DEES

It’s also the perfect moment to check in with your wardrobe, feel confident in your outfits, and get in the right headspace to crush whatever’s coming your way.

Fast fashion brands are flooding social media with tempting back-to-school deals, but this year? We’re not falling for it. Instead, I’m sharing real alternatives so you can look stylish, stay responsible, and even save money.

Sustainable brands to check out for back to school

Pact – Fair Trade certified organic cotton basics: perfect for comfy tees and leggings.
Everlane – Minimalist jeans and button-downs, made with radical transparency.
Alternative Apparel – Cozy hoodies and sweatshirts made with organic and recycled fibers.
Toms (Earthwise Collection) – Their recycled sneakers and espadrilles are great for a casual campus look.
Everybody.World – Famous for the “Trash Tee,” a 100% recycled cotton t-shirt.

Style tip: Build one or two casual, timeless looks and spice them up with accessories to match your vibe this season.

Don’t blow your budget — build a sustainable wardrobe instead

Sustainable fashion can feel pricey at first, but those pieces actually last way longer. And the good news? There are plenty of ways to shop more responsibly without draining your bank account:

👖 Thrifting & secondhand: Apps like Depop, ThredUp, and Poshmark make thrifting fun and easy. And if you’re up for the adventure, nothing beats a trip to Goodwill. (I’ve found some masterpieces, but it takes time)

👕 Swap parties: Host a clothing swap with friends or on campus. It’s cheap, social, and you get “new” pieces without spending a dime. Get in touch with student associations or collectives if they already exist at your school.

✂️ Upcycling & DIY: Turn worn-out jeans into shorts, or give new life to a tee with some DIY magic. Unique pieces, guaranteed.

For me, one of the changes I’ve started is learning how to sew. I’m still a total beginner, but I’ve got a ton of ideas and I can’t wait to share more with you.

👉 Fun fact: over 80% of Gen Z in the U.S. already shop secondhand. Thrifting isn’t just eco-friendly anymore — it’s mainstream.

Follow the right people for inspiration

Want proof you can look amazing without feeding the fast fashion cycle? Here are some creators worth following:

• @thatcurlytop (Jazmine Rogers) – Thrifting queen, always serving killer outfit inspo.
  
• @littletoh (Tiffany Toh) – The DIY and upcycling queen.
  
• @blueprintdiy (Angelina) – Sewing hacks and creative ways to refresh old clothes.
  
• @thrift_bee (Caitlin B.) – Simple, colorful, autumn-vibe thrifted looks.
  
• @vivthemole – Writer and fashion voice, dropping thoughtful tips and insights.
  

« Back to school » is the perfect time to rethink your wardrobe. Instead of giving in to fast fashion, invest in one or two sustainable pieces, mix in thrift finds, and take inspiration from creators who actually walk the talk. Your style will be more unique than ever — and you’ll feel good knowing it aligns with your values.