Sustainable Shopping for College Girls on a Budget
Understanding how fashion production works is so important, but that awareness can also create moral dilemmas—especially as a college student trying to buy new pieces on a budget. When people hear the word sustainability, it often brings to mind environmental protection. While that is a key factor, sustainability in fashion also refers to fair wages for workers, ethical sourcing of materials, and animal welfare practices—like ensuring sheep are treated humanely when producing wool.
Because sustainable practices generally come with higher production costs, these products often have higher price tags. As a student, I get the temptation of choosing a $5 bikini from Shein over a $150 option from a sustainable brand. That’s why I researched affordable, sustainable fashion labels that we at Tulane can support—so we can shop responsibly while still looking stylish, without breaking the bank.
1. OMNES - Sustainable and versatile pieces perfect for occasions from class to date parties.
“To show that fashion can be good quality, affordable AND responsibly made and to prompt discussion and broader change across the industry. OMNES means ‘all’, our brand is for everyone and speaks to how we are all in this together. We want to re-think fashion. We want to do fashion differently. We want to make fashion better. Together.”
2. GIRLFRIEND - Sustainable workout pieces and sets.
“I believe transparency is the key to everything. It isn't just words. We're open about the effort that goes into creating our products and all the hands they touch. Making something as simple as a pair of leggings isn't so simple if you want to make it sustainably. That's why we share the many micro-decisions that go into our product development process at Girlfriend Collective. Our customers want, and have a right, to know what goes into creating the clothes they wear and love.”
3. OGL MOVE - Sustainable elevated basics, with flattering cuts and colors.
“We started our journey with a clear mission: to strengthen the connection between people and nature through sustainable fashion that’s affordable, timeless and versatile. Our goal is to create high-quality basics that flatter every body shape, work for every occasion, and become the most treasured pieces in every capsule wardrobe.”
