Making the most of the clothes you already own – and sustainable sneakers
Photos: Claire Pepper
These are not Back to School shoes. And I have not already broken my Second-Hand September pledge, that would be pathetic. Earlier this summer, after a bit of Style Stalking I found these Good News sneakers at half-price in a small, independent store in Peckham (Form SE15). They are super comfy and the pastel and white panels with a black trim look neat with a pair of relaxed chinos and a cotton shirt. Fresh canvas plimsolls pair equally well with summer dresses, rolled-up chinos and wide-leg trouser suits. And there are some great sustainable options too (see below). London sneaker specialist Good News, fuses sustainability with a social conscience by donating residual stock and samples to the homeless and people in need. Its chunky, retro-chic tennis shoes feature rubber soles made from recycled tyres and organic cotton canvas.
Thanks for all the great comments about Second-Hand September. I thought this might be a good time to highlight a selection of sustainable brands, too. As it’s not just about one month of the year. it’s about choosing to shop in a considerate, planet-friendly way. For-ev-er. Several readers asked for styling inspiration, finding new ways to put old clothes together and I will do my best to oblige. Often in outfit posts I am wearing clothes that I already own, so I may have a rummage through my back catalogue. The chinos in the photo are old MHL by Margaret Howell, bought at the sample sale approximately eight years ago. The cotton shirt was a gift last year from Arket, which to be honest, I haven’t worn very much (apart from once or twice under my khaki jumpsuit) as I’ve been figuring out how to wear pink in a chic, Gentlewomanly way.
Here are five more sustainable sneaker brands to look out for:
Veja works directly with producers and small cooperatives in Brazil and France. Its designs are produced from eco-friendly wild rubber, organic cotton and leather. I’ve had my V-10 sustainable leather trainers for over a year now, often wear them to cycle in and they are still going strong.
All Birds sneakers come in super-fine merino wool (one of the co-founders is a New Zealander) or eucalyptus tree fibre uppers, have insoles made from castor bean oil and laces from recycled plastic bottles. Mr That’s Not My Age loves his All Birds slippers. Available online and at various stores around the world.
American brand Everlane is ‘on a mission to create the world’s lowest impact sneakers‘. Tread by Everlane is a zero-carbon sports shoe (carbon emissions are offset) made of leather, recycled plastic bottles and recycled rubber.
Ethically and sustainably sourced shoes – including a limited edition Fashion Revolution plimsoll – designed to be kind to the environment, the people who make them and your feet can be found at Po-Zu.
For every pair of Yatay trainers sold, a tree is planted in a deforested region ( sounds like a good idea right now). Born in 2018, the Italian brand’s vegan sneakers are Peta-approved.
Second-Hand Septemberists look away now (or save these sustainable suggestions for when you need a new pair of sneakers)….
Please note: Affiliate links in this post may generate commission.
More information on why we need sustainable sneakers HERE and more ethical brands to look out for HERE and HERE.
Discussion (28 Comments)
Mrs Tonia says:
This post has just the right tone. And an emphasis on sustainable brands just right for now too.
Pink shirt very fetching on you as is a patterned silk one you featured earlier. Perfect with the sorbet coloured plimsolls.
As for me not tempted by new ones, since I found a scarcely worn pair of Supergas in khaki cotton to use this season. When the super comfy Birkenstocks and Mephisto sandals and such are now longer wearable. Though I’m considering Birkies with looser straps with socks for cooler days.
Do continue with similar outfit suggestions as the season changes and layers are called for.
I’m back recently in my khaki malarkey army jackets and they are perfect transitional garments. Longer sleeved Breton or other tops underneath plus a jaunty piece of silk around the neck to add warmth, pattern and a coloured counterpoint to a dullish outfit.
Good luck to all on their Spend Free September, clothing that is, if they’ve chosen to join in.Catbird Farm says:
Alyson, that pink is really flattering on you! Have you found, as I have, that as your hair has greyed different colors suit your complexion?
Thank you. And yes, I can wear black again, lighter colours – and pink, now my hair is au naturel. Who knew? I’ve mentioned this briefly before but should write a proper blog post….
It also comes down to our skin changing colour. As we age (and our hair turns grey) our skin tends to cool, responding better to the cool palette of blues, pinks and greys. I agree, the pink looks lovely on you.
Ms Izzy says:
Just found this site. My 4 yr search is over. Thank you! I knew there was a guide some place on this planet. How to lose beauty and gain beauty at the same time. I feel normal again. Thank u! Where are all of the amazing 50+ women. Please keep it real and genuine. Love the site!
Deborah Citron says:
You should wear that pink shirt more often! It is very becoming on you (I’m not very fond of pink or any pastels either but you really look fantastic in it) I’m trying to wear my old stuff too…retirement approaching so no need for buying more. Lots of Eskandar tops (thank you eBay!)Eileen Fisher leggings and my allbirds. Love your site and instagram!
Steele says:
That shirt is the perfect pink — not too pastel, not too bright. You look lovely in it. I’d pair it with my well-worn, charcoal grey or military green J. Crew chinos.
