Top 6 'Bloom-and-Branch' Sustainable Brands to style for a nature-inspired look this spring. - Goh Ling Yong
As the last traces of winter melt away, a sense of renewal fills the air. The days grow longer, the sun feels warmer on our skin, and the first determined crocuses push their way through the soil. This is spring—a season of vibrant rebirth, a time when nature unfurls in a breathtaking display of life. It’s a change that inspires us to shed our heavy layers, both literally and figuratively, and embrace a lighter, brighter way of being. Why not let this seasonal shift inspire our wardrobes as well?
This year, let's move beyond fleeting trends and cultivate a style that’s deeply connected to the world around us. I like to call it the 'Bloom-and-Branch' aesthetic. It’s about more than just wearing floral prints; it’s a holistic approach to dressing that celebrates nature in both form and function. 'Bloom' represents the beauty—the delicate patterns, earthy color palettes, and soft, flowing silhouettes. 'Branch' signifies the substance—the strong, sustainable, and ethically-made foundations of our clothes. It's about choosing pieces that not only look beautiful but are also kind to the planet that inspires them.
Finding brands that truly embody this philosophy can feel like searching for a four-leaf clover. But don't worry, I've done the digging for you. I’ve curated a list of my top six sustainable brands that perfectly capture the 'Bloom-and-Branch' spirit. These are the labels that will help you build a conscious spring wardrobe that feels authentic, looks stunning, and honors the environment. Let's dive in and get inspired.
1. Christy Dawn
If the 'Bloom' part of our philosophy had a poster child, it would be Christy Dawn. This Los Angeles-based brand is renowned for its dreamy, vintage-inspired dresses that feel like they were plucked straight from a sun-drenched meadow. Their designs are unabashedly romantic and feminine, featuring delicate floral prints, flowing silhouettes, and thoughtful details like puffed sleeves and gentle ruffles.
Christy Dawn’s commitment to sustainability is woven into every garment. They built their brand on the use of deadstock fabric—the leftover, unused materials from other fashion houses that would otherwise end up in a landfill. This practice not only minimizes waste but also means many of their pieces are limited edition, adding a special, unique quality to each one. More recently, they've pioneered a "farm-to-closet" initiative, working directly with farmers in India to regenerate depleted land through regenerative agriculture, growing their own organic cotton in a way that heals the soil.
- How to Style It: Embrace the full romanticism of the brand with their signature piece, the Dawn Dress. This flowy maxi is a one-and-done outfit for any spring occasion. Pair it with woven huarache sandals and a simple basket bag for a weekend trip to the farmers' market. For a cooler evening, throw on a chunky, cream-colored cardigan to create a beautiful textural contrast with the dress's lightweight fabric.
2. Patagonia
While Christy Dawn covers the 'Bloom', Patagonia is the undisputed champion of the 'Branch'. This is a brand built on a bedrock of environmental activism and a deep respect for the wild. Their aesthetic is less about fleeting fashion and more about timeless, functional design that empowers you to get out and experience nature firsthand. They are the pioneers of using recycled materials and have been championing fair labor practices for decades.
You might think of them as a purely outdoor-gear company, but their pieces integrate seamlessly into a nature-inspired daily wardrobe. Think durable chore coats, cozy recycled-fleece pullovers, and organic cotton basics in colors inspired by the mountains, forests, and seas. Patagonia proves that strength and sustainability are inherently stylish. Their commitment isn't just a marketing tactic; it's their entire reason for being, making every piece an investment in a healthier planet.
- How to Style It: Master the art of practical, chic layering. Take their classic Better Sweater Fleece and wear it over a simple white organic cotton tee and some earthy-toned linen trousers. This creates a "gorpcore"-lite look that's perfect for a weekend walk in the park or a casual coffee run. Their Baggies shorts are also a spring/summer staple; pair them with a simple tank top and some sporty sandals for a look that’s ready for any spontaneous adventure.
3. Eileen Fisher
For a more minimalist and sophisticated take on the 'Bloom-and-Branch' ethos, look no further than Eileen Fisher. The brand has been a quiet leader in the sustainable fashion movement for over 30 years, long before it was a buzzword. Their philosophy is rooted in creating simple, elegant, and timeless designs with a deep commitment to circularity, organic fibers, and ethical production. Their color palettes are muted and earthy, drawing inspiration from stone, sea, and sky.
The beauty of Eileen Fisher lies in the fabrics. They are masters of organic linen, Tencel™ Lyocell, and washable silk crepe, creating pieces that not inly look beautiful but also feel incredible against the skin. Their designs are fluid and forgiving, focusing on architectural shapes and impeccable draping. It's a brand that appeals to a discerning eye, much like the timeless style often championed by creative visionaries like Goh Ling Yong, who appreciate design that is both beautiful and built to last.
