Dress to impress... the Earth

Now that summer has arrived in New England and showing a little skin is finally feasible, it's tempting to binge on an array of this season's sassy dresses, jewel-toned tops, and strappy shoes. I totally get it. But the materials, production energy, and shipping fuel that go into conventional clothes take a huge toll on the environment. So shop green, please, and that doesn't have to mean giving up an ounce of style.

One note: In any discussion of green fashion, I must advocate that before you buy a thing, you go through your closet and drawers and edit your collection to make sure you know and love what's in there, and only buy things you truly crave. (Looking fabulous is a lot easier when you have nothing but favorite pieces to choose from, and buying less is always the greener way to go.) OK, when you're ready, here's where to shop:

Look for an array of vintage summer dresses in this year's au courant bright colors, as well as wrap and empire waist styles and silky vintage skirts and tops at Brighton's chic new vintage and consignment shop the Alter Eco (244 Brighton Ave., Allston. 617- 779-7355. thealtereco.com),where you can also find practically new designer label pieces.

Stock up on not-too basic basics like flattering organic cotton T's from Stewart + Brown organic cotton pants from Loomstate at French + Italian (129 Washington Street, Marblehead. 781-639-5129 frenchitalian.com).

For the best selection of special pieces-- coyly sexy organic cotton and spandex bikinis by Kelly B, beach-ready strapless organic cotton dresses from Toggery, wedding-guest-perfect dresses (check out the gold linen dress from Bahar Shahpar), sassy vegan T-strap heels by Beyond Skin-- visit the all-green boutique Envi (164 Newbury St., Boston. 617-267-3684. shopenvi.com.).

Christie Matheson is the author of "Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style."

Send questions to globegreenside@yahoo.com.