When I started researching which brands I could buy that didn’t exploit workers or cause huge environmental damages, I felt limited in what was available to me. While it’s still a challenge to find certain things, such as ethical running shoes or T-shirt bras, over the past year, I realized making the effort to shop ethically has actually improved my style. Here are 3 ways going ethical can benefit you too.

1. Trends won’t dictate what you wear. 

Many Ethical Fashion Labels keep their styles more timeless since they don’t drop that many collections in a year. That’s a relief because it’s tiresome to chase trends.

While I still keep up with what’s going on in fashion, I have a good sense of what will be out next season and what’s worth investing in that will still be relevant for years to come. A good indicator of a trend that will soon retire is when you see everyone on Instagram wearing the same thing. When that happens, run in the other direction. Case in point: 2016’s lace-up body suits and chokers. There are a couple of trends that are popular now that I’m predicting will die by the end of the year.

The oversized men’s tweed jacket and high-waisted jeans I’m wearing may be on trend, but they’re both vintage pieces from the 1970s. The bag is also vintage that I recently scored for only $30! If you want to know which trends will stick, simply look to the past. If a certain piece has been a classic for decades, is flattering on your body, and can be easily integrated with the rest of your wardrobe, it’s a keeper.

2. Your style will be more unique.

No, you won’t be the girl in the Zara dress that every other girl already owns. Ethical brands are unfortunately not mainstream at the moment, most being found online, but at least you won’t find yourself twinning with anyone else in public. When you shop vintage, you’ll be the only person who owns that special piece.