Convertible Clothing: 6 Eco-Friendly Fashion Finds for the Budget-Conscious

The Convertible Dress by Cat Biggar. Photo: Couture Cat Design Studio.

Versatile en-vogue? You better believe it. In a time when eco-friendly and budget-conscious consumers rule the market, designers have begun to see the creative value in convertible clothing, and more and more of them are creating items of fashion with function. Instead of creating a look for you, these designers are passing along their creative genes into the palm of your hand, so to speak. Each piece can be buttoned, twisted, draped, zipped or tied to create the look you have in mind, saving you money and space in your wardrobe.
 

HYLA Reversible Wrap Skirt

This skirt has been the center of Portland designer Sarah Bibb’s line for more than eight years, and with its amazing versatility, it’s easy to see why. With a generous nod to the '50s, this reversible wrap, with coordinating tie closures, offers a classic design with a modern twist. Sarah likes to vary up the patterns, but she typically makes her skirts with a cotton print on one side and a denim fabric on the other to give wearers at least two ways to wear the skirt … with multiple outfit options! Although she’s made versions in the past that range from winter wool to summer seersucker, her skirts are typically 100 percent cotton and are made either in Portland or Los Angeles.

Folly
1005 NW 16th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209-2303
 

Hilargi Motorcycle Jacket/Vest by Skunkfunk

This fuchsia motorcycle style jacket from Skunkfunk has all the ladies at Frock Boutique in northeast Portland going totally gaga. This hip, urban brand comes out of northern Spain; but despite the distance the garments travel, Skunkfunk only uses super-sustainable fabrics for their clothing, and this jacket is no exception. Made from 100 percent polyurethane, the greener cousin of PVC (vinyl) and leather, this animal-friendly jacket is naturally soft and doesn’t require any harsh solvents used to soften PVC or leather. Although this chic coat fronts as a motorcycle jacket, it’s totally a convertible! It comes with a hideaway hood, so you’re always prepared for random rain showers, and both sleeves zip off to transform the warm shell into a breathable vest for when things heat up.

Frock Boutique
1439 NE Alberta Street
Portland, OR 97211
 

The Convertible Dress

When San Francisco designer Cat Biggar needed tuition for her Parisian design degree, she focused her energy on creating an eco-conscious dress even the most frugal fashionista would swoon over. Her design, the convertible dress, is made from the most eco-friendly fabric on the market (Promodal®) and can be worn 50 different ways. From a skirt with pockets to a strapless gown to full-sleeve dress with built-in gloves, this dress is the epitome of functional fashion and gives you the power to design your own look. The naturally soft dress is made in the U.S. and is made to fit sizes 0-12.

Mabel and Zora
748 NW 11th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
 

Choose Your Own Adventure Jacket by POPOMOMO

Inspired by the Russian avant-garde art movement, this convertible classic can be worn several ways. Multiple snaps throughout this hemp/cotton fleece blend jacket allows it to take on new form as the fabric sways upward to create an angled across the shoulder look or a military-inspired look with a flowy twist, and many other looks. POPOMOMO, which stands for post-post-modern movement, is based out of Los Angeles and is dedicated to creating sustainable clothing by only using organic or sustainable fabrics, locally-sourced materials, low impact dyes, low impact washing and printing techniques, and recycled materials for shipping. This wrap jacket makes for a great travel piece, offering less packing and more style.

Radish Underground
414 SW 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
 

The Elin Coat by juleselin organics

Most people refer to this coat simply by her name: Elin. In fact, she’s well known around town for her independent and feisty personality. This coat can be worn six different ways with button closures and a ruffle hood that can be worn as a scarf, a collar and much more. Elin is handmade from organic cotton in San Francisco by juleselin organics, and it comes with a floral graphic lining. The outer side of the jacket comes in black, deep teal and eggplant and has a cozy sweatshirt feel about it, with front pockets nestled on the sides.

EcoVibe Apparel (available in black)
921 NW Everett Street
Portland, Oregon 97209
 

Butter by Nadia

Although Nadia’s line of Butter comes in a plethora of styles, from evening gowns to shirts, the classic Signature, knee-length dress is an easy favorite. It can be worn about 20 different ways, and it comes in jersey and satin—the satin comes with a variegated hemline. Made in the U.S., this dress comes in a variety of colors and its plentiful possibilities make it perfect for traveling. Gown, skirt, backless or cris-crossed, this dress is a great find for the budget-conscious trendsetter.

Zelda’s Shoe Bar
633 NW 23rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97210