How to Recycle a Favorite Skirt in 46 Great Looks

How to Recycle a Favorite Skirt in 46 Great Looks
Anne Klein scarf, G-III skirt, purple gemstone buckle belt, GNW Luxe sweater, Vince Camuto boots, Hermes collier de chien bangle, amethyst earrings (all own) and legwear c/o Hipstik

Clothes often become boring because they are worn always the same way. For this post I challenged myself to create 46 different outfits with one red skirt. Get inspired to shop your closet for more looks from what you already own.

Contents
  1. Slow fashion movement: Repeat clothes in new outfits
  2. Environmental impacts of fast fashion
    • Dye and transport pollute water and air
    • Other fashion related chemicals
  3. How I repeated my suede skirt in 46 outfits
  4. References

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.

Slow fashion movement: Repeat clothes in new outfits

More and more women think about the environmental, economic and/or societal impacts and or sustainability of Fast Fashion. A couple of weeks ago I wrote a post about how to look at fast fashion, sustainability and quality of life.

Some women even made the New Year’s resolution not to buy anything for a month. Some of my friends made pledges that they would try to wear every item they buy at least 30 times to slow fashion down or to save with second hand wardrobe additions. Slowing down fashion means to be more friendly to your own budget, and to the environment.

I wrote several posts in the past on repeating a clothing item like one sheath multiple ways or how to repeat a blazer in different looks.

Environmental impacts of fast fashion

Before, I show how I “repeated” the same item – a red suede skirt – in 47 outfits, I want to give you an idea on how (fast) fashion impacts the environment. Indeed, fashion causes a lot of environmental harm and pollution.

How the production of wool may affect the environment

Wool, for instance, stems from sheep. On first view, a sustainable resource. Sheep feed on grass. When you want to produce more wool sweaters or coats, you need more sheep to increase the wool production. Consequently, you need more grassland or you overgraze the land. Overgrazing however, leads to long recovery of the grass, as well as soil and dust uptake by wind. The fertile upper soil layer is carried away by wind or washed away easily by rain. The soil dust in the air gets transported over long distances meaning it affects the Earth’s radiation budget and hence climate. The change from healthy grass to bare land also affects the energy and water cycle at least locally.

What I said above about wool applies also for cashmere, and mohair, but not for musk ox underwool.

Dye and transport pollute water and air

Dyeing of fabrics or leather, for instance, pollutes water. The transport of clothes from the manufacturer to the stores and from the store to your home means transport and hence traffic emissions. Whenever a middleman is involved items do not only become more expensive (without gaining value), but also take a detour to your closet.

Other fashion related chemicals

It is well know that huge and cheap cotton production relies on fertilizers and pesticides. Production of nylon and synthetics needs fossil resources.

How I repeated my suede skirt in 46 outfits

The photos below give inspirations on how you can wear a skirt again and again without repeating an outfit. The trick is to style the piece differently each time you wear it. Of course, there is nothing wrong with repeating an entire outfit, especially a great one. However, if you find it boring to repeat an outfit, you will have to be creative.

The suede skirt outfit idea below are all made with my G-III skirt that I bought for $20 in a second hand boutique.

1. French inspired work outfit with striped top and solid red bottom Loft striped top, Salvatore Ferragamo pumps (all own) and wooden watch c/o JORD

3. mature woman wearing a casual outfit Eddie Bauer sweater, GNW tight, Manolo Blahnik booties (all own)

5. chic patriotic OOTD in red, white and blue Levis denim jacket, polka dot print Keds, Ray Ban sunglasses, Celine tote (all own) and striped T-shirt c/o Marine Layer

7. mature winter outerwear motorcycle shearling jacket Andrew Marc shearling motorcycle jacket, GNW tights, Manolo Blahnik booties, LeatherCoatsEtc gloves and YSL bag (all own)

9. Posh casual office outfit for midlife women VS leather bomber jacket, Anne Klein sweater, GNW tights, Hermes cuff and Manolo Blahnik booties (all own)

11. midlife woman in chic red skirt GNW tight, Anne Klein scarf, Tissot watch, Ann Taylor blazer, Harley Davidson booties (all own), onyx and jade necklace c/o Almo Jewellery

13. mature lady wearing leather on leather GNW tights, GNW cardigan worn as a top, BeBe leather jacket with zipper details, Coach Chelseas and smoky quartz statement necklace (all own)

15. midlife woman in casual look with suede skirt Burberry trench coat, August Silk top, Hunter rain boots, pantyhose, Jaeger tote and umbrella (all own)

