As sustainability continues to gain traction worldwide, many of us are rediscovering the joy of repurposing and reusing old items. Sarees, in particular, hold a special place in our hearts, evoking memories of family gatherings and cultural heritage. Yet, they often languish in closets, collecting dust rather than being cherished. But what if we told you that these treasured garments can be transformed into entirely new creations?
In this article, we’ll explore the many creative ways to breathe new life into old sarees, from upcycled decor pieces to stylish outfits. Not only will you find a fresh purpose for your beloved sarees, but you’ll also reduce waste and preserve cherished memories. So, join us on this journey of creative reuse and discover the magic that awaits when old meets new.
How to Make New Outfits from Old Sarees?
When it comes to giving your old sarees a second life, the possibilities are truly endless. Not only can you breathe new life into them as part of a fresh outfit, but also transform them into one-of-a-kind home decor pieces or accessories that reflect your unique style. To ensure your upcycled creations make a statement, focus on selecting designs and patterns that will shine in their new form and showcase your personal flair.
Tips To Remember
When it comes to repurposing old sarees for a DIY project, it’s crucial to start with a solid foundation – ensuring that the sarees themselves are in top condition. This means avoiding wear and tear by handling them with care and only using those that can withstand the rigors of transformation. For delicate or sentimental pieces, consider repurposing them into blouses, tops, or other garments rather than risking damage during the DIY process.
It’s essential to have a clear understanding and buy-in from yourself or your loved ones about the sarees’ new purpose, as they may hold cherished memories. Ultimately, the key to a successful DIY project is having fun while creating something unique and exciting – so don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ideas!
11 – Redesign Your Old Saree
Revamping your old sarees is an excellent way to add a fresh twist without breaking the bank. One effective approach is to update the design and style, as fashion trends in sarees can quickly become outdated, prompting frequent purchases to stay on-trend. A timeless rule of thumb is to prioritize classic designs that never go out of style, ensuring your saree remains a staple for years to come.
For those pieces that don’t quite fit the bill, consider adding a unique lace or border pattern to breathe new life into the garment. This subtle touch can instantly elevate the overall look. Another simple yet impactful way to revamp an old saree is by modifying its blouse companion. Try swapping to a sleeveless, halter neck, or elbow-length design, choosing the style that harmonizes best with the saree and amplifies the overall ensemble. By doing so, you can completely transform the outfit.
10 – Turn Floral Sarees Into Dresses
Transforming floral sarees into standalone dresses, perfect for pairing with pants or tights, is a fantastic way to upcycle your existing wardrobe. To achieve the desired fit, you may want to enlist the help of a professional tailor. Alternatively, if Eastern-inspired attire is more your style, consider converting the saree into an A-line shirt or dress, and then pair it with pants and a dupatta for a chic, modern look that blends classic and contemporary elements.
9 – Turn Your Old Sarees Into Fancy Cushion Covers
Transforming vintage sarees into stunning cushion covers is an innovative DIY project that can elevate your home decor game. This creative endeavor is particularly well-suited for special occasions and festive celebrations, as it allows you to incorporate vibrant, richly textured pieces into your seasonal decor.
The intricate gold detailing on these sarees makes them a top choice for crafting unique cushion covers that are perfect for grand events, adding an extra layer of sophistication and glamour to your home.
8 – Turn Your Mom’s Old Saree Into A Kaftan Style Kurti
Kaftans are indeed an enduring fashion staple, and what better way to breathe new life into your mother’s vintage chiffon sarees than to transform them into elegant kaftan-style dresses or kurtis? When the sun shines bright and warm, a flowy kaftan is an absolute must-have in your wardrobe. Chiffon sarees, with their lightweight and airy textures, are ideal for crafting timeless summer/spring pieces that exude effortless style.
For a beach-inspired look, opt for sarees featuring soft pastel hues or subtle prints in shades of blue and green to perfectly capture the carefree essence of a seaside holiday. Alternatively, if you’re looking to create a statement-making kaftan-style kurti, seek out vibrant prints and designs in bold colors that can be beautifully customized with intricate sequined necklines and paired with cigarette pants for a chic, casual, indo-western ensemble.
The versatility of chiffon sarees also allows you to craft stunning kaftans featuring beautiful bandhani prints, complete with elegant gota-patti detailing at the front – perfect for making a stylish statement.
7 – DIY Sarees Into Table Runners
Imagine scouring through stores or online marketplaces with your mom, searching for the perfect table runner only to discover that they burn a hole in your pocket. Table runners are undoubtedly a stunning addition to any living space, but it’s not necessary to break the bank when you already have beautiful fabrics at home. Think about repurposing your old sarees into elegant table runners that can elevate your decor for special occasions or everyday gatherings.
By doing so, you can incorporate vibrant colors and intricate gold thread work that harmonizes with your home’s interior design and complements the overall aesthetic you’re aiming to achieve. Moreover, you can also transform these sarees into placemats perfect for supporting vases, decorative centerpieces, or other table accents during grand events.