Sara says:
In the spirit of second-hand September, I discovered the upside of not having enough wardrobe space to hang all my stuff. Searching through drawers for a particular item, I found three forgotten ones that will do very well for the next few weeks (and well beyond) without any need to visit a shop, ditto a brand new pair of Converse. A little bit of reorganising leads to all sorts of treasures!
Love the sneakers, Alyson, very you.Anna says:
The combo looks great on you Alyson! Not just sustainable fashion, we also need to be think about slow fashion where we consciously think about whether we need something and not be drawn into buying on impulse. Better to spend time looking for good quality where you can get your cost per wear out of it than pick off an on trend high street item and it only gets a couple of wears before it ends in the landfill.
Caroline says:
I love those trainers and I utterly applaud the sentiment! But without wanting to be preachy or dogmatic, it seems to me that there are issues with buying clothing, however sustainable, that has travelled half way across the world.
I know, I know, it’s a minefield, and I’m not suggesting we knit our own clothes from potato peel, but I think it’s something we should probably consider when trying (in the words of another of my favourite bloggers) to do less harm.Great post , thank you Alyson .
As someone else said , it’s pitch perfect . Informative , not hectoring 🙂
Would love to see a guide to sustainable bags/accessories .Those of us designing collections in responsibly sourced vegetable tanned hides and upcycled leather are keen to spread the word !
Toxic tanneries are truly dreadful places ..
Thank you again ,
X DeborahDawn Barron says:
Love your look and I’m gradually finding mine through you. Thank you. Sorry – had to postpone second hand September! Just ordered the Novesta red sneakers and real bonus – they were reduced to £23!!! Happy days.
Jac says:
Oh no. It was going so well. I’ve just ordered the denim. I blame you Alyson. Maybe we can formulate some kind of offsetting scheme – I delivered some very nice, saleable clothes to my local Oxfam shop the other day, maybe that goes some way towards mitigating this small purchase. I love this post and I’m totally on board with shopping my wardrobe and buy more secondhand than brand new these days – it’s a no brainer. The pink looks really great on you.
Isobel says:
What a lovely shade of pink, Alyson… it really suits you, and the shoes are great fun and look so comfortable. I think the shirt would look equally good with dark denim.
I don’t know if you’ve ever mentioned that magnificent ring on your left hand, or shown a close-up, but I’d love to know more about it?!Laura says:
Re: Everlane…does a company paying carbon emissions offsets really make their product “zero-carbon”? Just curious….
Hi Laura, to be honest I’m not sure, and probably need to do a bit more research on this. There’s a link to the Everlane website where there is more information…
What do people feel about wearing second hand shoes? There’s something very intimate about a shoe that bears the imprint of a stranger’s foot. I’ve managed to get over it (bright orange Superga in a Venetian flea market – how could I not?), but they can’t be too worn in. Especially not sneakers.
We do need to get over our addiction to box fresh, that’s for sure.Gabrielle says:
My favourite shoe of this summer – and last – is a pair of nearly new orange bensimon sneakers bought for 4 euros at a vide greniers. Worn and washed on a loop as they just seem to go with all my summer clothes. First time for actual used second hand shoes, but I found in a charity shop unworn, label still attached, Autograph grey suede cork wedge sandals which have been a summer staple for several years. I love charity shopping with a passion. Serendipitous and satisfying in a way shopping for new can never (or hardly ever) be.
I love those sneakers! I also think that Second-Hand September is a fabulous idea and I’d join you in a heartbeat except that I’d already booked a cabi clothing party for the middle of the month before I heard about it and I don’t want to back out on the stylist and my invited guests. I do, however, buy a lot of my clothes second-hand throughout the year. Having the party is a way to acquire a few new pieces that I want to add to my wardrobe at affordable prices.
Elizabeth Green says:
I made a resolution at the start of the year not to buy new clothes, fell at the first post in February when I discovered Lucy and Yak and bought one of their fair trade jump suits. Fell again at a pair of white denims from topshop sale which I wore all summer and a half price Sarah Pacini sweater which I will wear to death. But, that’s all I’ve bought from January to September! Sold a few unwanted pieces on eBay which has gone to fund this new stuff so I’m feeling righteous! But of course now comes the test of fab winter coats! Thanks for these inspiring posts, I can see why you bought the trainers, it’s hard to bypass something you really love.
Deb CB says:
May I just add my thumbs up for the pink shirt!
Looks fab with your colouring and very flattering- just saying!Fiona Fulford says:
Isn’t it hard to give up habits of a lifetime (new season’s fashion)
But I’m in!! And trying hard.Renée says:
You look great in Pink Alyson. Also I love my All Bird shoes. They are just so comfortable!
Mary says:
Hello – I’m fairly new to following the world of following bloggers and came by you through a friend of mine.
Thank you so much for this post. As I’m new to the world of bloggers, I’m also new to sustainable clothing and all it means. Some things are obvious (donating, etc.) but I’m really interested in what you had to say here. Thank you. I’ll do my research on the companies you recommended and look forward to learning more.
Kindly,
Mary
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Love ’em!
Couldn’t resist a car boot sale at the weekend and found a NEW pair of Faith espadrilles for two quid! Oh happy day!