A new year is just around the corner, and all of us at Uashmama will be gathering with loved ones over the festive period, celebrating the year past and looking forward to the next; thinking about all possibilities it brings, and perhaps making a few resolutions too.
One New Year’s resolution that would be good for everyone is to make more sustainable choices, to ensure the longevity of our beloved planet and resources. And why not start that one a little early, by making sure your outfit for the New Year’s Eve celebrations is as sustainable as can be?
When we think of New Year’s Eve outfits, we think of special occasionwear, sparkles, maybe even black tie. However, it’s important to avoid buying unsustainable clothing items that you will wear once and discard.
Instead, try to buy clothes and accessories that are built to last, and that harm the environment less during production and after their lifespan. Or perhaps you could style items of clothing you already have with some new eco-friendly accessories.
Here are some really gorgeous and timeless sustainable accessories that would be perfect for New Year’s Eve, and for many years afterwards.
1. Get a cosy hat with traceable origins
This Organic Double Layered Beanie from Yes Friends is made from 100% fairly-traded organic cotton, and comes in 6 lovely colours, so there’s bound to be one that suits you.
Yes Friends are based in Bristol, but work closely with solar-assisted, Fair Trade and GOTS-certified (Global Organic Textile Standard) factories in India, where the garment workers are paid a fair wage. They also give the option for customers to add a tip which goes straight to the garment workers.
You can read more about Yes Friends' ethical and sustainable credentials on their website.
If that beanie doesn’t tickle your fancy, this Red Recycled Wool Hat from Baukjen is gorgeous, and because it’s made of a natural fibre which has been recycled, it’s a doubly-sustainable accessory. You can find out more about Baukjen’s dedication to sustainability here, as well as the factories they partner with.
A pop of red is so fun and festive (although it does also come in forest green and grey) and they have a matching scarf available too.
2. Wrap up in a beautiful sustainable scarf
Speaking of scarves, the Merino Knitted Snood from Bam is another cosy and colourful accessory, which is much-needed during the grey days and dark evenings we often get in the UK over New Year.
It’s made of a Merino wool and bamboo blend - both sustainable materials that will biodegrade after use - and you can read more about Bam’s sustainability efforts here.
If you want something more versatile, the Sitges Fine Wool Scarf from Bibico is a really special accessory for New Year’s Eve, although the multi-coloured abstract print would go with so many outfits for all occasions.
The scarf is made of 100% Fair Trade wool, crafted by artisans in India who are paid a fair wage - Bibico is an ethical clothing company, and pride themselves on their long-lasting, respectful relationships with their suppliers.
3. Tie your hair back with a zero-waste scrunchie
Scrunchies are a brilliant way to use up scraps of fabric that would otherwise go unused or be thrown away. These Zero-waste scrunchies by Hello Cleo are made in the UK from remnants, off-cuts and vintage fabrics.
There are multiple colours and patterns available - each one limited-edition and extra special - so we’re sure there’ll be one to perfectly match your New Year’s Eve outfit.
4. Keep your toes toasty with organic cotton socks
December and January can be pretty chilly in the UK, so you’ll need to keep those toes warm, whatever you’re doing on New Year’s Eve.
These Punchy GOTS Organic Cotton Socks from Komodo are just the ticket, coming in 4 bold colours (our favourite is the vibrant purple) and made from organic cotton and recycled nylon for stretch and comfort.
Komodo has been committed to creating eco-friendly fashion since 1988, and they no longer have any single-use plastic in their supply chain, which is an amazing achievement. They have loads more information on the Komodo about page, and a whole supply chain page too.
5. Choose a wool belt to cinch your waist
This Wool Obi Wrap Belt from Julahas looks incredible worn over a shirt or dress, and you can tie it at the front, back, or even the side for an asymmetric New Year’s Eve look. Each wrap belt is crafted by the artisans of Dev Bhumi in Uttarakhand, India, who receive a steady income, fair trade and job satisfaction.
For each purchase, Julahas also plants a tree, which creates further employment for the village women, and regulates the climate while improving the soil quality, benefitting the local farming communities.
6. Add a little ethical New Year’s sparkle
Is any New Year’s Eve party outfit complete without a piece of beautiful jewellery? We love the subtle touch of glamour that the Zovu Brass Studs from Mayamiko create, and brass is a more sustainable alternative to gold, with 90% of all brass being recycled.
These contemporary earrings are made by hand in a solar-powered workshop in Malawi, run by social enterprise YEWO. The workshop is in a rural village, where approximately 95% of the community are either unemployed or earning well below minimum wage.
With YEWO, employees benefit from living wages, nutritious meals, paid leave, as well as training and healthcare support.
7. Make sure you’ve got an extra special eco-friendly jacket
(Pictured jacket from Worn to Threads.)
The classic Bomber Jacket from Non is made from 50% organic cotton and 50% recycled cotton that was reclaimed from fabric production waste. Non is committed to developing circular design and zero-waste production processes to reduce our future impact on the planet, which you can read more about here.
Alternatively, a jacket made of deadstock, reclaimed or second hand fabric might be more your vibe, and Worn to Threads jackets and coats are just that. Amazing work goes into sourcing the fabrics and sewing these jackets - they're fantastic quality and will last a lifetime if cared for correctly.
8. Grab a sustainable bag to hold your New Year’s Eve essentials
A beautiful bag is not only an essential for a New Year’s Eve outfit, but for everyday use too.
At Uashmama we make lifestyle products that balance respect for nature and functionality. Earlier this year, we gave our signature paper material an extra special shiny finish, which would be perfect for wearing on New Year’s Eve.
We love the Sling Bag, which is a super popular style this year and great for both everyday wear and special occasions, or the Terme Crossbody Bag in a metallic colourway.
If you’re headed to a New Year’s Eve party and are taking a bottle of wine or a gift for the host, the Uashmama Carry One tote bag is perfect for holding everything you could possibly need!
9. Buy some second hand sparkles
If you simply can’t resist wearing sequins on New Year’s Eve, please buy them second hand - charity shops, vintage shops and other second hand shops often have loads of sequinned clothing options.
Shopping locally is best for sustainability, but if you can’t get to your local second hand shops, Oxfam Online has a great sequin section, and Beyond Retro has an excellent Glittering Nights party collection too.
10. Or for a cosy New Year’s Eve in…
Staying in for New Year’s Eve can be just as special as heading out to a party - you can eat your favourite snacks, drink your favourite tipple, and listen to your favourite songs without having to leave the comfort of your home.
If you’re opting for a cosy New Year’s Eve at home, you might like to treat yourself to a snuggly 100% recycled fleece hot water bottle cover from Lucy & Yak, and a pair of hand-felted 100% wool slippers from Bibico.
Whatever you do for New Year’s Eve, whether you’re dressing up and going to a party or staying cosy at home with your family, all of us at Uashmama wish you a very Happy New Year!
If you’d like to learn more about our dedication to sustainability and reducing environmental impact, you can read more on the Uashmama about page.