Whether it is a laundry bag tucked away in the back of your closet, or an entire drawer you never touch, we all have some clothes that we never wear anymore and just don’t want to deal with. Throwing them away seems like a waste, and taking them to a thrift store to be donated requires time and energy (and maybe even a vehicle) that are difficult to come by, so they just sit, serving no purpose and taking up space.
Your wallet and the environment will both benefit from reusing as many items as you possibly can. While some of them may end up not being salvageable, you will probably find that a lot of them can be reused.
While there are some items (like the black helmet you bought that time you decided to take up cycling, or a pair of jeans with a hole ripped clean through the crotch) that you may need to let go of, you may find that there are several you could save. With a little bit of creativity, you could work them back into your wardrobe in new ways.
If you know how to sew, you are a step ahead already. In that case, you might even be able to save the torn pair of jeans. Even just the most basic sewing knowledge can be helpful. If there is an old dress that no longer fits you, or a blouse you loved that has torn and can’t be repaired, you can cut them up and make patches!
If you have an old denim skirt or a pair of jeans that has faded, try sewing or ironing on patches in strategic places. Wear it with some leather brown boots and a cute little t-shirt to create a brand new look.
Mixing and matching in ways you have not done before is another great way to breathe new life into old clothes. This is where accessories can be extremely helpful. A large, colorful necklace or a leather watch can perk up an old solid-colored t-shirt or sweater that you have deemed too boring. An old disregarded item could become bright, comfortable and indispensable!
Jewelry, scarves and leggings are essential tools for retooling a wardrobe. These items are often on sale, and even at full price they tend to cost less than a new dress or a shirt. They take up less space in drawers, so they are easier to store, and they can definitely help you give new life to old items.