A GIVEAWAY! + Seasonal Fashion Tips and Trends

****GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!****

Happy winter season, bbs! The changing of seasons always gives us a chance to reset, let go of past expectations of ourselves and start anew. Clothes and personal style can be a great way to signal change. Every season, I love to pack away any seasonal clothing and bring out what I’ve stored for more suitable weather – sundresses for the warmer months, sweaters for cooler – and edit out any pieces that no longer feel like me (Depop is a beautiful thing!)

While I do change up my outfits over time, it’s not economical or sustainable to have a completely different wardrobe for each season. Instead, I’ve learned how to create a core wardrobe of versatile pieces that I love, overlapping pieces across seasons while still updating my look and dressing for the weather. You can learn more about how to create a conscious closet in my blog post here.

Today, I’m sharing some seasonal trends I’m looking forward to most, tips on fabrics and how to make the most out of the clothes and accessories you already own, plus a roundup of some of my favorite brands and designers – some of which are partnering with me for an AMAZING GIVEAWAY! Included in the package (a $1,200 value!) are pieces I adore from some of the womxn-owned brands I wear daily. THREE LUCKY WINNERS will win the following:

• Carla Colour Lind Sunglasses in FIZZ – The cutest sunnies! It’s important to protect your eyes from UV rays year-round.
• Mandrn fanny pack (The Remy or The Atlas) in color of choice – My go-to! I always wear mine when I’m walking around the city. Fun, functional and way less cumbersome than a tote bag or purse in my opinion. (And in case you can’t wait to see if you win, use promo code WUHAUS15 for 15% off orders, offer valid 1 year.)
• Jenny Bird Mega Link Necklace in gold – Never not wearing a Jenny Bird necklace these days. I love the simple sophistication of this one.
• Zii Ropa Wilfred Top in cream – Gorgeous silk top from a conscious line based here in CDMX.
• Matisse Footwear Caty Boots in Ivory Snake – Boots from this LA-based brand has definitely elevated my pandemic outfits. Cute, unique, and comfortable for everyday wear

CONTEST RULES AND HOW TO ENTER: 

• Follow @alison__wu, @carlacolour, @wearemandrn, @_jennybird, @ziiropa, and @matissefootwear on Instagram and tag a friend (or several) in the comments section of THIS INSTAGRAM POST to let them know about the giveaway.
• Leave a comment on this blog post for an added entry!
• Contest open to residents of the US and Mexico only. Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Contest closes at 11:59pm CST on Thursday, December 17th.
• Winner will be notified by Saturday, December 19th on Instagram.

Know Your Fabrics

Understanding the sustainability and performance qualities of fabrics can help you make informed decisions about the clothes that suit your lifestyle and values best. I encourage you to do your own research from the sources you trust most, but here is a starting point that hopefully demonstrates the depth and breadth of differences among fabrics. In general, I like to buy clothes made from fabrics that are natural, organically grown, and ideally have some sort of certification for ethical manufacturing.

Linen

Linen is made from the bast fibers of the flax plant. It’s fast-drying and breathable, though it can shrink and wrinkle easily. Overall, linen is a great fabric when taken care of properly.

Cotton

Cotton is made from fibers of the cotton plant and is soft, strong and absorbent. When buying clothes that are a cotton blend, be sure it’s made of at least 50% cotton to enjoy its natural benefits. I always try to buy organic cotton when possible; it uses significantly less water and energy to create than conventional cotton.

Wool

Wool is made from the hairs of animals, most commonly sheep, goats, rabbits and alpacas. It’s a great fabric for base layers and transitional weather because it is temperature-regulating, meaning it helps keep you warm in the cold and cool in the heat. While animals do not have to be killed for their wool, unlike leather, other issues related to wool include overgrazing and the treatment of the animals. Responsible Wool Standard-certified pieces ensures that the animals and land were treated with respect.

Silk

Silk is created from a fiber produced by silkworms. It is soft, strong and effortlessly beautiful, though it does not stretch well, requires extra care and is also one of the more expensive fabrics. Similar to wool, it has thermal stability and can be worn year-round. 

Semi-synthetic – Rayon, Viscose, Acetate

These fabrics are actually derived from natural fibers, like wood pulp, that then undergo extensive chemical processes to become a material. They are often treated and blended with other fibers to emulate natural fabrics and are generally more affordable, but the high demand for them has contributed to deforestation.

Synthetics – Polyester, Acrylic, Nylon

Most synthetic fabrics are petroleum-based and were introduced to the market over the 21st century as more economically affordable alternatives to their natural counterparts. Washing synthetic materials is a big contributor

Tips & Trends

Tips

Different Accessories, New Outfit: Accessories like jewelry, bags, scarves and hats can completely transform an outfit without having to change what you’re wearing. I love seeing how many different looks I can get with one outfit just by adding a belt or statement earrings, or even something as simple as tucking in my shirt vs. not. Although I rarely wear makeup, it’s also another element that I occasionally like to have fun with that can change the whole mood of my outfit.

