7 items every stylish vegan keeps in their closet

Two years ago, I found myself standing in my walk-in closet at 7 AM, frantically rifling through hangers while running late for a dinner reservation at the hottest new plant-based restaurant in town.

Everything felt wrong—my go-to leather jacket mocked me from its hook, my silk blouse whispered accusations, and don't even get me started on my wool coat collection that suddenly felt like a graveyard of good intentions.

This wasn't just about being late. It was about the gap between who I wanted to be and what my closet actually contained.

At the time, I'd already nailed the kitchen transformation—my spice rack could make any abuela proud, and my freezer was a temple to perfectly portioned jackfruit carnitas.

But my closet? It was stuck in my pre-vegan past, full of beautiful pieces that no longer aligned with my values.

That morning became my wake-up call. Building a stylish vegan wardrobe isn't just about avoiding animal products—it's about creating a collection that makes you feel confident, authentic, and ready for anything life throws at you.

After two years of trial, error, and way too many online shopping mistakes, I've cracked the code on what every stylish vegan needs in their closet.

1. The foundation: versatile vegan leather essentials

Let's start with the elephant in the room—or should I say, the absence of elephants, cows, and any other animals in your accessories.

Vegan leather has come so far from those plasticky early days that even luxury fashion houses are taking notice.

Your first investment should be a structured handbag in a neutral tone—think camel, black, or rich chocolate brown. I swear by my Stella McCartney Falabella (yes, it's an investment, but it's lasted three years and counting), though brands like Matt & Nat and JW PEI offer gorgeous options that won't require a second mortgage.

Next up: the perfect ankle boot. I learned this lesson the hard way when I showed up to a rooftop party in canvas sneakers while everyone else was in sleek booties. Now I reach for my Veja V-12 boots or my splurge-worthy Gabriela Hearst vegan leather Chelsea boots depending on the vibe.

A classic belt is your secret weapon for defining your waist and pulling together any outfit. Skip the obvious designer logos and look for clean lines in rich, convincing vegan leather. Brands like Gunas and Labante are creating pieces so well-crafted, you'll forget they're not the "real thing"—whatever that means anymore.

2. Sustainable fabric superstars that never wrinkle

Here's what no one tells you about sustainable fashion: half the battle is finding pieces that actually survive real life. I used to buy these gorgeous hemp-blend dresses that looked like rumpled bed sheets after one wear. Now I know better.

Tencel and modal are your best friends for that silk-like drape without the ethical complications. These fabrics come from sustainably sourced wood pulp and feel like butter against your skin. I have a Eileen Fisher tencel wrap dress that's been my go-to for everything from work meetings to weekend brunches for two years straight.

For structure, look for pieces made from recycled polyester or innovative materials like Piñatex (made from pineapple leaves) or Mushroom leather from brands like Bolt Threads. These materials hold their shape beautifully and get softer with each wear.

The real game-changer? Organic cotton with a hint of elastane. It gives you that perfect stretch and recovery that keeps you looking put-together from morning coffee to late-night tapas. Reformation and Kotn have mastered this blend, creating pieces that move with you rather than against you.

3. The capsule wardrobe building blocks

Every stylish vegan needs a foundation of pieces that mix, match, and multiply your outfit options exponentially. Think of it as your flavor base—like sofrito in my family's kitchen, these pieces enhance everything else.

Start with a perfectly fitted blazer in a neutral color. I practically live in my Gabriela Hearst organic cotton blazer in camel—it transforms jeans and a tee into something boardroom-appropriate, and it's substantial enough to anchor flowing dresses without overwhelming them.

A midi skirt in a solid color is pure magic. Whether it's pleated, A-line, or pencil-straight, the right midi skirt works for brunch dates, client meetings, and everything in between. Look for one in a fabric that doesn't wrinkle—trust me on this.

Wide-leg trousers are having a moment, and for good reason. They're comfortable, flattering on everyone, and instantly elevate any look. I have a pair in charcoal gray from Everlane that I wear at least twice a week. They're made from recycled polyester that looks and feels like wool without any of the ethical complications.

