Our closets are forever bursting with clothes that are rarely used. We’ve got the childhood clothes for memory's sake, the ones bought on sale but never worn and some other impulse purchases that have stayed there and never seen the light of day. We’re constantly buying but rarely consuming, because most of us end up repeating the same outfits again and again.
The climate crisis, rising cost of living and the growing interest in sustainable fashion, which discourages the wear and throw lifestyle, has now given way for upcycled fashion that promotes a zero-waste regime. So, what is upcycled fashion? In simple terms it’s the repurposing of the old items in our wardrobe to create new pieces. It’s a DIY fashion upgrade of worn-out clothes by repairing, cleaning, sewing, or painting to create a whole new look.
DIY upcycling ideas:
Crop it: Cut your old t-shirt to turn them into crop tops. Add dyes, paints or use cut-out detailing to create a trendy cool look.
Denims revamp: Cut and sew the legs of denims to create a tote. Not particularly good at sewing? Distress them, add patches, paints, sequins or simply snip the end to make denim shorts.
Dress transformation: Turn your old dresses into skirts. Get a local tailor to use the fabric from your flowing skirts to create a crop top
You can a use several of your old items to create new fashionable pieces with just a little sewing and a lot of creativity. Be it by making a quilt using your old clothes or cutting out the waistband of skirts to create a head band or even scarfs with the frills, the options are many. It just needs some planning and small supplies for sewing and painting. And the fun part, you can turn this project into a me-time routine to challenge yourself and embrace your creativity.
The good news? Well, not just upcycling you can also repurpose your old clothes to create a whole new ensemble. Here are some quick tips:
Mix and match
Maximise your wardrobe by combining two or three pieces of clothing. Make use of your denim jacket to add some chic layering. Split your co-ord pant set by matching the trouser with another top and vice versa.
Carry sustainable bags
Ditch the usual PU or leather bag and start carrying bags made from sustainable materials. From crochet to jute the options are endless and they’re now available in various styles, sizes, and shapes. Fabric totes are long-lasting and certainly gentler on the planet.
Reuse accessories
Connected chains can become a belt or a longer neckpiece, or a hook earring can become a brooch. There are so many ways to repurpose your old accessories.
Layer
Layering adds a fresh style to any outfit. You can go from office to evening glam with just the right layering. Throw a shirt over a dress, add a belt to give it a skirt vibe, wear a crop top under your blazer — well the possibilities are endless.
Repurposing and upcycling are a terrific way to maximise your wardrobe. While some clothes might need to be retired for good, some can last a sizeable number of years, if you pick the right kind of fabrics and styles. So, next time you go shopping make sure you choose quality fabrics and clothes made from natural fibres, which are versatile and easy to repurpose. Pick classic silhouettes, timeless cuts and patterns that are easily adaptable, and most importantly, be open to experiment.