Work the green goddess look

7:00am Saturday 6th September 2008

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Go eco chic to celebrate Organic Fortnight (September 6-21).

The days of 'eek' eco warrior fashion are well and truly over. Banish images of dowdy sandals and unflattering sackcloths, going green has never been so stylish.

"A few years ago, hearing the term 'eco fashion' was enough to send the fashion conscious into collective cardiac arrest," says Matilda Lee, author of Eco Chic.

"Now, eco fashion has entire issues of glossy fashion magazines dedicated to it, and famous fashion muses now proudly display their wardrobes' eco credentials."

From high-end to high street fashion, stylish eco additions for your wardrobe aren't so hard to come by.

'Estethica', London Fashion Week's exhibition dedicated to eco sustainable designers, will be impressing the fashion critics for its second year in September. This summer, Warehouse launched a new Ware-Eco label, Topshop boasts its own line of Fairtrade fashion, and H&M, Next, Gap and Tesco all launched organic cotton ranges last year.

With a recent House of Lords report encouraging consumers to ditch fast fashion and suggesting that VAT be cut on eco-friendly clothes, the future can only become brighter, or rather greener, for eco style.

Organic Fortnight, starting September 6, is the perfect opportunity to flaunt your eco chic. Here's a look at five top labels that should give your wardrobe a stylish green revamp.

:: PEOPLE TREE (0845 4504595/www.peopletree.co.uk) ABOUT: Creates three seasonal collections a year, including designer collaboration collections by Bora Aksu, Richard Nicoll and jewellery designer Sam Ubhi.

ETHOS: "Our products are made to the highest Fairtrade and environmental standards from start to finish and consistently prove that it is possible to wear stylish, exciting and affordable fashion, at the same time as respecting people and planet."

WHAT DO THEY DO BEST: Affordable trend-led pieces by designer names. Tartan fashion fans will love the Bora Aksu check dress.

:: AMOOSI (www.amoosi.co.uk) ABOUT: An ethical clothing and accessories label that uses reclaimed and vintage fabrics to create unique styles.

ETHOS: "Amoosi addresses both the need to tackle the problems of post consumer waste in the fashion industry whilst also inspiring change in the fashion industry."

WHAT DO THEY DO BEST: Natty little dresses and quirky tops, either couture or limited edition. 60s chicks should dig the couture polka dot mini.

:: ADILI (www.adili.com) ABOUT: Offers over 70 brands and more than 800 ethical products, including fashion, lifestyle and beauty.

ETHOS: "Instead of fast fashion we passionately believe in treasured pieces that are made with real consideration and care. For us it's all about looking good without feeling bad."

WHAT DO THEY DO BEST: Amazing eco-friendly basics like jeans, tees and jumpers. Denim lovers will lap up the Edun and Ascension jeans.

:: TRAIDremade (www.traid.org.uk) ABOUT: Recycled charity fashion label available in TRAID's four destination shops: Brighton, Brixton, Shepherds Bush and Westbourne Grove.

ETHOS: "We take torn or marked clothing that can't be resold and use techniques like printing, cutting and sewing to create gorgeous one-off women's and men's wear. As well as reducing your fashion footprint, buying TRAIDremade is a great antidote to the monotony of the high street."

WHAT DO THEY DO BEST: Restyled vintage frocks, quirky suit jackets and rock chick hand-printed tees. Perfect if your pet hate is bumping into somebody in the same outfit.

:: KEEP & SHARE (www.keepandshare.co.uk) ABOUT: Specialising in knitwear for both men and women plus sub-collections such as the Eco Edition line, created from naturally coloured, organic and local yarns.

ETHOS: "As an ethical 'slow fashion' label, we seek to reverse the effects of throwaway fashion by creating 'best friend' pieces that will transcend short-lived trends and age gracefully. We manufacture on a craft scale and seek to minimise our environmental impact wherever possible."

WHAT DO THEY DO BEST: Classic knits and wardrobe staples. Check out the chunky cardigans, perfect for next season's knits trend.

:: ECO PEST CONTROL Fashionistas who want to double check on their favourite shop's eco credential can do some style snooping. The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI) has launched new guidance which gives hints and tips on how shoppers can help promote ethical trade in fashion.

"More and more people are concerned about how the workers who make their clothes are treated," says Julia Hawkins of ETI.

"They want to make a difference, but aren't sure exactly what to do. We want people to know it's OK to be an ethical pest."

To pick up handy hints on being an 'ethical pest' visit www.eti-ten.org/ethicalpest.html :: GET THE LOOK Denise Van Outen is working two of A/W's key trends, red and ruffles. Steal her red siren style with Wallis' ruffle front blouse, £30 (45 Euros).

:: BUY IT NOW Catch Celia Birtwell's floaty fashions before they fly out of Topshop stores. For the perfect changeover between summer and winter seasons, we love the grey Maison Marigold dress, £55 (www.topshop.com).

FASHION FLASH :: CASHMERE TOUCH Is cosying up in cashmere your favourite fashion luxury for winter? You don't need to compromise on your eco intentions. Pure Collection are launching a 100% sustainable cashmere - the first cashmere brand to source sustainable cashmere.

"Recent years of the high street's demand for 'cheap' cashmere has driven cashmere production to unsustainable levels with an explosion of goats eating the sensitive Mongolian grasslands out of grass," Pure Collection say. See the new range from September 1 at www.purecollection.com :: TOP TAILORING Keep your man stylishly suited and booted with Burton's new launch for September. The Heritage collection features suits inspired by the original 1940s, 50s and 60s Burton garments, brought bang up to date with a sharper, modern fit. Suits start at £169 for a two-piece. Heritage is available online at www.burton.co.uk