Convertible Clothing

The average mortal's closet is divided into two parts: There are the clothes you never wear, and then there are the two or three items that you wear. And wear. And wear.

Sure, you wash them - you're not that lazy! - but that still doesn't make recycling the same outfits day after day okay...unless you have a garment that's so versatile, you could wear it five times in a row without anyone catching on.

You can try something new every time you put it on.

That’s the brilliance behind the soft, flowing, one-size-fits-all dresses made by Butter by Nadia, which are sold online and at a variety of boutiques in South Carolina and New York.

There are literally dozens of ways to wear each cotton-and-lycra frock. For instance, the V-neck dress you put on in the morning can be made into any number of halter-top or strapless dresses when it’s time for cocktails. It can even turn into a skirt or a shirt. "You can wear them in the simplest way, or you can try something new every time you put it on," says Nadia Tarr, the creator of the line. "People are always showing me new ways to wear them that I never even thought of."

At American Apparel stores around the country, one of the best-selling items is the sheer jersey scarf - a simple sheath of solid-color cotton that can be wrapped and tied to make myriad tops, scarves, skirts, shawls, and even hats. Online videos offer guidance for those looking to experiment with the origami-like art of scarf folding. Next, all you need is help explaining to your friends how you pack so many fabulous outfits into one tiny closet.

Posted on January 02, 2006