Recycle Your Favorite Skirt in Various Looks

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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 recycle a favorite skirt in multiple looks. Get inspired to shop your closet for more looks from what you already own.

 

Contents
  1. The Slow Fashion Movement: Recycle Clothes in New outfits
  2. Environmental Impacts of Fast Fashion
    • Dye and Transport Pollute Water and Air
    • Other Fashion Related Chemicals
  3. How I Recycled my Fav Skirt in Various Looks
    • Outfit Inspirations with a Red Skirt
  4. More on Eco-Friendly Fashion and Sustainability in Fashion
  5. References

 

Disclosure: There are affiliate links in this post.

 

The Slow Fashion Movement: Recycle Clothes in New Outfits

More and more women think about the environmental, economic and/or societal impacts of Fast Fashion. They look at fast fashion, sustainability and quality of life. Some of them made the New Year’s resolution not to buy anything for a month. Other made pledges to wear every clothing item at least 30 times or to save with second hand wardrobe additions to slow fashion down.

 

Recycling a Wardrobe Favorite in Multiple Outfits Is the New Do

Slowing down fashion benefits your (fashion) budget, and the environment. Repeating a clothing item like a sheath in multiple ways, for instance, means wearing it not just as a dress. Obviously, it is more challenging to style a blazer in different ways.

 

Environmental Impacts of Fast Fashion

In general, 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 wind carries the fertile upper soil layer away and/or the rain can wash it away easily. Once in the air, soil dust gets transported over long distances affecting the Earth’s radiation budget, and hence climate. Locally, the change from healthy grass to bare land alters the energy and water cycles.

The same applies for cashmere, but not for musk ox underwool.

 

Dye and Transport Pollute Water and Air

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

 

Other Fashion Related Chemicals

Huge and cheap cotton production relies on fertilizers and pesticides. Production of nylon, synthetics and faux leather need fossil resources.

 

How I Recycled My Fav Skirt in Multiple Looks

The trick, how you can wear a skirt again and again without falling into a style rut, is to style the piece differently each time. Of course, there is nothing wrong with repeating an entire outfit, especially a great one.

The suede skirt outfit idea below all feature my G-III skirt – a $20 find in a second hand boutique.

 

Outfit Inspirations with a red Skirt

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

3. stylist in patriotic OOTD in red, white and blue Levis denim jacket, polka dot print Keds, Ray Ban sunglasses, Celine tote, and striped T-shirt c/o Marine Layer

5. mature winter outerwear motorcycle shearling jacket Andrew Marc shearling motorcycle jacket, GNW tights, Manolo Blahnik booties, LeatherCoatsEtc gloves and YSL bag

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

9. fashion blogger over 50 in blazer and skirt GNW tight, Anne Klein scarf, Tissot watch, Ann Taylor blazer, Harley Davidson booties, onyx and jade necklace c/o Almo Jewellery

11. 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 necklace

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

15. stylist rewearing the skirt with cardigan, shirt, pantyhose, Mary Janes Jones New York cardigan, unbranded pantyhose, Oliveo chambray shirt, DIY statement necklace, Ray Ban Jackie O. sunglasses

17.Alaskan woman looking chic in a monochromatic red outfit Anne Klein turtleneck sweater, G-III suede leather skirt, GNW tight, opera-length pearl necklace, Hermes collier de chien belt, Hermes collier de chien cuff, Hermes enamel bangles, Seiko watch, golden bangle, and Peter Kaiser block heel pumps

19. fashion blogger repeating the skirt in an all red outfit Loft sweater, Steve Madden kitten heel pumps, Celine bag, garnet necklace, pantyhose, Hermes collier de chien band and enamel bangles

21. style book author wearing a suede skirt and nappa shell Cream leather shell, gray Covington pumps, Anne Klein leopard print silk scarf, and Modalo Pippa bag

23. stylist elongating a mini dress with the skirt Barbour cable-knit dress, Moschino belt, GNW tights, Manolo Blahnik booties)

25. printed scarf

stylist with color blocked winter work look with scarf
G III suede skirt with Sofie cashmere cardigan, silk scarf, Hermes collier de chien bangle, GNW tights, and shearling booties

 

27. 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

29. 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

31. style blogger recycling a favorite skirt in a look 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, and gingham button-down c/o Whistle River

33. 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

35. 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

37. 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, and hand-painted artisan made scarf c/o Uno Alla Volta

39. 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

41. recycling the favorite skirt as an office separates outfit with pearls Floral print scarf styled as belt, GNW tight, Manolo Blanik booties, Kate Moss for Longchamp bag, triple strands pearl necklace and black blouse c/o Lilysilk

43. 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

 

2. mature chic holiday outfit Gucci G belt, GNW Luxe sweater, GNW tight, Antonio Melani booties, Hermes cuffs and LV scarf, 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, 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, and striped T-shirt c/o Marine Layer

8. outfit combining various ethnic pieces Eddy Bauer Fair Isle sweater, ethnic belt, Great Northwest denim shirt, GNW tights, and Double-H booties,

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

12. mature woman wearing color blocks Landsend crewneck sweater, GNW tights, Hermes cuffs and Gloria Vanderbilt pumps

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

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

18. style book author featuring a look with 2 cardigans with the suede skirt GNW cardigan, GNW leopard print cardigan worn as top, pantyhose, Festina watch, Hermes collier de chien bangle, D&GM sunglasses and Moschino belt

20. Fashion blogger repeating the skirt with a plaid blazer shirt sweater Steve Madden Mary Janes, GNW tight, Burberry blazer, Loft sweater, Oliveo button-down shirt, Gucci G-belt and LV bucket bag

22. style book author in red skirt, blush jacket Halogen quilted cropped jacket, Steve Madden Mary Janes, pantyhose, Loft sweater

24. stylist recycling the red suede skirt in a red white and black look with motorcycle vest and 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

26. red white and blue outfit for Independence Day GNW cardigan worn as top, Hermes collier de chien leather band, Paloma Picasso sunglasses and Chanel belt

28. influencer recycling a skirt in a layered winter outfit Great Northwest utility jacket, Loft sweater, camouflage booties

30. style blogger recycling the skirt as an unmatched suit Aldo pumps, Esprit bag, and statement necklace c/o Almo Jewellery

32. midlife blogger repeating a red skirt with a floral shirt in spring style vibe Gucci bamboo enamel buckle belt, pantyhose, Hermes collier de chien bangle, Gloria vanderBilt pointy toe heels, topas headband, Cami coat, 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, 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, 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, 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 look with recycled skirt Orvis floral print on camouflage utility jacket, Moda International sweater, GNW tight, SAK bag, Nine West camouflage pony hair booties, 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, 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, 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, and wooden watch c/o JORD

More on Eco-Friendly Fashion and Sustainability in Fashion

Read more about  environment-“friendly” fashion. Buying second hand is a great way to slow down fashion and save money. When you are new to thrifting, take a look at this list of brands to look for when browsing a thrift shop for a good start, Dos and Don’ts.

 

References

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

 

Did you know that you can take the stress out of getting dressed with my style book How to Dress for Success in Midlife? Buy it now.

 

 

Photos: G. Kramm

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