Have you ever looked in your closet and noticed that one item you hardly ever wear? Maybe it’s that silk scarf you bought on vacation years ago or a dress that’s just a smidge too fancy for everyday life. We all have pieces in our wardrobe that, for whatever reason, stay tucked away in storage most of the time. But just because something isn’t used daily doesn’t mean it’s not a stylish or sentimental part of your collection. These forgotten fashion gems deserve a second chance. Digging out these scarcely worn dresses and incorporating them back into the wardrobe rotation has many benefits. Financially, we can get more value from items you’ve already purchased. By wearing them again, you’re maximizing your investment and avoiding waste.
Environmentally, reusing clothing reduces the demand for new garments and limits textile waste in landfills. According to the EPA, about 85% of textiles that end up in landfills could have been reused or recycled.
That doesn’t mean you must wear it even if it’s not looking good on you. There are creative ways to bring unused clothing back to the forefront and make the most of what’s already in your closet. By thinking outside the box, you can rediscover forgotten fashion gems and give them new life. Today, we’ll talk about the most common pieces in our wardrobe.
The Lonely Life of Your Little Black Dress
Most women have that little black dress tucked away in their closet that rarely sees the light of day. While versatile in theory, in reality, the opportunities to wear it seem few and far between.
The little black dress, or LBD, is a wardrobe staple renowned for its elegance and timelessness. However, for many, it remains an elusive piece that is saved for a special occasion that never comes. The trick is finding ways to revive this closet dweller and bring it back into regular rotation.
- One easy solution is to dress it down for the daytime. Pair the LBD with a denim jacket, loafers, or booties, and minimal accessories for a chic yet casual look perfect for brunch, shopping, or a matinee.
- When the sun sets, glam it up with statement jewellery, stylish heels, and a designer clutch for an evening ensemble befitting a night on the town.
- For extra flair, consider alternate styling options like cinching the waist with a belt, layering it under an oversized blazer, or spicing up the neckline with a lace camisole. Small tweaks can make a big impact in transforming the LBD into an entirely new look.
With this creative styling, that lonely little black dress can come out of hiding and become a go-to piece for any occasion. A few simple additions or subtractions are all it takes to rediscover the potential of this timeless wardrobe staple. After all, isn’t it time your LBD got another chance to shine?
Give Your Leather Jacket New Purpose
A leather jacket is a common wardrobe staple, but for some, it remains relegated to the back of the closet for most of the year. To give this fashion favorite a new life, consider alternative ways to style it.
- Pairing your leather jacket with seasonal accessories is an easy way to wear it more often. In the spring, add a floral silk scarf and pastel bag. Opt for a bright camisole, sandals, and statement sunglasses for summer. Come fall, cozy with an oversized blanket scarf, booties, and a slouchy knit hat.
- Just because leather jackets are casual does not mean they cannot be dressed up. Try wearing your leather jacket over an elegant lace dress or pencil skirt and heels for an evening out. You can finish the look with red lipstick, pearl earrings, and a wrist full of bangles. The contrast between the feminine pieces and the edgy jacket makes for an unforgettable outfit.
- If your work attire typically consists of slacks and button-downs, a leather jacket can serve as an acceptable layering piece. Pair tailored trousers or a pencil skirt with a crisp white blouse. Add your leather jacket, stylish loafers or ankle boots, and a leather handbag. The professional pieces balance out the casual essence of the jacket, creating a chic ensemble fit for any office.
Giving an underutilized leather jacket a new purpose is an effortless way to refresh your style. With a few accessories or strategic layering, this timeless staple can easily transition from season to season and occasion to occasion.
Transform Your Maxi Skirt Into a Stylish Sarong
While they may spend a lot of time in the closet, a maxi skirt can easily be transformed into a stylish sarong for the beach or poolside.
There are a few simple ways to tie a maxi skirt into a sarong. The most common methods are:
- Drape the maxi skirt around your hips and tie both of the ends in a knot to secure. This creates a simple wrap effect. You can tie the knot off to one side for an asymmetrical look or in the center for a balanced style.
- Fold the top edge of the maxi skirt over by about 6 to 8 inches to create a waistband. Wrap the skirt around your hips, bringing the ends together on one side. Tie off with a bow or knot. The fold-over waistband helps the sarong stay in place better.
- Take the maxi skirt and tie the ends together to form a circle. Slip it over your head to wear it as a strapless dress or tube top. Twist the skirt at the front or side and knot to create shape and highlight your waist. This style shows off your shoulders and is perfect for a beach coverup.
