Today I want to talk about wearing the clothes already in our wardrobes. I had a good root through my wardrobe last weekend as I am beginning to pack away my very light summer clothes such as linens, summer dresses and sleeveless tops. It is taking a while this season as we are enjoying an Indian Summer. It is actually my favourite time of year. The sun is still shining yet there is a coolness to the air in the early mornings and evenings and a touch of nostalgia as the summer fades.
Back to my wardrobe. I came across this pistachio green silk shirt. It used to be one of my favourites yet I don’t seem to have worn it for a while. As we are all trying to buy less and maximise our wardrobes in the name of sustainability I thought I would revive my green shirt. Accessories are always an excellent way to zizz up an old favourite. This silk scarf co-ordinated perfectly with the shirt. Et voila the shirt is back in favour.
The ethnic print scarf I am wearing is from Chicatanyage shop. Black trousers form the Hopefashionuk foundation range. Cream pumps MarksandSpencer.
The shirt is looking a bit transparent in the photo above I think it may be just how the light has caught it. In real life the fabric appears thicker.
The wind definitely caught the shirt in this photo.
I hope that this post has inspired you to have a look in your wardrobe and discover some treasures there that you can reinvent by adding an accessory or two or wearing it in a different way. Do let me know and share your ideas in the comments box.
I think one of the reasons I have not worn this shirt very often is because it takes a bit more effort to wash delicate fabrics such as silk. In fact, if you are careful silk washes well. I tend to wash mine by hand. Always use a delicate hand wash liquid. Test for colourfastness with a wet towel before starting. Then immerse in tepid water. Do not rub just swish round basin. Rinse and then dry flat on a bath towel, definitely away from direct heat or sunlight. A trick I have used in the past
A trick I use for getting grease marks out is to sprinkle a little talcum powder on the stain and after about 10 minutes gently brush it off. This usually absorbs the grease. Disclaimer: Try this at your own risk I can’t guarantee that it will work on all silks. Test on an area that does not show first).
Silk can seem expensive however it is a luxurious fabric, feels wonderful next to the skin and if treated with care should last for many years. I have had some of my silk shirts for over ten years. It is worth investing in a good quality silk as it will hang better.
I found this useful site on how to wash silk if you want further information.
Do let me know in the comments section how you are wearing clothes already in your wardrobe
The photographs were taken by Laura Hines. Follow her on Instagram
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I understand about not wearing some things because they take more care. I sometimes avoid wearing my beautiful cotton and linen shirts because I know I'll have to iron them at some point - the same goes for a lovely blue silk shirt.
I am really trying to not buy new things and use what I have. My two daughters and I swap clothes which is very useful too.
Silk is a lot more robust than we all imagine. I always wash silk in the washing machine. Cold wash and a lower spin cycle, then iron with steam at the hottest temperature. I do this even when washing labels state dry clean only and never had a problem.
I'd love to be able to wear silk but it would have to be indoors here in NZ as the sun's UV rays are ruthless. I have a lovely mango coloured linen dress that has faded on the shoulders as a result of the sun. I use the talc trick on salad dressing drips on clothing, works a treat.
I agree with Sheree . I wash silk in the machine at 30oC with all other clothes and put some white vinegar as a post wash rinse - silk can be damaged by too much alkali as can wool . I iron on the wool setting . I am 66 and wear silk blouses I inherited from my mother !
Yes I agree we should be buying fewer clothes, that is something I intend to adopt. I have started to go through my wardrobe, and looking at my winter clothes, I really do not need to buy any new ones. I have jumpers, trousers, dresses, jackets and winter coats that are perfectly good for another season or two, and I can still fill a charity bag, so that's me sorted, and I'll save money too, perfect for me and the environment too.
You look beautiful in this outfit. Love the mint green and wonderful scarf you paired it with. Several years ago I saw a picture of Kanye West wearing an oxford shirt with “manufactured” fraying/aging along the collar and cuffs. I thought it looked so chic. Keep hoping my shirts will do the same, but golly they are much more durable than I thought hahaha. But I’ll keep wearing, maybe in 10-15 more years I’ll achieve that cool factor too.