The simple life

A classic black shift dress in organic and Fairtrade satin poplin, this has just a touch of Audrey Hepburn about it. A marvellous wardrobe basic that sits just about the knee and can be dressed up (diamonds from Tiffanys) or down (flat sandals)

Shift dress, £45
By People Tree
Peopletree.co.uk Photograph: PR

A short, looser cotton shift dress with a waterlily print, which also comes in black. You could even wear the latter now, layering with a long sleeve T-shirt and tights, but this white version is definitely a summer dress

Waterlily print dress, £65
By People Tree
Peopletree.co.uk Photograph: PR

An organic cotton maxi dress with an empire line and wooden beads around the halter neck. Perfect for floating around on summer days - at home or on holiday. This would also be a great frock for a low key ethical wedding.

Beaded maxi dress, £110
By Beaumont Organic
Buy online at Fashion-conscience.com Photograph: PR

The kind of simple, comfortable dress you'll want to wear every day during summer. A tunic shape, short but not too short - though you could also wear it over jeans if there's a nip in the air. Howies also has two Liberty print dresses in a very similar style - the first ever organic Liberty print, no less

Tunic dress, £60
By Howies
Howies.co.uk Photograph: PR

The simplest of all - an organic cotton jersey dress, with a V neck and empire line cut. Stewart & Brown is particularly good for organic wardrobe basics, and this is another frock that could be worn now with layers or at the height of summer

Banded kimono dress, £74
By Adili
Adili.com Photograph: PR

A dress that is calling out for a heatwave and some oversized sunglasses. Organic cotton with a rope detail halterneck and a slightly nautical air to it. And it's even on sale ...

Cotton sun dress, £81
By Ciel
Buy online at my-wardrobe.com Photograph: PR

Combining a vintage and tea dress feel, this frock is so fashionable it almost excuses the use of the awful phrase "on-trend" (though not quite). Made from hemp and tencel with a vintage Laura Ashley print and slightly puffed sleeves. It's limited edition and made to order, so you'll have to exercise some patience

1940s style dress, £135
By Enamore
Enamore.co.uk Photograph: PR