Consumers today are increasingly concerned about the impact the products they purchase have on the environment, and nowhere is that more evident than in the fashion industry. From celebrities to the neighbor next door, it seems that everyone is looking for ways to lessen damage to the planet while still looking stylish and put-together. Here are some of the hottest trends in ethical fashion.

Sparkle with Integrity

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but their mining has been a disaster for the earth and many of its inhabitants. More and more couples are looking for ethically-produced engagement rings to celebrate their commitment. 

Lab-grown diamonds are one hundred percent real, so they offer the same brilliance and beauty as mined diamonds but without the ethical dilemma. Nothing makes a more dramatic fashion statement than a gorgeous, glittery diamond, and it's great to know you can relish wearing one without any guilt about its origin.

Rent Rather Than Own

Whether it's jewelry or an evening gown they're looking for, savvy shoppers are turning to rental services. Instead of investing a lot of money into an item that you'll only wear once or twice, why not rent it, enjoy it, and return it for someone else to delight in later?

While high-end special occasion clothes are the most popular items to rent, children's and maternity clothing are quickly gaining popularity as rental pieces. There are even rental services for lovers of handbags and shoes. If you like flaunting a new look every day, renting allows you to do so with minimal impact on the environment.

Resale, Upcycle, Reuse

Second-hand clothing, which used to be considered somehow shameful, is now a badge of honor among environmentally conscious shoppers. Traditional thrift stores have now been joined by trendy boutiques and chic online shops offering used pieces in good condition at great prices. Not only can you find great bargains by shopping resale stores, but you're also preventing another item from being tossed in the landfill.

Upcycling is another way fashionistas are supporting the environment. By taking an item of clothing you already own and transforming it, you can create a stylish new piece without discarding the original one. Options for upcycling include changing the item's color through dye, changing pants into shorts, or converting a skirt into a dress.

While not a new concept, the practice of re-wearing clothing is increasingly popular. Rather than feeling pressure to have a different outfit for every occasion, people today take pride in shopping from their own closets rather than stores. Even celebrities are jumping on the bandwagon, making no excuses for being seen twice (or more) in the same dress.

Shop From the Heart

Of course, there are times when you need to buy a brand-new item for your wardrobe. But even then, your purchasing power can have a positive effect on the environment. There are a growing number of fashion brands committed to sustainability, so consider shopping from them in order to support their mission. Eco-conscious companies range from makers of swimwear to menswear and just about everything in between.

Another way designers and manufacturers are working to make fashion more ethical is through the use of innovative fabrics. Plastic bottles, old fishing lines, and even pineapple leaves are a few of the components used to create clothing rather than thrown into the trash.

Being stylish doesn't have to rule out being environmentally conscious. The fashion industry is becoming increasingly attuned to their customers' demands for ethical and sustainable choices in clothing, jewelry, and other accessories. By doing a little research, you can find the pieces that will make you look great on the outside while feeling good on the inside as well.