4. Statement pieces that spark conversations

Being vegan opens doors to brands and designers you might never have discovered otherwise. Some of my favorite conversation starters come from small, ethical brands that are doing incredible work.

A bold printed shirt from a brand like Kowtow or Thought can transform your basic black trousers into something editorial. I have a geometric print blouse from Thought that never fails to get compliments—and it's made from organic cotton and modal, so it feels as good as it looks.

Invest in one show-stopping dress that makes you feel like the main character in your own life. For me, it's a deep emerald wrap dress from Reformation that hugs in all the right places and flows beautifully when I walk. It's made from deadstock fabric, which means it's using materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Don't sleep on statement jewelry from brands that prioritize ethical sourcing. My go-to pieces are from Soko, a brand that works with artisans in Kenya to create stunning pieces using recycled brass and sustainable materials.

5. The comfort zone: elevated loungewear

The pandemic taught us that comfort and style don't have to be mutually exclusive. Even as we're fully back to normal life, the lessons of elevated loungewear remain relevant.

A cashmere-like knit sweater that's actually made from organic cotton or recycled materials is essential. Brands like Everlane and COS have mastered this balance, creating pieces that look expensive but align with your values.

Matching sets are your secret weapon for looking put-together when you're running errands or working from home. I love my Girlfriend Collective modal set—it's soft enough for sleeping but structured enough for a coffee run.

High-quality joggers in a neutral color bridge the gap between comfort and style. Look for ones with a tapered leg and minimal branding. They should feel like pajamas but look intentional enough for the outside world.

6. Outerwear that makes a statement

Your coat is often the first thing people see, so it needs to work overtime.

A well-cut trench coat in a classic color is timeless and instantly sophisticated. I splurged on a Stella McCartney trench two years ago, and it still makes me feel like I'm starring in a French film every time I wear it.

For colder weather, a wool-alternative coat is essential. Brands like Wuxly and Save the Duck are creating puffer coats and wool-like coats using innovative materials that perform just as well as their animal-derived counterparts.

A denim jacket might seem basic, but the right one becomes your go-to layering piece. Look for organic cotton denim with interesting details—contrast stitching, unique washes, or unexpected hardware.

7. The finishing touches: accessories that complete the look

Details matter, and accessories are where you can really let your personality shine through. A silk-alternative scarf adds instant sophistication to any outfit. 

Sustainable sunglasses are worth the investment as well. Brands like Warby Parker and Diff are creating stylish frames using recycled materials and sustainable practices. Plus, they often have programs to give back to communities in need.

A good watch is like a signature—it should feel uniquely you. I love my Votch watch, which is completely vegan and comes in colors that complement my wardrobe perfectly.

Don't forget about socks and undergarments. Brands like Boody and Pact create beautiful basics using organic cotton and bamboo that feel luxurious against your skin.

Building your vegan wardrobe with intention

The most stylish vegans I know didn't build their wardrobes overnight. They approached it with the same thoughtfulness they bring to their food choices—considering the impact of each purchase and choosing quality over quantity.

Start with gaps in your current wardrobe. What occasions leave you feeling unprepared? What weather conditions expose weaknesses in your current collection? Address these needs first with high-quality, versatile pieces that will serve you for years.

Consider your lifestyle honestly. If you work from home most days, prioritize comfortable pieces that still look polished on video calls. If you're constantly traveling, focus on wrinkle-resistant fabrics and pieces that pack well.

Remember that building a sustainable wardrobe is a marathon, not a sprint. It's better to buy one perfect piece every few months than to fill your closet with fast fashion that doesn't align with your values.

The most beautiful part of building a vegan wardrobe is discovering brands and designers who share your values. You're not just buying clothes—you're supporting a movement toward more ethical, sustainable fashion that considers the impact on animals, workers, and the planet.

Your closet should be a reflection of who you are and what you stand for. Fill it with pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to take on the world—no animals harmed, no values compromised, and no style sacrificed.