Create a New Work Wardrobe by Upcycling Old Clothing

Recycling isn't just a noble cause, but an absolute necessity these days. It doesn't take much time or attention, just enough repetition until it becomes a habit. And we all know why recycling is so important. It keeps wastes out of our dumps so the raw materials can be reused a time or two. But while most of us eco-warriors are content to recycle, it's not the most creative thing in the world. If you're looking for a way to support the environment that also brings a bit of artistry to the table, take a look at upcycling. It's a more recent practice (the term was only coined about a decade ago) that has become hugely popular with designers and artists. Basically, you take something that's old or vintage and reuse it in a slightly different form, either for the same purpose or a related one. Consider things like rescued driftwood sculptures or vintage frames laid out as wall art. It keeps pieces out of the garbage for the foreseeable future, and takes very little energy or additional raw materials. One use of upcycling that has become trendy is for fashion. So if you're looking to expand your work wardrobe while saving money and protecting the environment, consider upcycling your old clothing.

You'll have to match your upcycling efforts to your needs. If you work in a formal environment where everyone wears suits you might not be able to innovate quite as creatively. But think about ways you can rescue old dress clothes. If you've found old dress shirts that you love but the cut doesn't quite work anymore, consider turning them into vests. All you have to do is remove the sleeves and finish it off. One upcycled look that could really shine at work is taking an old dress shirt and turning it into a dress. You can follow a pattern and fancy it up with new buttons.

Dresses and skirts are fairly easy to upcycle, and make fantastic options for the business casual work environment. A simple approach to skirts is to alter the length. Find a couple of straight skirts that you love and combine them to make an A-line piece. You can even turn a skirt into a beautiful blouse by using the waist as the neckline. Cut arm holes and add a belt under the bust line for a gorgeous, classy look. Dresses made of gorgeous material can be updated easily with some small alterations. If you have a boxy dress you love but aren't crazy about the fit, top it off with a belt or a fitted vest. Vintage dresses are often beautiful except for the length, so a quick hem job can modernize things. And if you love the material but the rest just isn't salvageable cut the top off and finish it as a skirt.

If you work in fashion, media, advertising or some other creative industry where you have a bit more leeway, the upcycling options expand significantly. In those cases you can rework more casual materials into fashionable pieces. T-shirts are the perfect raw materials for upcycled clothing. Any oversized piece out of the closet can be turned into a top or a mini dress. T-shirts are also great for accessories such as scarves, headbands or accent pieces sewn onto shirts or skirts. Denim is another great option for accessories. This strong, versatile fabric can be turned into purses or totes that are both stylish and functional. Old jeans can be cut into summer pants or skirts, even if they're frayed or have a couple of holes.

In the end, upcycling clothing for work is all about creativity. Look through your closet and try to think about each piece not as what it used to be, but what it could be with a bit of work. And if you have the time, you'll soon have a whole new wardrobe at a discount price. Salvage what you can, and then use a bare necessities promo code online to inexpensively purchase any of the brand new, smaller things you need. You might walk in to work in your upcycled outfit to find you hear more compliments than you did in some pricey designer look.