17. 40+ woman in a suede skirt Jones New York cardigan, unbranded pantyhose, Oliveo chambray shirt, DIY statement necklace, Ray Ban Jackie O. sunglasses (all own)

19. over 40 year old wearing a red leather skirt Peter Kaiser cap-toe pumps, Anne Klein cable-knit turtleneck sweater, GNW tight and opera length pink pearl necklace, Seiko watch, Hermes collier de chien bangle and belt, Hermes enamel bangles (all own)

21. woman looking chic in a suede straight skirtLoft sweater, Steve Madden kitten heel pumps, Celine bag, garnet necklace, pantyhose, Hermes collier de chien band and enamel bangles (all own)

23. style book author wearing a suede skirt and nappa shell Cream leather shell with  G-III suede skirt, gray Covington pumps, Anne Klein leopard print silk scarf, and Modalo Pippa bag (all own) (all own)

25. work outfit with dress over skirt Barbour cable-knit dress, Moschino belt, GNW tights, Manolo Blahnik booties (all own)

27. mature style blogger donning a color blocked winter work look with scarf Sofie cashmere cardigan, silk scarf, tights, and Salamander shearling booties (all own)

29. over 50 years old blogger wearing a suede bottom and Halftee layering look Rose dust lace 3/4 sleeves halftee c/o Halftee with own GNW sweater, GNW tight, Manelo Blanik booties and opera length rose pearl necklace

31. fashion blogger in summer work outfit with abstract print curvy hem top, red skirt, pink strappy sandals and sunglasses Shein abstract floral print top, Hermes collier de chien bangle, Hermes enamel bangles arm party, Paloma Picasso sunglasses and Very Fine Dance Sportshoes neon pink sandals (all own)

33. style blogger in street wear in red with a pop of blue Armani cape, Prada satchel, Gloria VanDerBilt pointy toe pumps, unbranded pantyhose, silk rose pin, puma buckle belt, Hermes collier de chien bangle (all own) and gingham button-down c/o Whistle River

35. mature woman in a fitted camel down coat Downcoat c/o Happy Goat Lucky worn with own headband, LeatherCoatsEtc gloves, GNW tight, Salamander shearling booties, Palovo scarf and Coach shearling mini bag

37. midlife blogger in casual office look with sweater, and thrifted suede skirt, booties and scarf Anne Klein oblong scarf, GNW Luxe long-sleeves sweater, Hermes collier de chien bangle, pendant necklace, and Manolo Blahnik buckle booties (all own)

39. over 50 years old woman in monochromatic red Valentine's Day outfit suitable for dinner at a casual restaurant GNW tight, Manolo Blahnik booties, Kieselstein Cord belt, statement buckle, GNW cardigan, Moda International (dyed) cardigan, Hermes collier de chien bangle (all own), and hand-painted artisan made scarf c/o Uno Alla Volta

41. midife woman in posh office look Riders by Lee button-down Buffalo plaid shirt c/o Walmart with own Moda International cardigan (dyed), GNW tight, Manolo Blanik booties, Kieselstein Cord belt, snake tail buckle, Jodie Gum brooch

43. mature woman in office outfit with pearls Floral print scarf styled as belt, GNW tight, Manolo Blanik booties, Kate Moss for Longchamp bag, triple strands pearl necklace (all own) and black blouse c/o Lilysilk

45. leather lady in red, white and black print and pattern mix Riders by Lee buffalo plaid button-down shirt c/o Walmart, Anne Klein polka dot silk scarf, Kieselstein Cord belt, statement snake tail buckle, Hermes collier de chien leather band, and Nine zebra print pony hair pumps (all own)

 

2. mature chic holiday outfit Gucci G belt, GNW Luxe sweater, GNW tight, Antonio Melani booties, Hermes cuffs and LV scarf (all own) and Akoya pearls c/o The Pearl Source

4. lady in suede with sweater GNW cashmere sweater, GNW tights, Hermes enamel bangles, Manolo Blahnik booties, triple pearl necklace (all own) and Akoya pearls c/o The Pearl Source

6. leopard print pumps with suede skirt Levis denim jacket, Aldo leopard print ponyhair pumps Ray Ban sunglasses, Celine tote (all own) and striped T-shirt c/o Marine Layer

8. outfit combining various ethnic pieces Eddy Bauer Fair Isle sweater with ethnic belt, Great Northwest denim shirt, GNW tights, and Double H lace-up booties (all own)

10. leather on leather in midlife Lookbook Store motorcycle jacket, GNW cable-knit pattern tights, Harley Davidson booties (all own), onyx and jade necklace c/o Almo Jewellery

