Nail your capsule wardrobe basics.

Staples. They're the pieces that hold a wardrobe together, but there’s nothing to say they need to be basic.

Here’s a round up of some really good staples, that do good too - from tees to denim, shoes to your everyday carry.

The Tee

bon label

You can't go past Australian brand bon label. They've got you covered with all the best white tee styles + the other wear-with-anything - vintage black, grey and stripes, of course.

bon label’s classic tee in white. Can’t go past it! Image via bon label

NICO

I can't do a post on nailing your capsule wardrobe basics and not mention my go-to, ethically-made Brisbane-based label, NICO. 

Making a start with comfy, everyday underwear, NICO has grown to include an awesome range of basics, from tees to dresses, swimwear to leggings.

Nico’s The Basics. Classic, everyday styles. Image via Nico

Do-good ethical Denim

I'd love to find someone who doesn't own denim - even better, someone whose denim isn't the oldest thing in their wardrobe! Once you get onto good denim, it wears out only in the best way.

Here are some do-gooders.

outland denim

You may have come across Outland Denim when Meghan Markle donned a pair of their Harriet jeans on a visit to Australia, seeing them sell out of the style within the week.

This label is as transparent as they come, and are always striving to better their impact when it comes to human rights and protecting our planet.

I love their Vintage Blues styles, which are already tried and true classics we’re seeing make a comeback.

Nobody Denim

Nobody Denim design and manufacture most of their denim in Australia and are accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia. They take a triple-bottom-line approach to business - People, Planet and Profit on the same level - read more about their sustainable approach to business here.

E.L.V. Denim

I LOVE what these guys are doing - E.L.V. Denim - or East London Denim - take discarded denim and turn it into new jeans and other pieces, including made-to-measure, with each piece one of a kind.

With a zero waste ethos, they say the material used as no impact on the environment. More of this, please!

E.L.V. Denim take denim destined for landfill and re-design into new pieces. Love! Image via E.L.V

Allbirds women’s Tree Runners - my everyday go-to! Image via Allbirds

Walk it out: ethical footwear

AllBirds

Allbirds have had sustainability - and regeneration - at heart since day one. This BCorp makes shoes for men, women and kids using ethically-sourced merino wool, natural fibre TENCEL from eucalypts (and a unique combination of the two!), and use rain-fed sugarcane in their shoe soles.

I own a pair of their women’s Tree Runners and I wear them EVERY SINGLE DAY to walk and jog with the dog. They’re light-weight, so comfy, took no wearing-in, and you can even wear them without socks. I’m a big fan and I’m excited to try their grippy Trail Runners next time I need a pair.

They believe in ‘reversing climate change through better business’ and plan to cut their footprint in half by 2025! They’ve made some bold sustainability commitments - check out what they’re up to here.

Ooh and speaking of basics, check out their new range of natural fibre basics and apparel too!

Allbirds are more than just shoes - they’ve got a range of natural fibre activewear, loungewear and basics like socks and underwear. Image via Allbirds

Veja

VEJA is another brand on a constant transparent journey of betterment. And we love them for that. Each pair lists what every component of the shoe is made from, including natural and recycled materials.

You can learn more about ‘why sneakers?’ and the VEJA Project here.

Veja’s V-10 sneakers are made using ethically-sourced and tanned leather, rubber and rice waste, sugar cane, recycled polyester, recycled vinyl and organic cotton. Image via Veja

ethics in the Bag

Minima Handcrafted

Minima is a Perth-based brand hand-making classic bags and sandals using wonderful, quality Italian leather.

Minima’s classic handle bag in a gorgeous tan, the Ronda Tote.

matt & nat

This Montreal-based brand prides themselves on making vegan products, and strive to use materials with less harm on the environment.

To me, ‘vegan leather’ used to mean ‘ plastic’ or non-natural, therefore destined for landfill - but Matt & Nat are innovating with new materials like 100% recycled windshield glass resin (which is also recyclable), fruit skin fibres, and all of their linings are made of 100% recycled plastic bottles.

Matt & Nat DEELY MED Vegan Small Backpack - Vintage. Image via Matt & Nat