UPCYCLING

• Look at your existing wardrobe with a fresh perspective. Be brutal with the clothes you haven’t worn in a while, and if you don’t want to give it away then think about how you could alter or repurpose it.

• Visit thrift stores, kilo sales, and second-hand shops for great deals on clothes to upcycle.

• Learn basic sewing skills. You don’t need to be a master seamstress but knowing how to sew a few stitches can go a long way. In terms of tools, you don’t need to immediately invest in a sewing machine but picking up a needle and thread from a local craft or charity shop is a good first step.

• Get inspiration from social media, like Pinterest and TikTok, and YouTube online tutorials.

Ways to change up your clothes

• Dyeing: A simple and effective way to change the colour of your clothes. You can use store-bought fabric dyes or natural dyes made from things like avocado skins and onion skins!

• Sewing Design: Adding a unique design to your clothes can give them a whole new look. This can be as simple as adding a patch or applique, or as elaborate as creating a custom embroidery.

• Adding Lace: Lace can add a delicate touch to any outfit and can be added to the sleeves, collar, or hemline of a shirt or dress. Ribbons or bows can also be glued or sewn onto tops for a similar effect.

• Cropping: Cropping can change the entire look of the piece. From cutting the sleeves of a t-shirt into a tank top to making long dresses and skirts shorter, it’s a convenient way to reuse winter clothing in the summer.

• Distressing: Distressing jeans, shorts or denim jackets can give them a vintage, worn-in look. This can be done using sandpaper, a pumice stone or even a cheese grater to create holes, frays, and tears.

• Adding Decorations: Attaching things such as pins, badges, or iron-onpatches can add a fun and playful touch.

Where to get clothes from

• Carboot sales: These typically run on Sundays but can vary to other days of the week, and are an easy way to get clothes for a reasonable price.

• Charity Shops: Charity shops offer a wide selection of affordable secondhand clothing, support a good cause, and typically have unique clothes that you can’t find in regular stores. In addition, nearby retailers will often donate their old stock to nearby charity shops so you could get something you already liked at a cheaper price.

• Organised clothes swaps with a group or friends: Clothing swaps allow individuals to swap items they no longer wear or need for new-to-them clothing. Swapping clothes can be a great way to bond with people and discover new styles that you may not have thought about.

• Vintage shops: Shopping in vintage clothing stores is a great way to find one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out from the crowd. Vintage clothing has history and a level of quality and craftsmanship that can be hard to find in modern clothing. Shopping in vintage clothing shops can also be exciting, as you never know what treasures you might find.

But for those of you in areas that lack any good vintage shops, or who simply enjoy shopping online, there are ways to buy second-hand clothes online.

• Online Thrift Stores: There are several online thrift stores that specialise in selling gently used clothing. Some popular choices include Vinted and Depop. These stores have a wide variety of options and a convenient search function, making it easier to find what you’re looking for.

• Online Consignment Stores: Online consignment stores usually have higher prices, but the clothing is often in better condition and is less likely to be worn out. Popular online consignment stores that feature a lot of designer pieces include Tradesy and Vestiaire Collective.

• Social Media: Facebook has a marketplace where individuals can post clothes they no longer want and are selling. You can browse listings in your area and even negotiate prices with the seller.

• Online Marketplaces: Online marketplaces like eBay also have a wide variety of secondhand clothes available. You can find clothes from individual sellers as well as from resellers.

However, it’s important to be careful when shopping online for secondhand clothes, as there are always risks of buying fake, broken, or counterfeit items. Always check the seller’s feedback and reviews and be sure to ask questions if you have any doubts. With a little research and some caution, you can find amazing deals on unique, high-quality clothing.

In sum, upcycling your clothes not only renovates your wardrobe but also helps the planet. Whilst looking into fashion brands that are committed to sustainable practices is always a good alternative, upcycling offers a budget-friendly way to show off your personal style, making it a win-win for anyone wanting a new look.