Stuck for ideas on what to wear for a wedding, New Year’s Eve, Christmas or another big bash? We’ve got some ethical evening dresses that will make you light up the room!
By Diane Small
The festive season means loads of food, booze, gifts, friends…and parties. And parties mean: dressing up!
Personally, I love the chance to doll up a bit. After weeks upon weeks of sitting at home, mainly seeing people on Zoom calls, I really look forward to showing the world that I can scrub up pretty well. Especially if I’m wearing a gorgeous evening gown!
But, what makes the difference between an ‘everyday’ dress, and one you’d wear to an evening event, I hear you asking?
Well, lots of things, of course.
What’s meant by ethical evening wear?
So, what’s meant by ‘ethical evening wear’ anyway? Well, first off, it’s all about the higher quality, slightly shinier, sparklier fabrics. Think: shimmery silks, satins, chiffons – with or without a bit of glitter.
Then there’s the beautifully tailored, elegant cuts that show off just the right amount of skin: a well placed slit up to the thigh, or a low-cut back, for example.
Next, there’s the ‘wow’ factor – that certain something that makes heads turn, and that makes you feel absolutely fabulous in what you’re wearing. This could be a ruffled shoulder, a puffed sleeve, or maybe a subtle cut-out in the design. There are many types of evening and formal dresses, and it’s all about what best suits you for your special occasion.
Of course, we needn’t stick with ethical evening dresses for a big night out; jumpsuits are making a huge comeback, too. But if you find one-pieces too uncomfortable, a pair of palazzo pants (especially high-waisted ones) are not only an elegant option, but a versatile one, as well.
Also, remember that sustainable evening wear is stuff that shouldn’t be ‘trendy’. These are slow-fashion garments that should look chic for decades.
Now, let’s get to the ‘ethics’ part
If you’re vegan, you’ll want to look for recycled or deadstock fabrics. Another option could be plant based materials, such as viscose, cupro and organic cotton jersey.
Non-vegans will find silk just fine, but you should make sure it’s naturally dyed and finished. And why not look for peace silk, which is an even more ethical option?
Whatever you buy, you should ensure that the garment was either:
- made in a factory where the workers are guaranteed to earn a living wage
- locally made by a company that pays above the minimum wage
- vintage or rented
Whether you’re ringing in the new year, on a big date, or going to a gala, I’ve found some ethical formalwear options that I think you’ll love!
Ethical Eveningwear For Big Nights Out
1. Mara Hoffman Puff Sleeve Dress
Calling all drama queens! The poplin ruffle tracing the single sleeve on Mara Hoffman’s ‘Evelyn’ dress creates plenty of attention. It’s made from the label’s popcorn organic cotton-jersey seemingly plucked straight from the ’90s and has a flexible, figure-hugging fit. A bit too figure hugging for you? Try using underwear like Guizio corsets to squeeze into this with more confidence!
This would look especially fabulous accented with a black clutch and vegan heels.
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Truly making a statement!
Price: Around $530
Sustainability: Vegan, organic material.
2. The Hera Dress
The Hera brings you sustainable minimalism so you can embrace your inner-goddess. It features an asymmetric maxi silhouette, one-shouldered long raglan sleeve and a slim leg opening.
The brand that makes it, niLuu, used a Vegan Cupro fabric for durability, and breathability. The material was derived from a by-product of the cotton harvest, so not only is it eco-friendly, but it apparently even has anti-ageing effects on the skin!
We also love that this comes in five colours.
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Elegant vegans
Price: Around $650
Sustainability: Vegan, organic material.
3. Glitter Fringe Dress
Dear reader: do you dare? Do you dare walk into a room, shouting (sartorially speaking) – ‘I’m a confident woman and I’ll wear whatever I want’? If so, this dress is for you!
This number by Stella McCartney is a fun, playful little dress.
Shaped to a strapless, floor-length silhouette with a structured bodice, it’s made from a blend of forest-friendly viscose, silk and metallic fibres.
Its carbon footprint is about 35 lbs. of CO2, which is about 17% less than a conventional dress. You could say: this is an unconventional option in many ways.
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Dancing! Imagine the movement of those tassels…!
Price: Around $1600
Sustainability: Made from FSC certified viscose. Comes in recycled packaging. Ethically made in a factory that has low CO2 output.