- Wrap the maxi skirt around your back and bring the ends over your shoulders to tie in front. Adjust the skirt so the front hem falls just above your knees. Tie the ends in a bow behind your neck for a halter-style sarong coverup.
- Wrap the maxi skirt around your torso, crossing the ends in the back. Bring the ends forward while tying a knot over your chest, then feed the ends through the space below the knot to create a racerback effect. Adjust the skirt to ensure even hemline coverage in front and back. This style is versatile enough for both poolside and casual daywear.
By using different tying techniques, you can create various coverup styles to suit your needs. An overlooked maxi skirt may become your new go-to wardrobe item this summer!
Upcycle Vintage Jewellery for a New Look
Fashion doesn’t only mean dresses. A piece of unique jewellery can make you look more fashionable.
Vintage jewellery is making a comeback, but some pieces may have seen better days. Don’t relegate grandmother’s brooch or great aunt’s Statement necklace to the back of your jewellery box just yet. With creative repurposing, you can give forgotten gems new life and bring them back and center in your wardrobe rotation.
Update Settings
Removing stones from their original settings and placing them in modern settings is an easy way to revamp vintage jewellery. Delicate stones like opals, moonstones, or rose quartz are well suited for wire wrapping or placing in minimal modern settings. The stones maintain their vintage appeal while the new setting makes the overall look fashion-forward.
Layer for Interest
Long necklaces or pendants can be layered together for an eclectic bohemian vibe. Combine stones, metal types, or pendant shapes for the most dynamic look. Keep the lengths in the same general range for the most cohesive style. Shorter necklaces also work well for layering and are ideal for layering with collar necklaces or statement chokers.
Repurpose as Clasps or Closures
Large gemstone clasps, toggles, or button closures from vintage pieces can be removed and used as decorative closures for modern pieces. The eye-catching clasps bring a vintage twist and luxurious touch to minimal modern necklaces, bracelets, or belts.
Breathing new life into forgotten jewellery is a sustainable way to stay on trend. With some clever re-working, your vintage baubles can get a second chance in the spotlight. Upcycling is also a sentimental way to enjoy cherished heirloom pieces for years.
Host a Clothing Swap for Forgotten Favorites
If you have lots of unused clothes and don’t know what to do, don’t worry; we’re here with a solution. A fun way to rediscover forgotten clothing items in your closet is by hosting a clothing swap with friends. Gather a group of fashion-forward friends and have each person bring items of clothing they no longer wear but are still in style.
• Each attendee brings at least 3-5 pieces of clothing, accessories, or shoes in a clean condition that they are willing to swap for new, used pieces. As people arrive, organize the items on tables, racks, or hanging rails so everything is visible and accessible. Then, open up the swapping!
• Allow plenty of time for guests to browse the selection, try on anything that catches their eye, and make trades. Encourage people to be open-minded about pieces that are different from their usual style. They might uncover a new favorite!
• Play some runway music while people model their new finds for the group for extra fun. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers as you rediscover the hidden gems in each other’s closets. By the end of the event, people will have freshened up their wardrobe with “new” pieces for free. And who knows, you might find just the thing you’ve been looking for to revitalize an old favorite or inspire a new look.
Clothing swaps are a stylish solution for the sustainable fashionista. Rather than buying new fast fashion pieces that quickly go out of style, you’re extending the life of quality clothing by passing it on to someone who will appreciate it. And in return, you get new used pieces for your own wardrobe without increasing demand for newly manufactured clothing. It’s a win-win for your closet and the planet.
So go ahead, raid your closet for forgotten favorites, and host a clothing swap. It’s the perfect excuse to get together with friends for an eco-chic evening of fashion, fun, and cocktails. Your unused clothing will get a second life, your friends will get a stylish surprise, and you’ll feel good about making a sustainable fashion choice.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the items in the back of the closet deserve a chance at the spotlight, too. While certain pieces may not get worn as often as others for many reasons, a little creative styling can go a long way in bringing unused clothing back to the forefront of your wardrobe. Dig deep into those forgotten corners and pull out something you haven’t worn in a while. Pair it with something unexpected, or style it in a new way. You never know, that item you thought you’d never wear again could end up becoming your new favorite go-to. Fashion is meant to be fun, so don’t be afraid to take a few risks and wear what makes you feel good. Your closet will thank you for it.