Complement Your Closet: When buying new pieces, always consider it in the context of your existing wardrobe. Buy clothes that go with pieces you already own rather than having to buy a completely new outfit. A good idea is to wear something neutral that you love when shopping, like your favorite pair of jeans. If what you’re trying on doesn’t go with those jeans, consider if there’s anything else in your closet that might work with it.

Think in Layers: To maximize how many clothes you own that can cross over seasons, think of your wardrobe in layers. You want pieces that you can build up as the weather gets colder. Consider where you live and be mindful of how hot or cold it gets, and for how long. If you live in southern California, it’s possible you don’t actually need all those chunky sweaters that your heart desires. And for many places, you generally only need one or two really good winter coats to get through the coldest seasons. Instead, you can put that closet space toward more base layers, light sweaters, and other pieces that could also work in warmer months.

Fashion & Function: Not all pieces you have need to be super functional – there’s always room for pieces that are simply fun! But in general, consider your lifestyle and make sure you have what you need to be comfortable. For example, consider opting for a lower heel, a good sole grip or waterproof boots if you walk around a lot in a city with a rainy season. Sometimes having the right pieces for the natural elements can be life-changing. 

Seasonal Trends

Quilted Pieces – Love a good quilted jacket, including the one-of-a-kind offerings from Psychic Outlaw.
Puffer Jacket – Always a mainstay in the Pacific Northwest, the puffer jacket is having a renaissance on the runway and I am here for it.
Nap Dress – Sold on the name alone. Nap dresses are cute-and-comfy pieces that can go from loungewear to daywear and often come in pre-wrinkled fabrics or other forgiving textiles.
Patchwork – Championed by the sustainably-minded designer Stella McCartney, patchwork often (thought not always) uses scrap materials to make new pieces.
Plaid – Although I don’t often wear patterns, I do appreciate an occasional plaid piece in my life.
Velvet – Nothing makes me feel more fancy or festive than a velvet suit jacket.
Balloon Sleeves – YES! Always down for a little arm drama. Roomy sleeves with fitted cuffs can add such a playful element to otherwise simple pieces.
Fringe – On pants, shirts, jackets. All clothes have the potential to have fringe this season!

More Favorite Shops, Brands & Designers

Shops

• Oroboro Store – NYC-based boutique with rare and emerging labels
• Frances May – A beloved clothing store in Portland that carries some of my favorite independent designers
• Lisa Says Gah – Beautiful curation of consciously-minded brands
• The Frankie Shop – The best loungewear and monochromatic looks
• Mr Larkin – Copenhagen-based concept store with a house label plus other high-end designers
• Worn Store – Minimal, beautiful casualwear with a focus on sustainability
• Sincerely, Tommy – Concept store in Brooklyn with some of the coolest up-and-coming labels
• na nin – Curated vintage, in house clothing line, hand blended fragrances & selected designs from independent labels

Brands & Designers

• Hunza G – Amazing, flattering swimwear featuring an iconic heritage crinkle fabric
• Mara Hoffman – Rich textures and understated pieces that reflect the designer’s personal style and travels 
• Black Crane – Comfortable pieces with strong silhouettes
• Mónica Cordera – Spain-based slow fashion label with a focus on natural fibers
• Zii Ropa – Woman-owned and operated in CDMX. Simple, sustainable pieces handmade with natural fibers 
• Miha Made – Gorgeous, functional pieces from my dear friend Hannah Aronowitz. Everything is hand-cut and sewn and dyed with natural plant dyes in Oaxaca. You may recognize a model in her SS20 line 😉
• Rachel Comey – Artful custom prints, modern and unisex silhouettes and playful shoes
• Ochre and Earth – Neutral, sustainable pieces for women + baby
• Ilana Kohn – Flattering and simple silhouettes, fun denim pieces and rompers
• Selva Negra – NYC-turned-LA-based line that celebrates the designers’ Latina heritage with vibrant colors and expressive design
• Apiece Apart – Each collection from NYC designers Laura Cramer and Starr Hout can be mixed and matched for the ideal capsule wardrobe
• Paloma Wool – Eponymous label from the Brazilian artist, focused on the art of getting dressed. Collections are a collaboration among artists – inventive, colorful and fun
• Zulu & Zephyr – Beach-inspired clothing and swimwear from Australia
• St. Agni – Minimalist leather footwear that can be worn any season
• Sir the Label – Whimsical, feminine shapes and floral prints
• Lauren Manoogian – Soft and cozy knitwear and leather accessories
• Shaina Mote – Modern, versatile styles made with natural fabrics 
• maryam nassir zadeh – Eponymous line that reflects the designer’s personal style, with nods to vintage fashion and her Iranian heritage
• Nanushka – Budapest-based sustainable pieces, earthy tones and an emphasis on beauty in functionality
• Brother Vellies – Handcrafted shoes and handbags from South Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya and Morocco
• Anna Monet Jewelry – West coast-inspired jewelry featuring precious metals, natural horse hair and natural dyes

All photographs shot by the lovely and talented Caroline Lucia Smagacz.

Jenny Bird Mega Link Necklace

Zii Ropa Wilfred Top

Carla Colour Lind Sunglasses