Too often people think that buying eco-friendly clothing means forsaking fashion and outfitting themselves in Birkenstocks and tie-dye (although it’s worth nothing that tie dye was a big trend for summer). The reality is that whatever your fashion preference—subtle, sophisticated, one-of-a-kind, etc.—there’s probably a line producing just your style of clothing in earth-friendly fabrics.

For this fall’s fashions, try the Jessica Sweater from Rebe (pictured above). It’s right-on-trend with a hint of 1960s Mad Men styling in the structured collar and an of-the-moment slightly oversized shape. It’s definitely a far cry from the crocheted ponchos that some people picture for women gone green. In fact, we’re willing to bet that no one’s going to notice the eco-friendliness of this sweater, which is almost too bad since it’s a perfect example of eco-friendly clothing. Instead of being made with new pesticide-heavy cotton or even bamboo (which can be a tricky textile to process), the Jessica Sweater is made entirely from recycled cotton, acrylic and other fibers, which means that you’re using already available resources for your brand new sweater. Click here to read more

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These days it seems that just about every celebrity, from major movie star to barely starting out, is expanding their own name by creating a perfume, jewelery line, or clothing brand. Julia Stiles‘ foray into the fashion world is decidedly more creative than most you’d see and it’s eco-friendly….sort of.

Stiles has debuted a new line of earth-friendly menswear called Styles by Stiles (and, alternatively, Julia Stiles Styles) and it takes green fashion to a whole new level. In Stiles’ laughable line you’ll find the $780 “A Guy’s Thing” suit—made entirely from newspapers and perfect with optional Swiffer tie and tissue box shoes, the $340 “10 Shirts I Love About You” that’s made from 10 shirts, and the $470 “Save the Last Shants”, which can be either a top or a bottom depending on how you wear it. Before you reach for your credit card, though, let us warn you that all Julia Stiles Styles are currently sold out (isn’t that always the case with parody clothing?), but you can use that money for an even better cause that Julia Stiles is also connected to: The Lunchbox Fund, a charity organization that provides food to impoverished students in South Africa. Click here to read more

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Recycled clothing is becoming more and more mainstream, especially outdoor and fitness wear made from fabric crafted out of recycled PET plastic. Upcycled clothing on the other hand, is much more of a rare find. But when clothing manufacturers create styles, a lot of excess fabric ends up getting tossed. In fact, each week just one factory can add about 60,000 pounds of textile waste to landfills. And Americans generated over 11.8 million tons of textile waste (or 10 pounds per person) in 2006. That’s where Looptworks comes in.

The new online apparel company is about to release their first line for both men and women. The designs are made from 100 percent excess materials and components.  The company is focusing on active lifestyle in line with board sports and outdoor activities. Look for jackets, hoodies, skirts, shirts and graphic tees. Expect a polished collection, not one that looks like it was made of scraps headed for a landfill. Click here to read more

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As a NIKE Elite Athlete, spokesperson for Nintendo’s Wii Fit and celebrity fitness trainer, Ashley Borden spends a lot of time traveling around the country to get her job done, meeting with clients like Natasha Bedingfield, Ryan Gosling and Taraji P Henson. A fairly carbon-heavy lifestyle. But now, she’s making changes to reduce her carbon footprint and make her workouts more sustainable. Here, five of her top tips for greener fitness:

1. Buy workout wear in sustainable fabrics. Borden likes Patagonia’s Organic Cotton Serenity Capris for their soft, stretchy feel, adjustable fold-over waistline and unrestricted mobility.

2. Bike, don’t drive. One mile in a car equals up to one pound of carbon released into the atmosphere. If you’re into getting fit, why not power your ride and get fit on the way to the gym, right? Borden suggests biking to the gym once a week.

3. Have an exercise swap day. If you’re more of a home gym kind of person, you might get carried away buying the latest fitness gadgets and DVDs. Minimize and plan to swap with your friends instead. Everyone will buy less and once you’ve mastered every Jillian Micheals workout or grown tired of your Thigh Master, a friend can take it instead of the landfill. Click here to read more

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Summer style doesn’t get any easier than the sundress. Rip Curl’s Wild Flower Dress touches lightly on the floral trend that graced this season’s runways, and even better for green-minded fashionistas, it’s made from a blend of modal and cotton. Modal is great eco-friendly fabric for summer dresses because it’s both super soft and super breathable for those hot and humid days. The natural fiber is created from cellulose from beech trees and has similar properties to cotton.

Throw this empire waist tube dress on for a day of shopping in the city or slip it over your bikini and call it your beach coverup. This eco-friendly dress is equally appropriate for a casual night out when you dress it up with a statement necklace and strappy sandals.

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