Outfit Repeater at Heart: How to Style One Dress in So Many Ways!

Aalia Mauro

October 2, 2024

You know that feeling when you just adore a piece of clothing? That’s me with my favorite dresses! From the moment they arrive in my closet, I treat them like the treasures they are. Today, I’m excited to share one of my beloved pieces from my capsule collection that I’ve been rocking all year: a minimalist kimono-style shirt midi dress.

This kimono style midi-dress has seriously been my go-to! It features a round neck, cute brass buttons on the sleeves, and a hidden front placket. The oversized fit makes it a fabulous summer statement piece, and guess what? It transitions beautifully into fall when layered up. With a detachable belt and made from GOTS certified organic cotton, it’s as stylish as it is sustainable. Plus, it comes in eco-friendly packaging that’s perfect for repurposing!

Who doesn’t want to look effortlessly chic in one simple outfit? That’s why a shirt dress is a must-have in my wardrobe. It makes getting dressed a breeze and saves me from those morning battles with my closet! When I was curating my sustainable fashion collection last year, this shirt dress was my very first pick.

Now, I love getting creative with how I style it. Even though I usually lean towards black and white, this dress gave me some fun outfit ideas!

So, whether you’re looking to dress it up or keep it casual, I hope these ideas inspire you to rewear your own shirt dresses in fresh, fun ways! Happy styling!

Outfit #1: Unbuttoned Layering!

Looking for a laid-back yet stylish option for weekend brunch? One of my favorite ways to rock a shirt dress is by wearing it unbuttoned as a light jacket. Initially, I thought it was just a last-minute fix, but now it’s my go-to!

For this look, I’ve paired my trusty 90s Levi’s jeans. If the weather gets a little chilly, I can easily slip on some thermal tights and a cozy scarf. And as we dream of sunny days ahead, I can’t wait to swap in tank tops, loose fits, or even shorts! Remember, this unbuttoned style isn’t just for midi dresses—both long and short styles work beautifully! Play around and have fun with it!

Accessories:

Handbag: I’m love this mini baguette bag made from leftover luxury leathers. The stylish metal buckle adds flair, and it’s the perfect size for my brunch essentials—think phone and favorite lip gloss!

Shoes: Classic sneakers are my everyday go-to! They’re versatile, comfy, and made from recycled materials. Plus, they come in adorable packaging made from 100% post-consumer waste paper—great for storage or display!

Outfit #2: Office or On-the-Go!

For busy moms and those on the move, this look can be thrown together in under 10 minutes! Keep it simple—just wear the dress as is and let it shine. Need a polished touch for work? Toss on a blazer!

Accessories:

Built-in Belt: This little gem accentuates your waist perfectly!

Jewelry: I believe in investing in quality and sustainable pieces. I’m wearing a stunning herringbone necklace and comfy sneakers made from recycled materials.

Tote Bag: This tote is spacious enough for all your office essentials and sturdy enough to stand on its own. It’s a breeze to open and close—perfect for busy days!

Blazer: This minimalistic blazer has a slightly boxy silhouette and no closures for that relaxed vibe. The open sleeve vents add a fun detail, and it comes in eco-friendly packaging too!

Outfit #3: Date Night Delight!

There’s something magical about pairing a dress with a leather jacket. It’s one of my favorite styles! Layer your shirt dress with a leather jacket and choose knee-length or ankle boots for a chic evening look.

Accessories:

Leather Jacket: This timeless piece is crafted from supple leather leftovers, designed to last for generations. Each jacket is unique, just like you! Size down for that perfect tailored fit.

Boots: Say hello to the Tatreez Ankle Boot! With gorgeous tatreez embroidery, these boots are perfect for any occasion and support Fair Trade practices. Every purchase helps empower women in Palestine—how amazing is that?

Outfit #4: Effortless Weekend Style!

For those busy weekends, I’ve got you covered with a look that comes together in a flash! Layering your shirt dress with a denim jacket or cozy cardigan transforms the dress from polished to casual. No need for a belt when you have a cropped jacket to create that lovely waistline! Just add your favorite slip-ons or flats, and you’re all set!

Accessories:

Denim Jacket: This beauty features long sleeves, buttoned cuffs, and wide shoulders, giving it a relaxed yet stylish vibe. With a front button placket and front patched pockets with flaps, it’s both practical and chic. The inverted pleat details on top of the sleeves and crossing pleat details at the back add a unique touch. Plus, the cuffs rest slightly above the wrist for that perfect fit!