- How to Style It: Focus on creating a tonal, textured look. Pair their wide-leg organic linen pants in a natural flax color with one of their silk georgette crepe tunics in a slightly lighter shade of ecru. The interplay of the rustic linen and the fluid silk is effortlessly chic. Finish the look with a pair of simple leather slides and a minimalist piece of jewelry. This is a perfect outfit for an art gallery visit or a sophisticated spring luncheon.
4. Nisolo
A truly nature-inspired look is grounded, quite literally, from the feet up. Nisolo is a footwear and accessories brand that creates beautiful, ethically-made pieces designed to last a lifetime. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, they are a certified B Corporation, meaning they meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. They work directly with artisans in Peru and Mexico, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions.
Nisolo’s designs celebrate the natural beauty of their materials—primarily high-quality, ethically sourced leather. Their shoes often feature details like woven textures, wooden heels, and classic, enduring silhouettes that transcend seasonal trends. From their iconic Huarache Sandals to their elegant d'Orsay Oxfords, each pair tells a story of craftsmanship and conscious consumption. Investing in a pair of Nisolo shoes is investing in an artisan's livelihood and a more sustainable fashion future.
- How to Style It: Let Nisolo’s craftsmanship be the anchor of your outfit. Their All-Day Open-Toe Clog in a rich brandy leather can elevate a simple pair of cropped, wide-leg jeans and a striped tee. For a dressier look, pair the classic Huarache Sandal with a breezy white linen dress. The intricate woven leather adds a touch of artisanal texture that feels both rustic and refined, perfectly complementing the 'Bloom-and-Branch' vibe.
5. Reformation
If you want your sustainable spring style to have a bit more of a flirty, fashion-forward edge, Reformation is your go-to. Their tagline, "Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We're #2," perfectly captures their cheeky-yet-serious approach. They are famous for their feminine dresses, chic two-piece sets, and vintage-inspired denim, all created with a focus on minimizing their environmental footprint.
Reformation is transparent about their impact, providing a "RefScale" on each product page that details its carbon dioxide, water, and waste savings. They utilize a range of sustainable materials, including Tencel™, recycled fabrics, and deadstock. Their aesthetic is distinctly modern and playful, featuring bold floral prints, thigh-high slits, and figure-flattering silhouettes. They prove that you don't have to sacrifice an ounce of style to be a conscious consumer.
- How to Style It: Go for one of their signature floral midi dresses, like the Kourtney or the Nikita. The beauty of a Ref dress is its versatility. Dress it down for a weekend brunch with a pair of clean white sneakers and a denim jacket. Or, dress it up for a spring wedding or garden party with heeled sandals, delicate gold jewelry, and a bold lip. Their two-piece linen sets are also fantastic for mixing and matching throughout the season.
6. Girlfriend Collective
Our connection with nature often involves movement—a hike through the woods, a yoga session in the park, or a simple walk along the beach. Girlfriend Collective creates activewear that supports this connection, both in function and in ethos. Their entire line of leggings, sports bras, and loungewear is made from recycled materials, primarily post-consumer water bottles and fishing nets.
What makes them a perfect fit for a 'Bloom-and-Branch' wardrobe is their incredible color palette. Instead of neon brights, their collections are a masterclass in earthy, muted tones. Think colors like "Moss," "Earth," "Sedona," and "Plum"—shades that look like they were pulled directly from a landscape painting. The designs are minimalist and inclusive, offered in a wide range of sizes to celebrate every body. It’s activewear that makes you feel good about what you're wearing, inside and out.
- How to Style It: Create a chic, monochrome activewear set. Pair their Compressive High-Rise Legging with the matching Paloma Racerback Bra in a single, earthy hue like "Moss." For a post-workout coffee run, throw on an oversized, unbuttoned white or natural linen shirt and slip on some comfortable clogs or slides. This look is effortlessly cool and transitions perfectly from the yoga mat to the street.
Cultivating a 'Bloom-and-Branch' wardrobe is about more than just buying new things; it's a shift in mindset. It’s about choosing pieces with intention, cherishing craftsmanship, and building a collection of clothes that reflects your love for the natural world. As I've explored with my own style over the years, I've found that dressing in this way creates a deeper connection not only to the environment but also to my own sense of self.
This spring, as you refresh your closet, I encourage you to think about the story behind your clothes. Let the beauty of the season inspire you to support brands that are working to protect it. By choosing well, we can all help fashion blossom into a force for good.
Now I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite sustainable brands for spring? How are you incorporating a 'Bloom-and-Branch' philosophy into your style this season? Share your thoughts and discoveries in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!