Ethical Edit: 9 Sparkling Sustainable Fashion Statement Pieces For The Holidays

In Search Of Sustainable Shimmer & Shine

My style has been a little bit of a rollercoaster ride: it started out in my younger years with larger-than-life pink ensembles, DIYed jeans covered in wildly mismatched patches, sequins hand-sewn on nearly everything, and floral boots for days. Then I went through a season of minimalism, where I wore mainly dark, simple pieces. Needless to say, that wasn’t my favorite chapter in my personal style evolution.

Nowadays, and especially with the holidays are around the corner, I’m drawn back to bold prints and unique, joyful pieces that make me feel happy and confident. But when it comes to the sequins and glitter that I love so much, a lot of the pieces live in the fast-fashion world, where they last for a wear or two before falling apart.

If you’re like me and you’re looking for a little something sparkly to celebrate the holidays (or just to bring something obnoxious and festive into your everyday life), your search ends here! First, I’d be remiss if I didn’t share that one of my current favorite resources for sparkling things is thredUp, where you can sort and filter by sizes and accents so you can find the perfect glittering secondhand piece. Beyond that, here are some of my favorite pieces that shimmer and shine—all from ethical, sustainable, or vintage brands!

1. All The Colors Necklace | Ten Thousand Villages

This statement necklace will wow everyone who sees it for years to come. True to its name, this piece boasts all the colors tangled among beautiful and delicate gold chains. Handmade by artisans who are empowered to be independent business owners, this piece comes adds a story to its sparkle factor.

Shop | $24.99

2. Juliet Sequin Top | Monsoon London

Whether you’re wearing it to a concert or to an elegant holiday party, this top is a show-stopper. Monsoon London has a comprehensive scope of sustainable practices, artisan empowerment initiatives, and fair labor practices that make this garment extra special.

Shop | $100

3. Multi Party Glitter Classics | TOMS

Who can resist slipping on a comfy pair of TOMS? And doubly, who can resist turning every step they take into a party with these festive multicolored glitter shoes? For each pair purchased, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to someone in need.

Shop | $59.95

4. Belle B Peacock Glitter Vegan Platforms | Beyond Skin

There is something so playful and funky about a platform/block heel, and these vegan beauties take it to the next level with stunning peacock-colored glitter. Handmade in Spain from recycled PU leather, you’ll certainly stand out from the crowd (and above, too—these shoes boast a 4” heel!)

Shop | £120 (around $155)

5. Lillie Rubin Beaded Sequined Blouse | Braxae Vintage Co.

A good vintage sequin piece, if you care for it properly, can be a special occasion staple for a lifetime. This particular piece reminds me of a glam version of every 90s sweatshirt I ever owned. But honestly, I would take any and every piece in Braxae’s stunning collection of vintage sequin and beaded treasures.

Shop | $68

6. Disco Rainbow Glitter Fanny Pack | Beksie’s Boutique

Beksie’s Boutique pulls out all the stops when it comes to fanny packs—glitter, sequins, beads, tassels, you name it, they’ve got it. This ethically- and sustainably-made disco rainbow fanny pack is the perfect mix of subtle and statement, and makes hands-free toting easy and stylish.

Shop | $37.62

7. Agnes Sequin Tunic Dress | Monsoon London

Another piece from Monsoon London, because quite honestly, they had so many beautiful sequin and beaded pieces we couldn’t choose just one. We’ve never seen anything quite like this sparkling hand-embellished dress, and I want to ring in every New Year wearing this exact dress.

Shop | $160

8. Kyra Druzy Stud Earrings | Starfish Project

If you’re not sold on the sparkles, add just a touch of glitter to your daily wardrobe with these druzy earrings. Starfish Project’s mission is one of holistic empowerment: they employ, shelter, train, counsel, and provide healthcare and education grants to women who are survivors of sex trafficking.