Color Options: The Celeste color is made from leftover fabrics, while the Sky color is designed from recycled plastic bottles. The denim blends 98% organic cotton and 2% elastane for the Celeste color, and 80% organic cotton with 18% REPREVE polyester (from recycled plastic bottles) and 2% elastane for the Sky color.
Sustainability: Both options use OEKO-TEX® certified fabric and dye, and the jacket is produced in Mauritius.

Footwear: The Tatreez Flat is the perfect shoe for any occasion—whether you’re at work, running errands, or enjoying a social event. With its stunning traditional tatreez embroidery, this shoe connects you with Palestinian culture. Plus, it’s 100% handcrafted in Palestine by women artisans who have historically faced economic marginalization. When you purchase, you’re not just buying a fashion item; you’re making a meaningful statement.

I hope these outfit ideas inspire you to get creative with your own shirt dresses! Happy styling, and remember: sustainable fashion is about having fun and expressing your unique style! 💚

Gone are the days when “eco-friendly” meant compromising on design or quality. Today, sustainable swimwear brands offer many fashionable options made from recycled materials like plastic bottles, fishing nets, and even ocean waste. Not only are these pieces stylish, but they also help reduce waste and promote a cleaner environment.

By choosing sustainable swimwear, you can positively impact the planet without sacrificing your style. Supporting brands that align with your values and prioritize ethical manufacturing practices is a small step that can make a big difference in reducing the fashion industry’s carbon footprint.

The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion Swimwear

Fast fashion swimwear has become popular for many due to its affordability and trendy designs. However, the environmental impact of this industry is staggering. Fast fashion swimwear contributes to pollution, waste, and exploitation from the production process to the end of the garment’s life.

The production of fast fashion swimwear involves the intensive use of water, energy, and chemicals. The textile industry is known for its high water consumption and the release of harmful chemicals into water bodies. Additionally, producing virgin synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester, commonly used in swimwear, requires the extraction of non-renewable resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, fast fashion swimwear is often made with cheap labor and unethical manufacturing practices. Workers in garment factories are subjected to long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. Child labor is also prevalent in some regions, highlighting the industry’s dark side.

Benefits of Choosing Sustainable Swimwear

Choosing sustainable swimwear comes with a host of benefits that go beyond just being environmentally friendly. Let’s explore some of the advantages of opting for eco-friendly swimwear:

Reducing waste and pollution: Sustainable swimwear is often made from recycled materials, reducing the demand for virgin resources and diverting waste from landfills. Choosing these options will help reduce pollution and support a circular economy.
High-quality and durable: Sustainable swimwear brands focus on quality and durability. These pieces are designed to last, ensuring you get the most out of your investment. They can withstand multiple seasons and maintain their shape and color with proper care.
Comfort and fit: Sustainable swimwear is designed with both style and functionality in mind. These brands prioritize comfort and fit, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable in your swimsuit.
Support for ethical practices: By choosing sustainable swimwear, you support brands prioritizing fair wages, safe working conditions, and transparent supply chains. You contribute to the creation of a more ethical and responsible fashion industry.

What Should You Look For When Shopping for Sustainable Bathing Suits?

It has been almost impossible to find sustainable swimsuits made without synthetic fiber (if you are unfamiliar, these fibers are petrochemical-based and do not biodegrade like natural fibers). Microplastics are still an issue in ethical swimwear, but brands are working to ensure they do not use virgin synthetics. Instead, these brands are taking post-consumer waste like plastic bottles and fishing nets and creating new performance fabrics that work just as well as any other bathing suit you find.

Discover Bold Swim’s Top Picks on Verte Mode

Confronted with the limitations of sizing options in mainstream swimwear, Tiffany recognized an opportunity to bridge the gap. Thus, BOLD Swim was born. This inclusive and sustainable swimwear brand offers a luxurious experience while championing eco-friendliness and inclusivity.

At the heart of BOLD Swim lies a commitment to sustainability. Utilizing innovative materials such as Amni Soul Eco®, a polyamide yarn renowned for its enhanced biodegradability, BOLD Swim minimizes its environmental footprint. This conscious choice not only reduces waste but also leaves a positive legacy for future generations.

With BOLD Swim, Tiffany Asamoah has not only created a solution to a common dilemma but has also sparked a movement towards a more inclusive, sustainable future in swimwear fashion.

Here are our curated selections from Bold Swim’s swimwear collection, now available on Verte Mode, the premier destination for sustainable and ethical fashion:

Every brand on Verte Mode is evaluated for various criteria of sustainability from sourcing, materials, fair pay to packaging. A one stop place where you can find find everything you need to a sustainable lifestyle.