Eco-customisation - make your old wardrobe work harder!

Fashion & Style

Fancy updating your wardrobe but can't afford to splash the cash on the latest trends? Eco customisation may be for you, Busy Girl...

Customising old clothes is a great way to save money and create unique pieces that will guarantee your look stands out from the crowd. And by opting for recycled fashion instead of manufactured garments, Busy Girls can reduce their carbon footprint and do their bit to save the planet.

Check out these tips from a recycled fashion show created in association with Passion for the Planet Radio at this year's Croydon Fashion Festival, to add a funky and ethical edge to your wardrobe:

1. Red wine on your favourite dress? Dye it a new colour and add some stylish trim such as lace or bows to instantly give it new life.

2. Denim! There are so many things to do with old jeans. The models at Wear Not Waste wore cut-off denim hotpants and carried recycled denim handbags. These are easy to make, will go with everything, won't get dirty and you don't need to bother stitching a pocket on as it's already there!

3. Fancy a new skirt? Grab some old curtains in a retro pattern, measure, snip, sew and voila! If you're feeling more adventurous, why not combine a few patterns for a patchwork look?

4. Re-invent your own take on the nautical look by tying red, white and blue neckscarves together to form a dress or a top. This sailor chic style looks stunning done properly, just make sure the knots are tight enough or it could be a man overboard situation!

5. Recycle old tablecloths by turning them into a vintage skirt! Mix n' match retro-print cloths in different designs and add a drawstring for easy sizing.

Finally...  Dresses made entirely out of CDs, binbags, the Financial Times and recyclable shopping bags respectively opened the Croydon Fashion Festival. These eye-catching numbers will guarantee to turn heads, but are not the most practical or weather resistant! However if you are feeling brave and creative, let your imagination make a green fashion statement.