50 Environmentally-friendly investment dresses

December is nearly upon us, which can only mean one thing for fashion: party season.  

Eco-friendly dresses can be costly, and not everyone has that kind of disposable income right now. But by making a smart investment, taking a fresh styling look at the summer sales or even searching for an item on a second-hand or rental website, you can ensure longer-term re-wear, harming neither your bank balance nor the environment.  

Exploring brands from around the world, here are our picks from 50 environmentally-aware brands that will last you well into 2023 and beyond.  

Made from 100 per cent cotton velvet, this Toast pinafore can be easily styled for parties and for Christmas day itself 

Flattering flocked dots adds a bit of interest to this classic Rixo wrap dress

Olive Clothing's warm brown frock may seem autumnal, but come summer festival season, it’ll look just as great with sandals and a hat

Similarly, Lisa Says Gah shell print screams summer, but also works under a thick roll neck thanks to those moodier autumnal colours  

Reformation’s Winslow dress comes in seven different colours or patterns, but we love this warm, foresty number with a pair of tall boots 

Ilk&Ernie’s flagship sheer dress may not appear very winter-appropriate, but there are some great thermal leotards or slips out there that will make for an edgy layered party look 

Dress Wearth’s London floral frock down by pulling out the chocolate undertone; a big knit jumper or warm wool coat should do the job  

House of Sunny’s punky number is great for house gatherings or festive trips to the pub  

We Are Kin’s dresses are custom made to order to reduce wastage, with customers able to request specific lengths or colourways.

Expertly styled on their website with boots and a cardi, Arkitaip’s dusty rose dress is ready to go

Named the "Eternal Flame", Perfect Nomad’s black slip is a wardrobe essential, made of organic peace silk and hemp  

With an adjustable belt and reversible sides, Isabel Mann’s dresses deliver optimum versatility

Whimsy & Row’s clay cord pinafore is perfect for daytime events   

As is Mara Hoffman’s warm cosy jumper dress in recycled wool and cashmere 

Delicate shoulder additions add a touch of quirk to this voluminous Mother of Pearl smock; perfect for hiding thermal layers underneath   

Made from responsibly sourced wool, Bite Studio’s formal fuchsia dress can be styled for work and play  

Channel your inner monochrome mod with a roll neck, tights, high boots and this SisterHood mini dress  

Omnes fun gem print dress is made of recycled polyester, certified by the global recycle standard 

Crafted from silk chiffon, the timeless silhouette of Lora Gene’s dress will suit formal cocktail parties or dinners 

Birdsong's Tencel shift is made from renewable wood sources—patchwork perfection! 

With its expertly-designed cut, Sabinna’s gathered black dress is ideal for wearers who want to create a curvier silhouette   

With each of GungHo London’s dresses designed to tribute an ecological issue, this "climate" dress is a guaranteed conversation starter at your Christmas party

Produced in collaboration with the V&A, this stylish People-Tree print is inspired by 1920s artist-designer Sidney Mawson

Bamford’s moss green smock dress pairs well with rusty tones  

Made from biodegradable fabrics, Bogdar’s show-stopping glitter gown will leave no trace at the end of its life  

Hannah Fiedler’s champagne dress might require some advance budgeting, but its 100 per cent UK-sourced silk is every inch as special as its price tag suggests  

Available in five different velvet colours and made to order, it’s easy to imagine passing down this joyous Mary Benson as a form of festive family heirloom

Nynne’s deep blue knitted dress teams well with gold glitter accessories 

Sustainable plus-sized clothing can be difficult to come by, especially in the winter season. Enter Able clothing, whose designs can be dressed up or down  

For an alternative to the typical dark winter colours, Tradlands softer gingham prints still look great come spring  

The comfortable cotton twill and abstract print of this Stella McCartney dress trasitions seamlessly from work meetings to office party—just add heels and sparkles

Rare & Flair’s unique tea dress is crafted from mulberry silk, topped off with traditional south Asian Ikat tie-dye print

Aussie fashion fans love Velvety, and for good reason; their simple, floaty garments are great for all year-round layering  

Adjustable around the waist and made from breathable fabric, Cortana’s lightweight olive gown feels future-proofed for 2023

Keep warm without compromising on style in Ninety Percent’s organic cotton Hyacinth dress 

Pay homage to festive years past with Damson Madder’s whimsical Broderie anglaise collar dress  

Hand-batiked in Ghana by a WFTO guaranteed maker group, this printed knit dress by Tonlé works for a multitude of occasions; and with various brightly-patterned tights

Sequins aren’t always the most sustainable, but Sezane are committed to making changes where they can, including road transportation rather than flight, recycled packaging, and regularly audited factories to ensure staff safety

A subtle cut-out keeps this Bluesalt dress youthful but still modest  

Bassike’s dramatic Tencel dress adds a graphic touch to Christmas, but will still look great on summer holiday  

Made from a cashmere silk boucle, Gabriella Hearst’s angelic dress is deeply luxurious and perceptively lightweight, but still warm on  

The rouched effect of Tove’s cinnamon minidress flatter the body without being too clingy   

This summery dress by Faithfull the brand can be easily restyled by pulling out one of the colours (blue, yellow or red) and teaming with wintery accessories  

Savannah Morrow’s silk and bamboo wrinkle blend comes with a removable belt, but it looks just as good left loose under a smart blazer  

Embrace your inner disco diva with this 1970s-inspired dress by Zimmerman, made from recycled post-consumer polyester  

Maximise the wear of this ribbed Cassola dress by layering over a black skirt; an easy two-piece combination when the mood strikes 

Loud Bodies know that everyone looks pretty in pink. This fun, romantic look is available from sizes XXS to 10XL, with the option to add or remove pockets  

Three Graces simple button down dress is described as "palm green", but it also perfectly suits the traditional hue of December  

Maggie Marilyn’s rich claret also screams festive, without going too far into Santa territory 

For those who prefer to play things more low key, Hannah Artwear’s patterned dress is feminine and fun without being too "girly"

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