11 best women's ethical fashion pieces for £50 and under

There’s no hiding from the truth anymore; if a fashion price tag seems too good to be true, then it’s probably too cheap to be good.

It’s an unavoidable truth that clothes have to cost a certain amount to make sure the people making them aren’t exploited.

But while many of us could adjust our habits to buy less and buy better, the fact remains that not everyone can afford the £300-a-pop indie labels often touted as the alternative.

No matter how “classic” and “timeless” the wardrobe staple, if we don’t have the cash then it’s a moot point.

So, does sustainability always cost the earth? Can we feed our fast fashion craving in a guilt free way? Thankfully the answer is no – and yes, yes, we can.

While the only way to buy a £5 dress with a clear conscience is to get it second-hand, there are growing numbers of ethical fashion brands making covetable clothes and accessories at price points that don’t feel so far removed from the high street.

Often, these brands are producing in small batches, using deadstock and offcut fabrics, and working closely with artisans and factories to guarantee fair and transparent supply chains. Some are independent makers, cutting out overheads and marketing budgets to sell wares straight to the public. Etsy and Depop are full of them, if you have time to trawl.

Responsible shopping doesn’t mean resigning yourself to life in shades of utilitarian beige, and to prove it, we’ve scoured the internet for the fun, the flirty and the surprisingly on-trend – from gingham and prairie ruffles to “y2k” (year 2000) reimagined. As well as passing muster in many, many mirror selfies, we’ve assessed each piece on fit, fabric and the quality of the finish. These clothes should last far longer than a few washes.

Whether you’re looking to diversify your wardrobe or break up with fast fashion completely, here are the 10 best pieces to inspire you. Best of all, every single brand has a backstory worth investing in. Boo who?

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