREVER TRENDS

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that even the best-laid plans are liable to go awry. After nearly 12 months of cancelled gatherings, postponed travel, and ever-shifting “return to office” dates, many of us have understandably turned our attention to the things we can control. Namely, making more mindful decisions about the way we spend our time, the relationships we invest in, and, if you’re anything like us, the wardrobe essentials you’re bringing with you into the year ahead.

Thankfully, fashion has moved away from those pendulum swinging trends that we used to marker our wardrobes with. The kind of ones that would see you wearing neon padded gilets one season and then swapping it out for floral blazers to ditch them both entirely the next season. Now, it is much more about the feeling, buying pieces that are timeless, built to last and don’t wreak havoc on our earth.

A great summer wardrobe in 2021 is made up of essentials. They’re the items that you return to in order to create almost every outfit. From the simple T-shirt to the pair of well-fitting jeans, they are the pieces every summer wardrobe requires. So whether you’re in need of a total wardrobe refresh or simply want to add a few new pieces, you’re going to need to know what they are.

With that in mind, we have created a list to guide you through all the must-have sustainable summer staples to get you in a sunshine state of mind.

The Classic Polo:

A polo shirt has been a staple in the menswear universe for well, ever. They're as laid back and versatile as a T-shirt, only with the added bonus of a collar. Pair with shorts on the weekend, with denim jeans at the bar or even with a cotton suit for an outdoor wedding. Oh, and did we mention they are a cornerstone of the most essential dress code of our time, Zoom Casual? With sustainable products to boot, this Earth Slim Fit Polo Shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren is made from 100% recycled polyester and therefore reduces waste, and also the dependence on natural or fossil fuel-derived materials.

The Quality Pair:

As easy to dress up with a suit jacket and shirt as they are to dress down with some trainers and a sweatshirt, every wardrobe needs a solid pair of black jeans. The fit should be slim but also with the right amount of stretch to stay comfortable all day long. These Lean Dean Slim Fit Jeans by NUDIE Jeans are made from 100% GOTS organic cotton which is not only great for the environment but also means a natural stretch in the fabric for ease of movement.

The Pop of Colour:

While this next one may seem like a trend, it’s more versatile than you might think. You can throw one on alone with jeans or chinos or shorts, or you can sub it into just about any situation you’d normally wear a V-neck jumper (think over a button-down or under a blazer) to give your look a little extra ruggedness. And most of all, they're the best in-between layer for tricky in-between weather. This Rough Weather Rugby Shirt by Gant is as sustainable as it is stylish. By buying cotton items from this brand, you’re supporting more sustainable cotton farming through the Better Cotton Initiative.

The Irish Summer Essential:

As much as we love to envision ourselves in denim shorts and striped shirts for summer, we need to be realists, Irish summers are infamous for a reason! Something as simple as a classic black sweatshirt transforms into a hard-working hero during the summer months. As excellent worn on the way to the gym as it is beneath a Harrington jacket with a crewneck tee or a crisp white collar popping out of the neckline. Bonus: you'll get away with wearing this minimalist option several times in a single week. This Logo Print Sweatshirt from ACNE Studios fits the bill. This brand is a leading brand member of Fair Wear Foundation, committed to achieving supply chain transparency, and the constant improvement of working conditions in order to achieve a fairer and more ethical fashion industry.

SOLE MATE:

In the past decade, trainers have gone from sportswear to staple. Thanks to the rise of athleisure, as well as increasingly casual dress codes, these shoes are no longer just for working out. Veja are a certified B Corporation, meaning they meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose.

This pair of V10 Sneakers by sustainable brand Veja has quickly become a cult classic amongst sneaker enthusiasts - and it’s not hard to see why. A leather upper, wild rubber sole with organic cotton lining with a striking ‘V’ detail and contrast heel to lend design and impact, these will quickly become everyday heroes looking as good with gym shorts as they do with a blazer and jeans.

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