12. mature woman wearing colorblocks Landsend crewneck sweater, GNW tights, Hermes cuffs and Gloria Vanderbilt pumps (all own)

14. mature lady wearing street style Vince leather shell, Hermes collier de chien cuff, and Studio strappy multi color sandals (all own)

16. mature lady in printed cardigan and pencil skirt GNW abstract print cardigan, Hermes collier de chien belt and bangle, Seiko watch, pumps (all own)

18. 40+ woman in office outfit GNW cardigan, GNW leopard print cardigan worn as top, pantyhose, Festina watch, Hermes collier de chien bangle, D&GM sunglasses and Moschino belt (all own)

20. business casual outfit with button down shirtSteve Madden Mary Janes, GNW tight, Burberry blazer, Loft sweater, Oliveo button-down shirt, Gucci G-belt and LV bucket bag (all own)

22. chic business casual look Halogen quilted cropped jacket, Steve Madden Mary Janes, pantyhose, Loft sweater (all own)

24. stylist in red suede skirt, black motorcycle vest, white top Moda International motorcycle leather vest with GNW cardigan worn as top, G-III suede skirt, pumps, and LV multi color saddle bag with studs (all own)

26. over 50 years old fashion blogger in red white and blue outfit GNW cardigan worn as top, Hermes collier de chien leather band, Paloma Picasso sunglasses and Chanel belt (all own)

28.mature office look with utility jacket Great Northwest utility jacket, Loft sweater, camouflage booties (all own)

30. style blogger in unmatched suit Aldo pumps, Esprit bag, and statement necklace c/o Almo Jewellery

32. midlife blogger in springstyle with suede skirt and abstract print shirt Gucci bamboo enamel buckle belt, pantyhose, Hermes collier de chien bangle, Gloria vanderBilt pointy toe heels, topas headband, Cami coat (all own) and abstract poppy print button-down shirt c/o Ethyl Clothing

34. blogger in dressy business casual with suede skirt and gingham top Unbranded pantyhose, Gloria Vander Bilt pointy toe heels, Hermes collier de chien bangle, super-sized puma belt buckle, silk flower pin (all own) and gingham blouse c/o Whistle River

36. #fashionover50 Nicole Mölders in a fall outfit in red and teal colors with mixed pattern and print GNW cardigan, Kieselstein Cord belt, ethnic buckle, Calvin Klein block heel pumps, Oscar de la Rente oblong scarf braided as a necklace, pantyhose (all own), Italian designer bag c/o Uno Alla Volta and ruby herring bone front zipper jacket c/o Whistle River

38. #fashionover50 woman in blue jacket, red skirt, nude purse and shoes and silver cuf Great Northwest jacket, Kieselstein Cord belt, ethnic buckle, Calvin Klein block heel pumps (all own), fringe suede leather purse c/o Uno Alla Volta, and sterling silver location cuff c/o ONecklace

40. midlife woman in heels on snow in red and olive winter Casual Friday look Orvis floral print on camouflage utility jacket, Moda International sweater, GNW tight, SAK bag, Nine West camouflage pony hair booties (all own), and Joyita scarf c/o Uno Alla Volta

42. midlife woman wearing a dress as skirt U-knit dress worn as T-shirt, Sofie cardigan, BGBC belt, Coach bag, Gipsy coat carried over the arm, JORD bamboo watch (all own), own pearl necklace twisted with Akoya pearl necklace c/o The Pearl Source Inc.

44.

style influencer in red gray purple outfit GNW tutleneck sweater, Anne Klein scarf, Vince Camuto boots, gemstone buckle purple imprint leather belt (all own), tights c/o Hipstik® Legwear

46.

influencer in striped top, matching bottom and trench coat Burberry trench coat with Loft striped top, statement necklace, Salvatore Ferragamo pumps (all own) and wooden watch c/o JORD

How would you style this suede leather skirt? Have you ever thought about the environmental impact of your clothes? Let me know, I am curious.

When you like the blog, you may also want to get my style book How to Dress for Success in Midlife. Buy it now.

When you like the idea of slowing fashion down to help the environment, spread the idea by tweeting your friends:

Have you ever thought about how fast fashion affects the environment? #slowfashion Click To Tweet

Want to read more about  environment-“friendly” fashion? Buying second hand is a great way to slow down fashion and save money. Never thrifted before? Take a look at this list of brands to look for when browsing a thrift shop.

Get the inspirations to dress your best in life. Subscribe to High Latitude Style. Deep inside you know you can do it too.

References

Mölders, 2011. Land-Use and Land-Cover Changes – Impact on Climate and Air Quality, Springer

Photos: G. Kramm

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