Though the demise of ‘fast fashion’ is still some way off, it’s certainly true that millennials and Generation Z are thinking about clothes differently, with a ‘buy less, buy better’ mentality nurturing more sustainable shopping practices.
Research last year conducted on behalf of the RSA and reported on by the Guardian indicated that just under a third of those aged between 18 and 24 had been recycling and reusing clothes more since the pandemic began, with over a third of female shoppers intending to buy fewer clothes moving forward.
It’s a change that chimes with our modern times. With growing concern over fast fashion’s impact on the environment, coupled with a sharp recent rise in the UK’s cost of living, the idea of upcycling, repurposing and reinventing our wardrobes is gaining traction fast.
So, why not make it your new year’s resolution this year to not buy any new clothes in 2022? Instead, here are 6 IDEAL ways to breathe new life into your wardrobe.
CUT
Sure, it might feel almost remiss to suggest removing any centimetres during wintertime, what with the exposed legs and arms not exactly being conducive to comfort in the chilly British weather. But with the shortest day of the year already behind us, and with a year of not buying new clothes pledged, we’re already looking forward to spring just a little.
Indeed, with a snip here and a chop there, you can transform an item of clothing that’s long been forgotten into a whole new outfit. Why not create some stylish shorts from an old pair of jeans? Or, turn an old skirt you no longer like the length of into a midi or mini skirt?
Don’t stop there! If you’ve got a top that no longer inspires you, reinvent it. Cut the collar to create a sexy off-the-shoulder number or cut off the bottom to create a crop top…the possibilities are endless!
SEW & ALTER
If you find such brinkpersonship with the scissors a little too daring, then why not take things a little more slowly and make smaller alterations instead?
Though it can be kinda cathartic, you don’t actually have to chop everything up to change the look of an old garment. All you need is a little savvy with the sewing kit, and you can add new straps to a strapless top, a collar to a collarless shirt, a new seam or cut to the back of a dress, or even badges and buttons on items that previously had none.
For a new year’s craft project which will keep you occupied and sticking to those Dry January pledges, consider learning how to sew with a sewing machine. Doing so will increase your ability to breathe new life into your wardrobe no end!
At which point, you can get properly creative with your old clothes. You could even consider cutting up two items of clothing and sewing the opposing parts together to make a third totally unique item. However, before you make your first cut, learn how to make a proper hemline, unless you’re going for the frayed, rough-around-the-edges look.
Or, you could even start making your own clothes from scratch. Read more about doing just that here.
IRON-ON
T-shirts requiring a new lease of life may not benefit from the brooch treatment in quite the same way. Indeed, the addition of pin-on jewellery can often lead to a mishapen t-shirt. Instead, consider adding a slogan to your plain old t-shirts by using iron-on letters and designs.
In fact, slogan sweaters and T-shirts were all the rage last year, with growing dissatisfaction at the way the world was being run leading to political unrest and an increased desire for right-on self-expression. So, whether it’s a mood, a political message, or if you’ve got something to say and express, then wear it for the world to see.
You could even buy a set of plain T-shirts and then personalise them with slogans and images of your choosing. Whilst we realise that we earlier cautioned against making new purchases, if you buy wholesale clothing rather than individual items, you’ll save heaps on cost and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint, as the clothes will make one journey rather than being shipped as single items. Every little helps.
EMBROIDER
Speaking of sewing, and if you want to add a flourish to your clothes without too much work (of course you do, that’s why you’re here!), then a little embellishing will be the needle to your thread.
High time, then, that you took a trip to your local haberdashery where you’re likely to find a treasure trove of ribbons, buttons, sequins, lace and all sorts of items which you can dress your wardrobe up with. The key here is to think about ways in which you can enhance or contrast a feature of the garment you want to embellish.
One of our favourite ways to add a unique, trendy touch is with embroidery. From plain cami tops, cardigans and denim jackets to white canvas espadrilles, this simple technique can completely transform your clothes. If you’re new to sewing, you could always sew embroidered patches onto your clothes instead. We think this makes a fantastic hobby for a season usually associated with hibernation and replenishment.
BLING
We’ve all got a few jumpers that were once beloved staples of our winter wardrobes but have since grown a little tired and unloved. Rather than consigning them to the scrapheap, why not add some sparkle to your old jumpers with the addition of a brooch.
No longer reserved for your Grandma or eccentric friend in thrall to fashion a little too ‘vintage’, brooches can really help you personalise an outfit and breathe new life into old clothes.
What’s more, brooches can add a splash of colour and that decorative touch which, in the right hands, can tie a whole outfit together and turn disparate elements into one cohesive whole. Adorn your cardigans and sweaters with just one for a subtle effect, or dozens of dazzling, jewel-encrusted design brooches for something all the more spectacular.
EXTEND
Perhaps the most environmentally savvy, sustainable way to breathe new life into your old clothes is to extend their current shelf life, negating the need to buy any new items at all. In the spirit of not wasting anything, we won’t use up any more of your time. Instead, we’ll redirect you here when you’ve got a minute, to these 7 simple tips to make your clothes last longer.
We can’t wait to see your brand new, second-hand outfits in the flesh!