4. Wanda Dress
Wrap yourself up like a present this season in the stunning Wanda dress by Sezane! It features an oversized bow on one shoulder, and a very loose fit. Meaning it’s the perfect dress to wear at Christmas dinner. It’s going to hide that bloat, guaranteed!
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Old school glamour.
Price: Around $220
Sustainability: OEKO-TEX certified wood based viscose and silk blend. Comes in recycled packaging.
5. Rent The Runway Options
Save the $2000 on a new Marchesa dress you’ll likely only wear a few times and spend $75 to rent it instead! Even when you consider the delivery and dry cleaning emissions, renting clothing is still way more eco-friendly than buying it.
Remember that the delivery emissions will be the same for rented or bought clothing, and although dry cleaning does have an ecological cost, making a new dress has a much higher one! I’m in love with this classy, lacy gown with a sweetheart neckline. It’s definitely a head turner!
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Making a seriously deep first impression as you glide into the room
Price: $75 for a 4 day rental
Sustainability: Circular economy.
Image credit: Marchesa
6. The Kourtney Dress
Red is such a festive colour, no? And the Kourtney by The Reformation boasts a gorgeous cherry hue! This midi length dress with a fitted bodice is super slinky. That’s mainly thanks to its slim fitting faux wrap skirt with a high slit, and sexy, adjustable spaghetti straps.
In case you’re wondering about the fabric, it’s viscose made from sustainably managed beech wood forests.
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Knocking ’em dead!
Price: Around $225
Sustainability: Sustainably made fabric.
7. Luminosity Floral Print Dress
Golden flowers and a leafy border are carefully placed on this flowing linen dress framed by voluminous sleeves and cinched at the waist with a knotted rope tie. We particularly love the Mandarin collar and Boho puffed long sleeves!
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Spring fetes.
Price: Around $600
Sustainability: Made from biodegradable linen fabric.
8. Violeta Dress
I don’t know about you, but around Christmas, I just want to wrap myself up in velvet! Not only is it warm, but it just feels – and looks – so smooth and comforting. Which is why I fell in love with this Violeta dress by Sezane. It boasts French style, a mini length, and it’s so pretty, you barely need any accessories at all!
Price: $220
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Flattering all figures.
Sustainability: OEKO-TEX certified wood based viscose and silk blend. Comes in recycled packaging.
9. Beige Sparkle Dress
Rock some Kardashian style with this nude number by Reformation! It’s maxi length and long sleeves make it ideal for winter fetes, and its neutral hue means it suits any skin tone. And the slight sheen to the fabric adds some sparkle to your evening. Still too neutral for you? Brighten it up with a colour pop from your shoes or bag!
Price: $220
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Slow fashion and classic style.
Sustainability: Deadstock fabric. Ethically created in the USA.
10. Matchmaker Top & Pants
Not everyone wants to wear a dress when going out. And this Matchmaker set is the perfect alternative! It consists of a bustier top made from natural fibres, and exaggerated pointed cups.
It’s paired with pleated, cropped slacks. The best part of this outfit is that you can mix and match the pieces any time. Wear the bustier with a maxi skirt later, and as for those pants…they go with anything, any time!
PS: Want some hot tips on how to rock underwear as outerwear? Check this article out!
Price: Top: $525 Pants: $850
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: A touch of Gothic elegance.
Sustainability: Biodegradable, organic fabric.
11. Dove Bow Dress
Looking for a 70s retro glam dress? The Dove features a silhouette with a high neckline and a loose bow detail. It gives a nostalgic nod to the past, fused with a forward-looking perspective with its loose fit maxi silhouette, leg slit and long sleeves.
Pair it with some platforms to keep the look vintage, or some thigh high boots to really work that slit!
It’s made from natural fibres that comprise a type of beautiful vegan silk. Based on cotton seed waste, it’s a luxurious, cruelty-free and earth-friendly alternative to silk.
Price: $780
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Modest style.
Sustainability: Biodegradable fabric.
12. The Senna Dress
We may have saved the best for last! The Senna dress adds a touch of vintage glam to your night out. It’s made of 100% pure silk, and just glides gently over the body. It’s delicate, breathable, and that gold floral pattern is simply stunning! Play it up by sporting gold accessories.
Price: $448
One of the best ethical evening dresses for: Showing off curves. Ooh la la!
Sustainability: Biodegradable fabric.
Main and second image: Reformation
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I’m in love with that Mara Hoffman number! You’ve got great taste, Noa! Love what you do!