Using Your Old Clothes to Make New Outfits
Do you have clothes piled everywhere in your closet? On the floor? In the hamper? Stuffed in the drawers? But still feel like you have nothing to wear? Decluttering may not totally be your problem. While I am all for decluttering your clothes closet, if you are going to get rid of old clothes to just buy more, why not try using your old clothes to make new outfits. Just try it, before you throw them out. If it doesn’t work, then throw them out or donate them. Ok, so just hear me out.
As a clothes and fashion lover for my entire life, I have a hard time parting with my clothes. Especially if I think there is even a little possibility of making a new outfit from the item. Or even a new use from the item. The idea is to get creative. To challenge yourself. To think outside the box when it comes to creating outfits and making use of an old item.
Here are a few ideas to make new outfits by using your old clothes.
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If an item is in shreds, and you need some rags, use it for rags. I use old sleeveless shirts of my husbands as rags sometimes. They are plain and gray and perfect for a swiffer mop after you cut them up.
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Try using a shirt or skirt as a scarf (yes, I have done this).
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Cut the sleeves off of a blazer (which is a new trend in fashion this year). I haven’t tried this one yet, but plan on trying it soon.
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Upcycle your old clothes. If you have a skirt or shirt you never want to part with but will never fit again, make curtains out of it. My mom is so good at up cycling. She can take a skirt that is pretty and frilly and make some beautiful curtains. You can also use no-sew methods nowadays with special fabric glue that you iron. (I am not exactly certain what they use, but know it’s out there, so check out your local craft store).
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But if you aren’t into sewing or up cycling, just try wearing the item in a totally new and creative way. Play with your clothes, and experiment with the item. For example, a shirt you never wear, but with a pair of pants or long shorts you never tried with it, might just be the solution. I am of the belief that you can make anything work, unless size is the issue, then it’s probably a no, unless you can sew and alter or tailor an item to your size.
Remember that trends come and go, but style, style is lasting. Trends don’t matter to me. While you won’t see me partaking in trends very often, there are a few that might catch my eye. But I often don’t just quit the trend after awhile. I usually just add it to my ever growing style repertoire.
What are some of your ideas for making new outfits using what you have? Leave all your ideas in the comments. I love gathering new ideas from you.