Microtrends Are Out, Small Businesses Are In
Shopping Small is Actually a Much Bigger Deal than You Think.
by Arielle Gin ★ NOVEMBER 6, 2024
Design: Lily Zuckerman
Picture this: You walk into a party, excited to show off your new outfit, only to realize that half the room is wearing the exact same thing- variations of the latest microtrend that you swore would make you stand out. Another wave of fast fashion has taken over everyone’s Instagram feed. But, the days of shopping fast fashion and microtrends are out, and the days of shopping ethical small businesses are in. Shopping small isn’t just about clothes—it’s about curating a look that feels authentic, timeless, and most importantly, uniquely yours.
Sets are a fashion staple that will always stay in style. Whether it's a tube top and a crocheted mini skirt for the beach, or a tank and matching skirt for a party, sets will be forever trendy. Blue Whale Designs sells the cutest lace tanks, crochet mini skirts and leopard print sets. The best part? Blue Whale offers $10 off if you get the whole set. Made in Perth, Australia, Blue Whale Designs is committed to sustainability and ethical practices by sourcing local vintage pieces, supporting eco-conscious charities and creating high-quality clothes that encourage slow fashion over fast fashion.
A haven for classic attire, Nia The Brand offers everything from eyelet camis to off-the-shoulder sweaters and silk slip dresses. With almost all their pieces under $100, Nia The Brand offers a wide range of styles from elevated loungewear and sleek outerwear to contemporary basics and sweaters. If you’re looking to build the perfect classy going-out wardrobe, or to put together your newest class fits, Nia the Brand is the place to look. Nia The Brand is sourced locally in Los Angeles, working with ethical manufacturers that provide direct-to-customer clothing.
Made in Melbourne, Australia, Akala Hau sells halters, tanks and skirts that can be worn throughout the day and into the night. With their debut collection, delivering terry cloth color block tanks and skirts, and with their newest Le Revenir collection, flaunting classy mini skirts and off-the-shoulder tops, Akala Hau offers minimalist yet chic sets that will live forever in your wardrobe. Akala Hau is committed to ethical production, sustainability and supporting the local economy, creating pieces that are both empowering and sourced locally.
Quince is home to everything. You can find Mongolian cashmere, Turkish cotton, silk and various other high-quality materials for your fall capsule wardrobe. Quince offers cashmere sweaters, cardigans, and tops at low prices. Their most popular item is their scarves. As fall takes full swing, you can truly never have enough sweaters and scarves. Quince is dedicated to using sustainably produced materials and partnering with factories who pay workers fairly and prioritize eco-friendly production.
Last but not least, it’s no secret that we love a good mini dress. Lucky for you, Kitteny sells just that. From Regency-inspired corset mini dresses to babydoll dresses, Kitteny takes the crown for ethically produced yet playful pieces that you can wear for years to come. While based in Los Angeles, Kitteny pieces are made in Bali and India, working with manufacturers who pay workers fair wages, provide access to healthcare and offer safe working conditions. Kitteny also uses sustainable manufacturing practices such as environmentally-friendly fabrics, minimum single use plastic and completely recycled packaging.
Small businesses are bringing creativity, individuality and sustainability to the table, and we’re all for it. Whether it’s that perfect, classy going-out piece, or a cozy staple you’ll wear endlessly, shopping small is a great way to stand out and feel good about what you’re wearing. So, forget the fast fashion craze—shopping small is officially the vibe, and it’s here to stay. Happy shopping!