Upcycling Tips and Tricks

Reduce, reuse, and recycle is a phrase I consider a challenge and reminder to collect items that serve me well and for a long time. While the shift to being a minimalist is a hard one and adopting a perfect capsule wardrobe takes time, I do enjoy collecting clothing that is dependable and considered worth my investment. Let’s take last fall’s trends and turn them into this year’s treasures with a little makeover.

Life in Color

The saturated colors from last fall’s wardrobe are still alive and well. Upcycling a style from last year in the correct color is about reimagining the piece. Determine the route, whether it’s feminine, business, or ultra dramatic with key pieces from this season like a blazer, bomber jacket, or trench coat.

Elevated LBD

The short and fitted black piece from last fall has received a glamorous upgrade. Black pieces for fall 2022 have all the holiday flare you expect to find at a new years party. Add new details to your LBD, or get extra with feathers, sequins, and lots of paillettes. Upcycling a seasonal staple is so much better when more is more.

Outerwear Meets Lounge

All the outerwear we loved from last fall, like puffer vests and furry coats, can seamlessly become trendy pieces for this season. You won’t believe the power that one functional detail can add to a garment. Creating a belted coat is as simple as using the scrap fabric from that garment or contrasting fabric to create a tie. This tie transforms a coat into a robe for an update that any level of sewest can tackle.

Highlight Your Workwear

Suiting was once very boring, but now things have changed. It was last year that suiting sets received a new counterpart–Cue the suit coat, and the fit was all about a polished and tailored finish. For 2022, it’s time to have a lot of fun with those suit sets. Suiting full of color is one way to spice up last year’s suiting. Incorporate neon color by adding a lining, a pocket, sleeve cuffs, etc.

Mindful designs make your money go further while keeping your fashion cred A-1. Don’t miss out on opportunities to give dated styles a new life, especially since small changes often make a huge impact. There’s a major focus on bright colors and memorable designs, so keep that in mind while designing. 

Which piece from last fall will you upcycle to give it new life this year? Leave a comment below.