11 Sustainable Winter Essentials (+ Tips to Stay Warm & Ethical)

'Tis the season… of all the cheap fast fashion jumpers and accessories that you’re tempted to add to your (already overflowing) wardrobe.

But instead of buying yet another scarf made in a sweatshop or a synthetic cardigan that’ll take centuries to decompose, you can keep warm, stay true to your style, and make a difference for the planet. How?

By falling in love with a few sustainable winter essentials!

How to make your winter wardrobe more ethical 

The solution isn’t to replace new fast fashion clothes with the same number of ethical winter essentials! It’s to buy fewer clothes, wear them mindfully, and keep them for many more cold seasons to come.

• Start from the winter clothes in your wardrobe – The most sustainable winter essentials are the ones you already own! So, get everything out of your wardrobe (you might find some hidden gems you forgot you had), declutter the clothes you know you’re not going to use (psst: do this sustainably by gifting them, selling them, or giving them to charity), and identify the ones you’ll happily rewear
• Only buy the winter clothes you need, and choose ethical ones – Ignore fast fashion trends, and think beyond this season: what clothes can you see yourself wearing multiple times, this winter and the next ones? Try buying them from ethical brands (you can find hundreds of them right here on Project Cece!) 
• Choose the kindest materials – Fast fashion brands prioritise traditionally grown cotton (= full of pesticides and terrible for the planet) and synthetic materials (= highly polluting). Instead, look for responsibly sourced wool, organic cotton, linen (yes, you can wear linen in winter), hemp, bamboo, and recycled polyester. Also, somehow, fur (and animal suffering, apparently?) is back in fashion, but that’s the opposite of an ethical winter essential. If you reeeeeaaaally like it, though, stick to second-hand options
• Layer up, and rewear your winter clothes – Change your mindset from “buying new garments regularly” to “styling the same sustainable winter essentials in different ways to create various outfits”. This season is perfect since you can rely on multiple layers! For example, the same woollen dress can result in a completely different vibe when you pair it up with leggings, colourful tights, a cardigan, and a turtleneck or shirt poking from underneath its collar and sleeves

11 sustainable winter essentials to (re)wear creatively

Create a small but versatile capsule wardrobe by prioritising:

• Garments that complement your existing ones
• Monochrome basics and staples that can work with several outfits  
• Timeless items you actually love (because they match your style, not a temporary trend) and will happily rewear for years

To help you get started, here are 11 sustainable winter essentials you could look for (unless you already own some of them, of course).

1. Long winter coat

A sustainable winter coat can keep you warm and complement your outfit. 

So, consider prioritising monochrome designs or versatile patterns (like checked or striped coats).

As for fabrics, look for organic wool and winter coats made with deadstock and recycled materials to reduce waste.

2. Winter jacket

Winter jackets tend to be more practical than longer coats.

So, it’s always handy to have one that goes with multiple pairs of trousers or skirts.

Or if you’re an outdoorsy person who’s already planning the next hike or morning run, prioritise good-quality outdoor clothing.

Winter jackets can be trickier from a sustainability point of view, but recycled materials will be your best friends!

3. Jumper

Your favourite and warmest winter jumper can easily be a versatile basic or an eye-catching statement (for example, a vibrant monochrome design).

As for materials, the most eco-friendly options tend to be organic wool, organic cotton, and as always, recycled fabrics. 

4. Turtleneck

Turtlenecks can be the ace up your (long) sleeve in winter! 

They look just as stylish on their own—with corduroy or woollen trousers, jeans, and skirts—but they’re also IDEAL to create layers.

So, choose a turtleneck in a versatile colour that’ll complement a few of your cardigans, jumpers, vests, and short-sleeve dresses.

5. Warm and versatile trousers

You can easily rock your usual jeans and trousers during the coldest months (psst: if you’re cold, wear some tights underneath).

But some of the most sustainable winter essentials are definitely thick trousers made from corduroy or wool.

6. Winter dress

Dresses aren’t just for summer! 

Get creative with long-sleeve designs made of wool, cotton, or recycled materials. 

You could also consider short-sleeve or tank dresses, pairing them up with long shirts or turtlenecks.

7. Hat

Stay warm and stylish with woollen or cotton beanies, knitted hats, or if you prefer, headbands to cover your ears. 

8. Scarf

This winter essential is perfect for keeping warm and accessorising your outfits. 

Monochrome options tend to be the easiest and safest bet, but you can also pair up a patterned scarf with a neutral coat (or vice versa).

As for materials, consider organic wool and cotton or recycled fabrics.

9. Gloves

Look for winter gloves that go well with your main coat and jacket. 

How about using them to add a splash of colour to monochrome or neutral outfits?

10. Tights or leggings

These sustainable winter essentials will also allow you to create different outfits using the same garments, like dresses and skirts.

11. Boots 

Several types of shoes that can work well during the colder months, but if I had to pick one, I’d go with boots.

These versatile and sustainable winter essentials (especially when made with recycled or vegetable-tanned leather or eco-friendly vegan alternatives) can complement different trousers and keep you warm when wearing a shorter dress or skirt with tights.

Find more sustainable winter essentials on Project Cece

Now that you know exactly what to focus on, it’ll be a (frosty) breeze to find the right ethical winter essentials for your style… especially when you can browse them all on one platform!

At Project Cece, we brought hundreds of fair trade brands in one place and added categories and filters to simplify your choices.

So, I’m confident you’ll find the right sustainable winter essentials for your style and ethical preferences. 

Staying warm and eco-conscious has never been easier!