One of the best ways to support what you believe in is with your wallet. However, buying shapeless, elastic-waist hemp pants or dowdy, unattractive footwear in the name of saving the earth is completely out of the question. Fortunately, a growing number of design students in the world's top fashion schools are beginning to seriously tackle the problem of how to make eco-chic synonymous with high fashion. There is also a handful of earth-minded companies that are also style conscious, making it easy to maintain one's fashion dignity while being a friend to the earth.

This year, rock eco-chic versions of the season's must-have's: a maxi-dress, colorful bracelets & oversized tote:

Natural hemp & eucalyptus Goddess patio dress - DisciplesOfPlanetaryEcology.com

100% organic cotton Inspiration sweater - perfect for a post-sunset summer evening. Available at UndertheCanopy.com.

Customizable shoes with soles crafted from recycled rubber tires, eco-friendly woods & glues; the uppers are whatever ribbon or trim suits your ensemble or mood. Available in three heel heights from Mohop.com.

Good in a Nutshell bracelet - handcrafted in Colombia from tagua, a sustainably-harvested rainforest nut & distributed by Tierra Santa Cafe, which promotes fair trade and higher education. Available at WorldofGood.com.

Large Portfolio tote made from 100% repurposed candy wrappers - Ecoist.com

- Lesley Scott

fashiontribes.

↑ Grab this Headline Animator