Recycled Glam: Old clothes, new look!
When summer comes in, it's indeed very exciting to shop for new summer dresses, flip flops, hats, beach bags, shorts, skirts, and whatnot. But that doesn't mean old clothes are to be thrown away or kept in the closet 'til the next two seasons. They can always be recycled and used in new ways. However, just because it's summer recycling does not necessarily pertain exclusively to old jeans and baby tees. We're talking autumn and winter apparel. It may sound impossible but you don't need to cut them up. Here are some tips so you don't need to waste the old stuff you still love...
Knitwear - Knitwear is used for extra warmth, worn underneath coats and over thin shirts and blouses. To be able to still make use of them in the summer, wear them alone as a top or a mini-dress and not over a shirt. Knitwear looks really stylish and chic. They can also be worn with mini-skirts and shorts for those summer nights and parties. Wearing knitted clothes in the summer while working at the office would be a great idea too so you can still look formal and presentable at your workplace. And best of all, knitwear can be worn as a beach cover up. It's perfect because knitted clothes exude a summery effect and they're cool and not too binding. You can wear one with a swimsuit underneath. Complete the look with a straw hat and a pair of flip flops.
Jackets and coats - There are certain jackets and coats that may still be worn in the summer, especially those that were not exclusively made for protection and really low temperature, but were made also for fashion. If you happen to have these, then wear them in the summer as is and not over other types of clothing such as leggings, pants, shirts, blouses and knitwear. You may use a knee-length coat or jacket as a dress. Put on a thin tank top or cami underneath and wear a belt around. To complete the outfit, wear the "dress" with high heels and you'll be the envy of all. A sleeveless trench coat for example, may also be worn as a dress at the office or during formal summer parties. And again if you want to go casual, skirts and skimpy shorts will make a good pair.
Tights and Leggings - These clothing pieces are often worn as leg warmers during autumn and winter. But in the summer you can use them to replace your jeans once in a while. The good thing about leggings is that they're designed for any weather type. So in the summer they can be worn with blouses, tunics, camisoles, smocks, loose tops, and what have you. Instead of wearing them with boots, wear them with you prettiest flat sandals or very flattering heels. As for the tights you can still wear them, not just with shoes but even flip flops. Tube flops are examples of recycling tights for the summer. Wear them with mini skirts or shorts and you're all cute and good to go.
Long skirts and long dresses - Oh no, these garbs are going nowhere. They're staying throughout the summer because they're actually part of the season's latest trends. Instead of buying a new maxi dress or hem skirts, use the ones you have for autumn. If you pair them with the right shoes and other accessories they will look even more summery than you'd expect. Anything long may still be worn in the summer, even pants. As long as the fabric it's made off is not too warm for the body then it's perfect.
Scarves - If there's one thing you can make use of no matter what it's definitely a scarf. What's used to warm your neck for the winter may still be used as a neck accessory in the summer. If you have a pretty and colorful scarf, wrap it around and use it as a top or a dress. You can also wear it over your summer clothes or your swim suit. Just clip it with a pretty brooch and there, you have a lovely poncho.
Juliana Alano
