It comes as no surprise to vegans that the Fall/Winter shopping season is a virtual obstacle course when it comes to shopping for clothes.

You have to dodge all the wool, check (and smell) for down, tediously filter through the huge selection of leather and suede boots, and cringe at the massive amount of fur! All in the name of fashion and keeping warm. Yikes!  What happened to the warm weather when cotton, linen and light weight micro-fibers reigned?

This Fall is no different. As you navigate the world of animal fibers in search of wearable cruelty-free options, take heart. The choices are growing by leaps and bounds each season, and there is so much to be thankful for now.

What’s a stylish vegan wearing this season?

Dresses with Sleeves: I know this doesn’t sound like it should be a challenge but it has been.  Until recently, sleeveless dresses have spanned the seasons…go figure!  This season, however, the designers are listening, and there are so many fabulous dresses with ¾ length or long sleeves.  An additional bonus is that more often than not they come in a comfy, pretty, polyester, viscose or rayon with spandex so there are many cruelty-free choices.  This dress is just one example.

Stacked Heels: Finding fashionable shoes has been a vegan nightmare in the past but times are changing! The good news is that fashion is, too. While the skinny heels are still here, women are now given the choice of a more substantial heel that gives them the lift with a little more support and balance! Check out these boots.

Red: Red (think vampires and blood…or not!) is one of the hot colors of the season. Why not brighten up this sometimes gray and dreary season with a shot of color. And, what better place to do it than your coat. Here, Vaute Couture gives us a fabulous peacoat in bright red.

Lace: Lace is elegant, sophisticated and timeless. This dress is stunning, flattering on many shapes and will be wearable for years to come. Thank the Mad Men craze for keeping this style in the forefront.

Plaid is Back: It seems that every Fall plaid makes a comeback, and this year it is everywhere. If you are thinking of trying your hand at wearing plaid, start small. This simple skirt (made from polyester, rayon and spandex) is a great way to stay current in an understated, and elegant way.

Capes: Sure, there are not that many days when a cape will really do the trick for keeping you warm in the colder weather, but it can be fun to have a pretty cape for the days when the weather cooperates. While many of them come in wool, here’s a beauty that is completely cruelty-free.

Yes, the season brings new challenges in dressing but cruelty-free choices are everywhere. As demand grows so do the vegan options, and if the emerging fashions are any indication, we are making our message heard. Have fun shopping and know you are sparing animals at the same time!