The fashion world is changing. Flashy trend cycles are no longer the focal point of catwalks or clothes rails: it’s the ethics, processes and social impact of the garments that are finally taking centre stage. 

As consumers, we’re demanding more for our money, and there’s one cult fashion brand worn by the likes of Zendaya and Jessica Alba which has championed this from the start – and we’re massive fans of both its mission and fashion-forward footwear.

Enter TOMS: the footwear brand behind the OG summer shoe. 

The cult TOMS Alpargatas are the perfect espadrilles to pair with your summer ‘fits - bringing casual cool to everything from a crochet top with a low-waist, floaty midi skirt, or a loose beach shirt and boyfriend jeans this season.  

TOMS is also the fashion brand that helps you vote with your feet – year-round they give a third of the profits from every single purchase to mental health grassroots organisations and to date they’ve supported more than 100 million people worldwide.

And for Mental Health Awareness Month, the brand is stepping out with a crucial campaign. They’ve collaborated with their global network of Mental Health Impact Partner organisations on a range of useful resources housed on the TOMS website that you can access to support your own wellbeing. 

So not only during this Mental Health Awareness Month, but always, when you buy a pair of TOMS the brand will give a third of the profits to mental health organisations across the UK.

Fancy doing good with your footwear? Here’s why TOMS gets the Stylist stamp of approval this summer (with some shopping inspo thrown in for good measure)…

Whether it’s the Selena Gomez-founded Rare Beauty sharing educational wellbeing posts or Happiness Project’s mood-boosting tees supporting suicide prevention charities, the glitzy worlds of fashion and beauty are starting to put social impact first by having a conversation about mental health.

We all have a lived experience with mental health and now as many as one in eight people across the world live with a mental disorder*. TOMS was paving the way for this advocacy long before other brands took note. 

In 2015, the brand started supporting victims of bullying, from 2018 they began investing in supporting the mental health of communities impacted by gun violence, and in 2020 they funded wellbeing initiatives related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Throughout the year, the brand uses profits to support vital organisations. This Mental Health Awareness Month, if you buy a pair of TOMS, the brand will give a third of the profits to mental health organisations across the UK. 

The money will go towards supporting vital organisations like The Maya Centre (which provides free intercultural counselling and holistic support to minority women on low incomes living in north London) and The Mix (which provides free, confidential mental health support for under-25s across the country).

And while TOMS supports mental health organisations year-round with their donation scheme, during Mental Health Awareness Month they’ll be sharing 31 actionable tips and resources to better support your own wellbeing journey – you can access them here. 

A fashion-forward brand putting mental health first? We’re here for it. 

The fashion pack can spot virtue signalling a mile off – but TOMS are a brand staying true to their values. 

Year-round, the cult footwear favourite gives a third of profits to grassroots charities and organisations and to date has supported more than 100 million people worldwide.

Whether it’s working in the US to end gun violence or donating to the International Medical Corps – an organisation that provides critical medical and MH training services in war-torn Ukraine – TOMS are committed to action that makes a difference.

The grassroots initiatives selected to receive funding and support from the brand are community-led, which means true progress begins at ground level. 

The chosen organisations receive vital finances and resources to make their work scalable and sustainable in the long-term. It’s clear social impact fashion is the trend that’s here to stay. 

Not only do TOMS do good, but they look good too. The Alpargata design is TOMS’ classic OG espadrille and is inspired by the sunny climes of Argentina, so slipping your feet into a pair gets you in the holiday mood.

Made from materials including canvas, linen, suede and wool and available in a choice of bold colours, embroidered patterns and statement prints, they’re a no-brainer for the shoedrobe. And, let’s not forget, a third of the profits will be donated to good causes. 

In short, if they’re on Zendaya’s feet, they’re good enough for us. 

If you love great style, but don’t want to compromise on your values, shop a pair of TOMS and a third of the profits will be given to vital grassroots organisations across the globe and here in the UK. With societal and environmental impact at its core, TOMS shoes are the ones to be purposefully striding in this summer. Wear TOMS – wear good. And to support your own mental health journey, you can find resources and tips on the TOMS website now.

*World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for All. Executive summary. Geneva: World Mental Health Organization; 2022. License: CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO.