One skirt, five ways: I wore the same skirt for a week

“After all, the most sustainable outfit is the one you already have in your closet.”

In today’s social media-fueled world, it’s easy to think that in order to ‘keep up’, you have to continually buy new things. The reality is that we’re never truly satiated. Yesterday’s online purchase arrives in the mail today, and tomorrow you’re ready for something new.

When you’re caught up in the cycle of wanting – which I’m certainly guilty of – it’s easy to fall into a habit of buying things you don’t really need. Before you know it, your house is full of things you never truly loved and you’ve fallen victim to overconsumption.

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When it comes to clothing, I’ve found the key is to shop intentionally for unique pieces that will easily slot into your wardrobe. For me, those pieces have a ’90s vibe that can be styled in a few different ways. If you’re not sure where to start, think of the colours you gravitate towards. I tend to go for burgundy, greys, browns and creams with a few pops of purple or pink here and there.

Also, look at the fit of potential purchases. Is it tight or too baggy? Will it suit what you already own? Could you wear it multiple ways with what’s already in your wardrobe? I’ve found once my closet became more cohesive, I stopped wanting to make impulse purchases. It also makes getting dressed in the morning a bit easier, which is something I’m sure we’re all striving for.

Look to your favourite creators or labels as inspiration. Instead of thinking ‘I need that skirt she’s wearing’, switch to ‘How can I create a similar look with what I already own?’ After all, the most sustainable outfit is the one you already have in your closet. Flex your creative muscles and create something you won’t see on anyone else. It’s fun, I promise!

This week, I decided to test my theory by challenging myself by wearing the same skirt every day. The skirt in question is a vintage Sussan denim number I picked up from Savers a few months ago ( I think it cost me around $10). It can be worn as a mid or low-rise, is stretchy and is the perfect midi length for layering. Talk about versatility!

Monday

Today I was heading to my favourite local cafe to get some writing done, so I went for a cozy and comfortable outfit. I layered a sheer burgundy skirt underneath the denim skirt, then paired them with matching patterned socks. This was also my first day taking my new Dr Martens Mary Janes out for a spin. If you can believe it, I found them (after months of scouring the internet) on Depop for $120.

The vintage Nike jumper I actually stole from my brother’s closet (shh), and I love how big and roomy it is. I then layered the scarf, which is just old Cotton On that I thrifted, for a hint of colour. The bag is a recent Savers find, and I’ve been using it almost every day. The colour seems to go with everything, and I love the buckle details. Apart from the socks (from Uniqlo), this outfit is entirely preloved!

Tuesday

Today I was at Storehouse Thrift, where I work a few days a week. Because it’s such a staple and I wear it so often, (and this might be a slightly controversial take) denim can sometimes feel a little boring. I really enjoy how double denim makes the denim itself more intentional, and therefore the outfit itself more interesting to the eye. Here I layered a little thrifted denim Country Road top over a patterned long sleeve.

I popped on my platform Dr Martens for some height (the taller the better), and my brown leather jacket to keep me nice and toasty on my walk to the train station. I went for a pink tartan (tartan’s having a moment) wool scarf.

For jewellery, I popped on my new Exhibit A necklace I picked up at the Fashion Thrift Society Market a couple of weeks ago. All of Exhibit A’s pieces are made from upcycled jewellery, and no two necklaces or bracelets are the same. I customised mine at the market and added a super cute little fairy charm! Aside from the shoes, this outfit is entirely pre-loved.

Wednesday

If you couldn’t already tell, I love to layer. And in Melbourne winter, the ever-present chill means there aren’t really any other options. Today I opted to layer a vintage petticoat over the denim skirt, creating a little peekaboo moment. I went for my old cherry Dr Martens – they were once my sisters and are very sadly on their last legs. Then, over a baggy graphic T-shirt, I went for a cream quilted jacket and another thrifted Cotton On scarf. What I love about this outfit is that all the pieces are quite different, but they work well together to create something cohesive. It’s also entirely secondhand!

Thursday

Today I had the day off, so was just relaxing before heading to my partner’s house to prepare for her birthday! To go with my denim skirt I chose this orange marbled long sleeve. It’s brighter than I would usually go for, but it’s been enjoying a permanent spot in the long-sleeve top roster. There’s no brand on it, so its origins are a mystery, but it’s super soft and fits me perfectly.

Over the long-sleeve top, I went for a black suede jacket I found at the Salvos almost a year ago. I’ve been too scared to wear it (suede scares me a little because what if it rains?), but I decided that today was the day. To match the few brown tones in the top I added a knitted scarf of my mums, then went out of my comfort zone a little and paired my Dr Martens with black socks. I usually go for a trusty white, but the black felt right with this outfit. Apart from the shoes, this outfit is all pre-loved.

Friday

I headed to my favourite cafe again today to get some writing done and wanted to look cute (obviously) but still comfy. I paired the denim skirt with the same graphic T-shirt I wore on Wednesday, and layered over a red striped long sleeve for warmth. I went for my trusty brown leather jacket and a crocheted scarf I picked up at Vinnies recently. I love the ’90s colours in it! I feel like a good multi-coloured scarf can really pull any outfit together.

My hair was actually behaving itself today so I opted to wear it out, which made the outfit feel a little more casual. Then I went for my platform Dr Martens again. These are absolutely my most worn shoes.

Final thoughts

Now at the end of the week, although I was (in the interest of transparency) looking forward to wearing something that isn’t this skirt, I felt like I could continue creating different outfits with it. As someone who thinks a lot about what I wear, it was refreshing to know each morning what I was going to be building my outfit around, rather than having to decide between multiple items.

I really hope I demonstrated how one piece of clothing can service multiple different looks. The same skirt can look casual, sleek, dressed up or dressed down, depending on how you style it. I also hope I’ve shown how a cohesive wardrobe can make styling yourself each morning that little bit easier.

Next time you find yourself adding to your online cart with reckless abandon, ask yourself if you really need all those new pieces. What can you create with what you already have?

For more on building a cohesive wardrobe, head here.