When you think of vegan fashion, you think of hemp and drab.

It’s not surprising as for many years, vegan has equated to tree-hugging, hemp-wearing earth mothers. That’s not the case any longer. Yes, the vegan hemp wearers are still around and we’re glad they are, but you don’t have to ditch your fashionista title in order to join the kind club. Nowadays you can find a more compassionate version of anything couture—shoes, bags, accessories, just about any apparel. You name it, it’s out there.

Dress by Claire Farwell London, shoes by Melissa for Convert, earrings by Mata Traders.

Photo by: Cats Like Scotch

Vegan fashion is hotter than ever.

Expansions in the material market have made it so looking good while more consciously consuming can take you from day-to-night and work-to-play. You may recognize pleather, PVC, polyester, satin, faux ultra suede, and spandex as fabrics of a previous generation, but they’re also all vegan friendly and have undergone a serious makeover to bring them into the twenty-first century. You’re thinking, “Spandex and Pleather? So old school,” but vegan designers are not only resourceful—and compassionate—but crafty too! Their creations are so hip and on trend that the difference between pleather and leather could be your secret, if you wanted it to be.

Pants and tank by Miakoda, top by Delikate Rayne, bag by CANNA Brazil, earrings by Michelle Starbuck Designs

Photo by: Cats Like Scotch

Don’t say goodbye to the old just yet.

Yea, yea, hemp is a vegan stereotype—but have you ever worn a hemp t-shirt? Or what about a 100% organic cotton tee? They feel so good against your skin; almost like you’re going au naturel. Natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo, hemp and jute look and feel good will always have a place in my closet.

From Left to Right: Top by The Tree Kisser, Jeans by Team Colors by Skinny Jeans from Modavanti, Shoes by, KEEP. Top by The Tree Kisser, Flats by Blake Brody. Top by Jill Milan Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue top, Jeans by Team Colors by Skinny Jeans from Modavanti, Shoes by KEEP.

Photo by: Cats Like Scotch

Keeping warm or breaking a sweat? You’re covered.

Polar fleece, Coolmax®, Supplex® and Tencel® mean that just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean your style needs to suffer. Live in a cooler climate? Polar fleece will keep you warm and dry. A bonus: Many of these materials help you to reduce and reuse as they are made from plastic bottles and other recycled products.

Wallet and Belt by, Brave GentleMan

Photo by: Cats Like Scotch

Let’s leave these on the shelf for the animals, humans, and the environment.

Fur and leather are givens, but did you know that down and silk also harm animals, the humans who manufacture them or live near where they’re manufactured, and the environment as well? A few others to note: Alpaca, calf and pony hair; exotic skins, feathers, shearling, wool, and suede.

Necklace by Mata Traders, sweater by Bella M, pants and bracelet by 4 All Humanity, Jeffrey Campbell for Convert shoes, bag by The Underground Chic.

Photo by, Cats Like Scotch

Now that you’ve taken a glimpse into the world of vegan fashion, take a peek into your closet. See room for a compassionate upgrade? Check out the hot new Vegan Cuts Vegan Fashion Guide for tips on how to veganize your wardrobe, a full directory of vegan-friendly shops, and pages and pages of haute vegan looks modeling by compassionate fashionistas. It’s free to download and a sure way to get inspired and feel better about your look.

The post The New Look of Sustainable and Vegan Fashion appeared first on Chic Vegan.