Top 10 Upcycling Fashion Ideas
Upcycling fashion isn't just good for sustainability, it also reinvigorates garments with new energy that electrifies your wardrobe. I love reinventing old clothes to create new looks because it allows me to be even more creative. I can get stuck in a rut regarding my tried and true fashion style and I push myself to get out of it. Designing upcycled clothing is the cure for that particular issue.
Crochet is a versatile addition to clothing, which is why it's been so fulfilling creating my Dream Duos that merge clothing, fabric, and denim with crochet for an inspirational experience. Sometimes it's a complete overhaul of the design and other times it's something more understated. Figuring out what an item needs is the fun part for me.
Here are my top 10 upcycling fashion ideas!
Denim Maxi Skirt
This Dream Duos maxi skirt was an adventurous endeavor that turned out even better than I expected. I took an old pair of jeans and reworked it into a crocheted skirt by adding front and back panels for a more original look.
Strapless Crochet Top
I had some leftover denim cuffs from a previous project, and since I don't like being wasteful, I made them into a strapless crochet top. I added an exposed zipper down the middle and used an open crochet detailing along the bottom for a romantic look. It's reversible too!
High-Waisted Shorts
Sometimes, an upcycled look is more subtle and yet it's no less effective. That's how I feel about these Dream Duos high-waisted shorts. I added blue and white crochet at the bottom that's perfect for a cool summer look.
Gingham Dress
Anything is possible with fabric. I used this gingham patterned fabric for this Dream Duos look by stitching it with a strapped gingham-inspired top for an eye-catching dress. It's like an optical illusion!
Corset Dress
This denim corset dress is one of my favorite looks. I upcycled a denim corset and made it into a dress by adding yarn at the bottom with subdued colors It feels modern and classic at the same time. Sometimes an unconventional idea just really comes together.
Tie-Dye Tops and Skirts
This tie-dye shirt was already very bold, but I didn't shy away from upcycling it. I created three pieces with it, a halter top with crocheted lining and straps, a butterfly-sleeved top, and a skirt with layered crochet. This reminds me that you can make more with less.
Denim Halter Top
After I upcycled a denim jacket, I used the pieces left over for this halter top with crochet detailing. The blues create this deep, tonal effect and it's quite polished and versatile with a number of other garments.
Hippie T-Shirt
Sometimes, I just like being groovy and that's what this Dream Duos top exclaims. I upcycled a graphic tee and added crocheted colorful wide sleeves for a fun effect that's all about the hippie vibes.
Distressed Denim
This denim transformation was yet another adventurous risk that worked out well. I used a pair of distressed jeans and added a crochet band along the top, making them high-waisted. It's made with an elastic crocheted waistband and they're incredibly comfortable as well.
Denim Romper Shorts
Rompers are already so much fun conceptually, so why not turn up the volume on them? I took this distressed denim romper and added red crocheted detailing at the hem of the shorts and matching crochet along the top pocket for a subtle yet significant effect. A little goes a long way.