I'll be honest, I sometimes find myself struggling between my ideals and wardrobe budget. There's the sustainable, green closet I want, and then there's the lure of grabbing that trendy piece of the season for a great price and maybe not knowing the behind-the-scenes of how it's made. As I try to lead a more ethical life, including when it comes to my wardrobe, it helps when some of my favorite brands aid me in these efforts, whether it's manufacturing transparency, clothes recycling programs, special conscious collections, and more. It also helps when it's affordable! Maybe my purchase won't revolutionize green fashion efforts, but collectively we can normalize it with our buying power, and that counts for something.
Banana Republic is having a major sale — up to 75 percent off sitewide! A lot of these styles are produced with sustainability in mind, and making "better clothes for a better planet," the brand states. There are cozy knits made of recycled wool and cashmere, certified with the Responsible Wool Standard that protects the sheep that supply the wool as well as the land they graze, and stylish coats made of 20 plastic bottles. There are also jeans that use innovative washing and dyeing techniques that are better for the environment, as well as those that are produced in factories with programming that educates and empowers women in the communities where the products are made. Here are a few of my selections from Banana Republic's sustainable line.
This Banana Republic Merino Ribbed Sweater in Responsible Wool ($23, originally $80) is a wardrobe staple. A black mockneck with light washed straight jeans and a pair of loafers is so classically Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
The Banana Republic Merino Ribbed Sweater in Responsible Wool ($23, originally $80) comes in so many colors, like this really beautiful lilac! You'll be hard-pressed to find a better deal for a responsibly sourced sweater than this sale price.
This Banana Republic Merino Color-Block Sweater ($26, originally $90) would look great with your favorite pair of jeans as well!
Add a beautiful poppy-like pop of color to your winter wardrobe with this Banana Republic Merino Turtleneck Sweater in Responsible Wool in Autumn Orange ($23, originally $80).
This Banana Republic Merino Turtleneck Sweater in Responsible Wool in Camel ($47, originally $80) is an elegant addition to your wardrobe that should last you for years to come.
This black Banana Republic Merino Turtleneck Sweater in Responsible Wool ($63, originally $80) is Responsible Wool Standard-certified, which is a global standard that protects the sheep that supply the wool for the sweater as well as the land they graze, working to make it better for the environment and the sheep.
Find an even steeper discount on the Banana Republic Merino Turtleneck Sweater in Responsible Wool in Red Wine ($55, originally $80).
Cardigans are in! This Banana Republic Merino Long Cardigan Sweater in Responsible Wool ($50, originally $80) can transition from winter whites to the perfect thing to throw over a dress on cool spring nights!
Or try this Banana Republic Oversized Blouson-Sleeve Cardigan Sweater ($29, originally $99) with trendy blouson sleeves. The recycled polyester, wool, and alpaca are sure to keep you extra warm and soft!
This Banana Republic Merino Cardigan Sweater in Responsible Wool in Navy ($23, originally $80) is another stylish option. Wear buttoned up with a tank underneath and tucked in for a cool modern henley-style look.
Get it before it goes — this Banana Republic Merino Shell in Responsible Wool ($19, originally $65) is almost sold out, but I had to add it. A merino wool shell for under $20! This is the perfect office top! Great under a cardigan or blazer, it's a staple.
This Banana Republic Leopard Top Coat ($179, originally $299) is a bestseller that they've brought back this season. I was thrilled to learn it was primarily made of recycled wool and polyester!
Made with recycled wool and cashmere, this Banana Republic Italian Wool-Blend Sweater Tunic ($29, originally $99) is the perfect weekend sweater. Polished but extremely comfortable, pair this tunic with a pair of leggings and flats.
For such a great price, why not try this Banana Republic Italian Wool-Blend Sweater Tunic ($29, originally $99) in this soft sage too!
As Diane von Furstenberg discovered in the '70s, the wrap dress is a flattering style for every woman. I love the cozy, recycled knit of this Banana Republic Wrap Sweater Dress ($97, originally $139).
I love the sporty, sweatshirt-inspired look of this Banana Republic Italian Wool-Blend Cropped Sweater ($71, originally $90). Made by Italy's Filpucci mill, this yarn blends recycled wool and cashmere with Lenzing™ Ecovero™, a breathable fiber derived from certified renewable wood sources, produced using methods that reduce water impact and emissions by up to 50 percent compared to traditional viscose.
A cream cable-knit sweater is a classic — why not make your option sustainable, like this Banana Republic Chunky Cable-Knit Sweater ($26, originally $90)? At a great price, it's made with a blend of new and recycled polyester, and is sourced from 16 post-consumer plastic bottles.
The name of the color of this Banana Republic Chunky Crew-Neck Sweater ($39, originally $80) is Banana Pudding. How soft and yummy!
I love the soft, raglan-style, color-block details of this Banana Republic Chunky Color-Block Sweater ($26, originally $90). Play with a baseball look and wear this with a great pair of culottes!
We love a chunky red knit here. A soft Banana Republic Chunky Mock-Neck Sweater ($23, originally $80) is a showstopper for a great deal, and can be worn season after season.
Pair this Banana Republic Relaxed Chunky Sweater ($55, originally $80) with a crisp button-down underneath and jeans.
Though not a cozy knit, the Banana Republic High-Rise Wide-Leg Cropped Jean ($59, originally $119) is a great sustainable way to try this denim style.