We just discovered Zara's secret sustainable collection and it's incredible
As we all become more and more aware of the importance of shopping sustainably, the retail world can feel like a minefield to navigate.
With buzzwords such as 'eco collections', 'ethical fashion' and 'sustainably sourced' scattered haphazardly around the high street - and with many such concepts mutually exclusive and therefore providing an almost impossible choice between supposed 'thoughtful' shopping options - it can be difficult to know which to prioritise.
It comes, therefore, as a very welcome surprise that many of us have been shopping sustainably all along without even realising it, thanks to high street stalwart Zara's secret 'Join Life' collection.
Almost indistinguishable from the brand's mainline offering, Join Life is a fashion-forward selection that you've likely unknowingly been shopping for years.
Having launched in 2016, the collection comprises pieces made from sustainable raw materials such as organic cotton, recycled fibres and Tencel, a plant-based textile taken from sustainably managed forests.
Incorporating everything from classic staples - jeans, blouses, plain t-shirts, puffer jackets etc. - to more fashion-forward statement pieces such as sculptural-heeled mules, tie-dye shirts, floral midi dresses and slogan sweatshirts, they're stylish pieces that complete every typical wardrobe. They just happen to be sustainable, too.
So if you were looking for an excuse to update your own sartorial offering, Join Life are providing one guilt-free...
Now you know where you're shopping, scroll down to discover what you should be buying as we approach a new season.
1. OVERSIZED HATS
If you so much as glanced at your Instagram feed last summer, you no doubt spotted a Jacquemus La Bomba hat. Now entirely synonymous with SS18, it seems brands are vying for similar cult status next season by producing their own delicious incarnations that we already can't get enough of.
Spotted at: Rejina Pyo (left), Xiao Li (centre), Yuhan Wang/Fashion East (right), Ryan Lo and Simone Rocha
2. SENSIBLE SHORTS
Cycling shorts may have stolen the show last year, but - and thank the Lord - next season things are looking a little looser. Tailored, micro, knee-length... skirts may be given a few months off as we all look to the more boyish alternative for our new summer go-to.
Spotted at: Alexa Chung (left), Margaret Howell (centre), Rejina Pyo (right) and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
3. TIGHT PLEATS
Having had a successful run last year, pleats are back for SS19 but this time they're a whole lot more intricate. Tighter than before, the micro pleat provides maximum impact as it generates not only more movement but also a more fluctuating silhouette as it expands and contracts. Science-y, eh?
Spotted at: Givenchy (left), Preen by Thornton Bregazzi (centre), Balmain (right), Pringle and Roland Mouret
4. TIE-DYE
I know. We were all surprised at the recurrence of this 60s print, but alas it seems tie-dye truly is back in fash. Admittedly, 2019's take on the trend is a hell of a lot chicer. Make like Stella with a no-holds-barred approach and opt for a bold matching two-piece, or - if you're anything like us - you'll likely favour a more subtle beach maxi.
Spotted at: Stella McCartney (left), Prabal Gurung (centre) and R13 (right)
5. FANCY FLATS
While models over at Halpern, Ashish and David Koma were teetering precariously atop stiletto heels, things at Valentino and Simone Rocha were a whole lot more down to earth. About six inches closer to said earth, to be precise. And boy are we looking forward to spending next season in comfy, fancy flats for the sake of #fashun.
Spotted at: Valentino (left), Simone Rocha (centre), Temperley London (right) and Burberry
6. SUMMER WATERPROOFS
If last summer's unpredictable weather taught us anything, it's that you can never be too prepared. So providing you also carry a bikini, sunglasses and knee-high wellington boots with you at all times, these fair-weather waterproofs should serve you well.
Spotted at: Max Mara (left), Marc Jacobs (centre), Jil Sander (right), Sportmax and Etro
7. FRINGING
With last autumn's obsession with the cowboy boot, it was almost inevitable that there would be another Western-inspired trend infiltrating our wardrobes next season. Adorning everything from jackets to skirts via handbags and everything in-between, who knows... maybe we'll be cutting our hair to fit too.
Spotted at: Coach (left), Tom Ford (centre) and Cushnie
8. NEON
Not one for the faint-hearted, vibrant zesty hues are back with a bang this year after endless seasons of the fashion pack drooling over all things pastel. If you're feeling extra brave opt for a double-dose à la Jasper Conran.
Spotted at: Natasha Zinko (left), Jasper Conran (centre), Roksanda (right), Rejina Pyo, House of Holland and Ashish
9. PUFFED SHOULDERS
Bold shoulders are no new thing, but rather than padded, boxy numbers, next season's take is a whole lot puffier. Often gathered at the shoulder with pleats of elastic, they work particularly well with square necklines on feminine dresses. Here's hoping the weather allows us to forgo a jacket, or that volume could provide a stumbling block.
Spotted at: Brock Collection (left), Rodarte (centre), Saint Laurent (right), Mara Hoffman and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
10. SEQUINS
Have sequins ever not been on trend? Perhaps not, but they were so prevalent at this month's shows that we can't ignore them. Offered up in endless incarnations, opt for a more gently beaded style - like Ashish's mint green jumpsuit - for a friend's birthday dinner, before swapping into blindingly glitzy Halpern-like number for your own.
Spotted at: Ashish (left), Halpern (centre), House of Holland (right), David Koma and Roberta Einer
