In the aftermath of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, our closets are overflowing and our bank accounts are depressingly empty. While it’s easy to hit up massive chain stores such as Urban Outfitters and Forever 21 for our quick trend fix, supporting smaller fashion brands that are run by diverse women of color makes such an impact on our society.
When badass women are at the helm, fashion companies hit their stride. The fashion brands mentioned below are ethical, sustainable, and inclusive of women everywhere. Because what’s better than shopping until you drop — and being socially conscious while doing so?
1. Cee Cee’s Closet
Started by sisters Chioma and Uchenna Ngwudo, Cee Cee's Closet NYC enlivens even your basic crop top with vibrant West African prints. Designed by both Chioma and Uchenna and handcrafted in Nigeria, Cee Cee's Closet shares their culture through fashion all while providing a "transformative impact" on the lives of their partners in Nigeria. The playful two-pieceset featured above will stand out at any event next summer, whether you're taking an evening beach stroll or heading to a family barbecue.
2. b. Yellowtail
b. Yellowtail, created by Bethany Yellowtail, is a fashion brand that supports indigenous women across the United States through selling their handcrafted jewelry and accessories and creating apparel of their own. As a member of the Crow and Northern Cheyenne nations herself, Yellowtail is using her platform as a fashion designer to advocate for marginalized indigenous peoples, often "fundraising through apparel sales." Committed to showing your support for indigenous peoples' rights? Check out this super cute graphic tee featured above.
3. Adele by Adele
According to the Adele by Adele website, founder and designer Adele Jackson seeks to find sustainable ways to combine fashion and art, all while remaining culturally relevant. If you're a California girl, Jackson's designs will especially speak to you: she specifically draws inspiration from the urban lifestyle of California and blending the differences between NorCal and SoCal. Her cute long-sleeve featuring the state animal is sure to please anyone, California resident or not.
Related: 3 Sustainable Fashion Brands to Support Because It's 2018 & Sustainability is Freaking Important
4. Nor Black Nor White
Founded by Mriga Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar, two Canadian-Indian women, Nor Black Nor White was originally founded to both honor the past creations of talented Indian artists while creating innovative pieces that reflected their own modern interests. You can see this in their bold and beautiful prints and their futuristic designs. If you're looking for a diverse formal dress that follows the recent trends, look no further than their silver watercolor dress.
5. Naja
Looking to surprise your S.O. after a long winter break this year? The underwear brand Naja will not only have you feeling confident but also have you feeling that like you gave back to the world. This vegan and eco-friendly brand, founded by Catalina Girard and actress Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin, anyone?) strives to not only make lingerie less objectifying for women, but also employs marginalized women in Latin American countries and gives single mothers the power to make a living from their home while looking after their children. Whether you purchase Naja as a sexy surprise or just to make yourself feel good, you're helping mothers with every lingerie set bought.
6. Brujas
Created by a group of WOC who formed their own skateboarding crew, BRUJAS NYC is an eco-friendly brand devoted to raising political awareness in youth culture and causing "radical" and "political organization" through their fashion. Ultimately a collaborative effort, BRUJAS empowers women through community-building and embracing differences. Their apparel will most certainly have you feeling badass.
7. Adorned by Chi
Let’s admit it — in our own ways, we’re all a little quirky. Life is about accepting ourselves and becoming steadily more confident in our quirks. No one knows this better than Adorned by Chi founder Jacque Aye, a self-proclaimed anime fan who wanted to provide a space for young black girls to feel confident in themselves. Her feminist slogan tees and retro designs will add a twist to any basic outfit you may wear strutting to class.
Whether you're looking to upgrade your wardrobe a few notches or are just tired of shopping at stores that don't necessarily align with your values, these seven shops above are sure to prioritize diversity and inclusion for all genders and races. Fashion — and the future — is most definitely female (and intersectional)!