It has officially felt like fall for over a week which means I’m pulling out all of my sweaters from storage and am incorporating them back into my wardrobe. I’ve fallen in love with this sweater dress from Ankura Brand, a sustainable and fair trade brand that I’ve been working with for over a month now. I’ve been giving them style ideas on their winter line, which I’m really excited about, and that is why I am writing about sustainable sweaters.

When you see the price tag on a sustainable sweater, you could be shocked thinking that is astronomical. But 99% of the time, someone had to loom and create the wool from the sweater, dye it and knit it into one piece. So, in hopes that you’ll be inspired to invest in some fair trade sweaters, a few ideas and ways to stretch the use of your every day sweater/sweater dress:

Play with layers

Can I layer this? This is one of the first thoughts that come to mind when I’m purchasing a piece. Layering can help you get multiple looks out of one piece of clothing. I layered my sweater dress with a loose blouse underneath for a modest, vintage look. For extra warmth I could also layer a boxy cropped sweater and gotten a more casual look with the same piece. For a modern look I could layer it with a contrasting turtle neck.

Wear on a winter hike

Athleisure = activewear as lounge wear, sweaters should be able to be worn for cozy times and more active times. If you think about it, most sweaters are made of real fur, from animals who live outdoors. So put on a sweater instead of your usual dry-fit jacket and get out there!

Pair with boots

goes better with a sweater than boots. Play with different boot heights, over the knee and ankle boots look great with all sweaters.

Belt with a skinny belt

Sweater can usually be baggy, but if you have a skinny belt, a chunky sweater can become a form fitting piece.

Play around with bottoms

Weather it is just a sweater dress or a sweater, literally try on every single type of bottom you have with the sweater until you find something flattering. I’m talking, skirts of all kinds, pants of all fits, tights, etc. Every body type is different, so this really is an approach for just you. Also, try tucking and untucking pieces. You’ll be so surprised of the outfits you make that actually work.

Love this sweater dress I’m wearing? Get 20% off with code: SUSTAINABLE20 at http://ankurabrand.com. 

xo,