6 – Palazzo Pants
One creative way to breathe new life into old sarees is by transforming them into palazzo pants. The possibilities are endless, and you can put your own spin on this trendy style by repurposing family heirlooms or vintage finds. From elegant simplicity to grand statements, the right fabric choice can elevate your look from casual chic to show-stopping.
For instance, a lightweight palazzo paired with a short Kurti or a basic top creates a relaxed everyday ensemble, while a heavily embellished pair is perfect for making a statement at special occasions.
5 – Customised Potali Bags
Potali bags have gained immense popularity globally for their versatility and ability to complement festive and ethnic wear. However, they can be hard to find outside of India. This inspired us to explore the idea of upcycling old sarees into unique potali bags. The concept is straightforward: choose a saree fabric that harmonizes with your outfit’s color and pattern, and you’ll have a one-of-a-kind accessory.
The possibilities are endless – transform the classic design into an envelope-style handbag perfect for carrying daily essentials or create elegant, custom-made bags to match all your traditional outfits. This innovative approach not only reduces decision fatigue but also gives new life to discarded sarees.
4 – Turn Old Sarees Into Anarkalis, Angrakhas & Long Kurtas
Transform old sarees into stylish new pieces by having them tailored into long Anarkalis or kurtas. This versatile approach allows you to breathe new life into classic designs that can be repurposed for various occasions. For instance, a sleeveless collared Anarkali can be created using sarees with intricate gold threadwork, adding a touch of glamour to the outfit. When paired with a potali bag and statement earrings, it makes for a stunning pre-wedding guest look.
Similarly, old sarees with brocade work can be refashioned into long straight kurtas that exude grandeur and sophistication. These classic pieces are perfect for special events and have even been spotted on celebrities. The versatility of these kurtas allows them to be paired with cigarette pants or plain satin skirts, creating a chic and elegant ensemble.
It’s also inspiring to see the creative ways in which individuals can transform their sarees into multiple outfits, such as the diva who turned her saree into two kurtas, or the beauty who transformed her saree into an Anarkali dress with a silk dupatta. And then there’s the individual who changed a Banarasi saree into an Angrakha dress – the possibilities are endless and truly amazing.
3 – Turn Your Sarees Into Dupattas
Why settle for a pricey dupatta when you can create a stunning one on a budget by repurposing old sarees? A luxurious zari dupatta paired with an elegant Anarkali or kurta is truly breathtaking. By upcycling a saree with exquisite zari work and matching it with a simple raw jut silk kurta, you can achieve a high-end look without breaking the bank. The best part is that this versatile dupatta can be effortlessly mixed and matched with various outfits, offering exceptional value for money.
If you’re a dupatta enthusiast, you won’t want to miss these must-have styles for the year.
2 – Revamp Old Sarees Into Skirts/Lehengas
Transforming vintage sarees into stunning lehengas or skirts is an effortless way to breathe new life into your wardrobe. Take, for instance, the ones adorned with intricate beadwork – they can be effortlessly converted into show-stopping outfits perfect for weddings and grand celebrations. The unique fusion of Indian and Western styles, like pairing a brocade saree skirt with a crisp white shirt and chunky necklace, is sure to turn heads.
Alternatively, you can opt for a traditional lehenga crafted from the same saree, complemented by a matching blouse for an opulent look ideal for festivals and special occasions.
This clever upcycling of vintage sarees has inspired many, including this blogger who took her mother-in-law’s old saree and turned it into a chic blouse and lehenga ensemble, elevating the look with a statement peplum jacket. The versatility of sarees in creating versatile outfits is truly remarkable.
1 – Lamp Shades
While it may seem unconventional at first glance, repurposing old sarees into lampshades is an innovative way to breathe new life into vintage textiles. The intricate work and detailed patterns found in sarees are undoubtedly treasured possessions for generations to come. However, there’s a clever solution to preserve their beauty while also adding a touch of uniqueness to your home decor. By upcycling old sarees into lampshades, you can create a stunning piece that reflects your personal style.
For those who adore bohemian aesthetics, this DIY project is an opportunity to infuse a splash of color and pattern onto a plain lamp. The end result is a one-of-a-kind, budget-friendly home decor item that’s sure to spark conversations.
Q. How can we redesign old sarees?
Redesigning old sarees can be a fantastic way to give them a fresh new look. One approach is to incorporate a unique lace or border pattern, which we’ve explored in previous suggestions. Alternatively, consider dyeing a white saree into a new color, effectively transforming it into a completely different garment.
Q. How to reuse old georgette and chiffoon sarees?
Transforming georgette and chiffon fabrics into dresses is a great way to showcase their elegance. When paired with a charming floral print saree, the result is particularly stunning. The versatility of these fabrics also makes them ideal for creating adorable dresses for children, offering endless possibilities for creative expression.
