It’s an easy option to be guided by rapidly changing catwalk trends to inspire our wardrobes, keep us feeling gorgeous and boost our self esteem.

But this can put us under a lot of pressure to frequently update our look with every single fashion served up to us whether it suits us or not.

With renewed confidence and creativity, could we rely less on fast fashion – save money, reduce waste and celebrate our individuality by embracing our own unique style?

To help us find our own very personal fashion feet we asked the UK’s leading ethical style icons to tell us how they found their style.

ORSOLA DE CASTRO – THE TRAILBLAZER

Orsola (pictured right) is a trailblazer in ethical fashion. The woman behind award winning recycled fashion brand, From Somewhere, she founded Estethica, the ethical arm of London Fashion Week.

How would you describe your style? Granny style rocks. I have inherited so many clothes, shoes and bags from my mother, aunt and grandmother. All that, mixed with our from somewhere pieces.

Has your style changed over the years? Inevitably, but not wildly.

Who are your style icons? Elsa schiapparelli, Gram Parsons, Audrey Hepburn, my grandmother.

What tips would you give to other women on finding their own unique style? I kind of believe that style is one of those things that you can’t teach so my advice would be to steer away from trends and wear something classically simple, flattering and very well made, well cut, well proportioned.

SUMMER RAYNE OAKES – THE MODEL, AUTHOR AND AMBASSADOR

Summer (pictured bottom left) is now considered ‘The World’s First Eco-Model’ for seamlessly combining her environmental expertise and vision with her modeling career. She is also a correspondent on Discovery Network’s Planet Green, author of bestselling style guide Style, Naturally (Chronicle, 2009), and Editor-at-Large of ABOVE Magazine.

How would you describe your style? On a ‘normal’ day – Geek chic and consciously cool meets Native Americana.

Has your style changed over the years? Deeper appreciate for classic vintage shapes – mainly from the 20s, 50s and 70s.

Who are your style icons? Maya Deren, Grace Jones, Queen Rania, Janelle Monae, Dita von Teese – all extremely classy and feminine women who defy the gravity of fashion trendiness.

What tips would you give to other women on finding their own unique style? Don’t get caught up with what’s ‘in the moment.’ Wear what flatters your shape; choose styles that make you feel confident; and get pieces that you can wear and pair many different ways.

JO WOOD - THE ETHICAL ROCK CHIC

Combining glamour, rock ‘n’ roll and a healthy organic lifestyle is now second nature to rock chick Jo (pictured right). Having toured the world for 30 years with the Rolling Stones (she was married to Stone, Ronnie Wood)  Jo has been there, got the t-shirt and is still wearing it but with an organic twist.

Jo founded the gorgeous natural beauty range, Jo Wood Organics and campaigns tirelessly for fair fashion.

How would you describe your style? I’d like to say my style is vintage inspired rock chick, with a love for fashion; a little bit eclectic. I love collecting beautiful vintage dresses and mixing these up with my biker boots, or with more fashion led pieces. Then I know my look is always unique and I won’t see it on the red carpet.

Has your style changed over the years? No I don’t think my style has changed dramatically over the years, my love for vintage clothes and recycling has just increased.

Who are your style icons? I’ve always loved Bridget Bardot and Twiggy. In the 1970s BIBA had a big influence on me too, Barbara Hulanicki is so creative and I now have some original BIBA pieces in my wardrobe.

What tips would you give to other women on finding their own unique style? When you find a look that works for you, stick to it, and make it your own by accessorising. To me there is nothing more attractive than a smiling face, and this will exude confidence.

RACHEL HOLLAND – THE DESIGN EXPERT AND WRITER

Rachel Holland (pictured bottom centre) is a stylist specializing in using eco-friendly, fairtrade and ethical products to achieve her ideas. With an ‘ethereal, bold and fantasy-driven style, her direct vision creates original and memorable images.’

Rachel also runs La Luminata an online magazine highlighting sustainable design and trends.

How would you describe your style? My style is minimal, modern with a romantic and ethereal edge. I love clean shapes, simple lines and pieces that will stand the test of time. Mixed with unusual details such as checks, stripes, floral patterns, 70’s inspired accessories, unusual textures and slightly tomboyish details.

I often reference films, books, music and artists in the way that I dress in quite a subtle way. Some influences are the book ‘Ava’ by Carole Maso, the band Au Revoir Simone, artists Frida Kahlo, Tina Berning and films like The Virgin Suicides, Romeo and Juliet and Wings of Desire.

Has your style changed over the years? I used to be a real tomboy, so as I’ve become older I’ve found my own essence of ‘woman-ness’ and developed this into my own personal style. This honours my femininity but still allows me to crawl around on the floor during a Photoshoot, get covered in paint and run to catch the train!

I’ve also discovered the magic of vintage fashion as it perfectly fits my classic hourglass shape. Shoes and jewellery are really important for my look and can take a so-so outfit to dazzling!

My own personal belief system around style is that it should allow you to fully live your life and not make you a victim of your clothes. When I try something new on I always ask myself ‘Can I move around in this?’, ‘Does this actually flatter me?’ and ‘Is this going to slow me down on a busy day?’.

Who are your style icons? Anyone who particularly ‘owns’ their own unique look. My Style Icons include Karen Elson, Angelica Houston, Chloe Sevigny, Faye Dunaway, Daphne Guinness, Liv Tyler, Natasha Khan, Vanessa Paradis, Alison Mosshart and Yoko Ono.

What tips would you give to other women on finding their own unique style? Don’t follow fashion trends, instead determine what makes you feel your own authentic true self. What works for one person often doesn’t work for another. So work out what it is about you that makes you different from everybody else, then use these differences to develop your own unique ‘wow’ factors.

The people that I remember and that really stand out to me have something truly individual about themselves, which cannot be replicated.

When you allow your personality to speak through your clothing, your style develops instinctually so that you become your own fascinating, walking piece of art. Now that’s true style.

LUPE CASTRO – THE CELEBRITY STYLIST AND ETHICAL EXPERT

Lupe (pictured bottom right) is an independent ethical fashion stylist, working with individuals, celebrities, the media and fashion industry to ensure stunning, individual looks coupled with the very cutting edge of ethical, traceable, sustainable fashion and style.

She is a regular columnist for daisygreenmagazine.co.uk, with a truly effervescent style.

How would you describe your style? Casual elegant with a touch of drama!

Has your style changed over the years? Ummm yes. I reckon the drama bit has never changed! But I have given up trying to wear dresses on a daily basis cause I just love trousers!

Who are your style icons? At the moment thinking Juliet Greco, Betty Boop and Marlene Dietrich but it does change.

What tips would you give to other women on finding their own unique style? First of all think of your style? Classic, dramatic, sporty, natural Or a mixture? Then colour and shape! Fashion trends can be added in accessories, shoes, bags, hats, jewellery or hosiery. I love vintage and swishing finds!

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