Icons who show us that fashion isn't about 'New', it's about style

Even if you're not someone who overthinks their wardrobe choices, reaching for those bold, statement pieces a second, third, or even fourth time can come with some hesitation—after all, people have already seen you in them. But beyond the fear of being "too seen," there's a growing movement that encourages re-wearing as a step towards sustainable fashion. A special outfit doesn’t lose its charm after just one wear, and with plenty of inspiration out there, it’s time to hop on the repeat-wear train! Here's the list of actors who re-wear their ensembles and do their bit for the environment.

When Alia Bhatt married Ranbir Kapoor, she radiated elegance in a minimalist ivory organza sari, hand-dyed and adorned with intricate tilla embroidery, paired with an embroidered handwoven tissue veil from the renowned house of Sabyasachi.

The actor later chose to wear this stunning ensemble again when she graced the stage at New Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan to receive her first-ever National Award for her acclaimed performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's masterpiece, 'Gangubai Kathiawadi'.

Five years into her flourishing career, the actor graced the 2012 Vogue Beauty Awards in a strapless Dolce & Gabbana creation, featuring a ruched black bodice and a sleek, figure-hugging golden skirt adorned with shimmering gold details. Fast forward five years, Deepika brought the look back to life, wearing it again for the Vanity Fair Oscars party.

From 2002 to 2024, Halle Berry’s charm has been seemingly untouched by her long-reigning career. Elie Saab marked the launch of its 1,001st collection with a dazzling fashion event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. An occasion of such grandeur naturally called for a remarkable outfit, and Halle delivered perfectly. She chose to wear a stunning garnet-hued Elie Saab gown, featuring a sheer mesh bodice with intricate floral embroidery flowing into a draped taffeta skirt—the same iconic dress she debuted at the Oscars in 2002.

The fast fashion industry's constant push for novelty makes us think that new is always superior. With clothes frequently tossed out after only a handful of wears, the environmental toll is immense. By opting to wear outfits multiple times, you're not just resisting this wasteful cycle—you're adopting a more sustainable approach to dressing. Each time you re-wear an item, you lessen your carbon footprint and contribute to combating the 92 million tons of textile waste generated every year.

H&M's Garment Collecting programme is the world's biggest of its kind. It was rolled out globally in 2013 where you can take your old clothes and earn exciting offers. Having said that, the brand has been criticised for its use of fabrics that are not recyclable.

As part of its social and environmental commitment, Zara helps you extend the useful life of your garments. To this end, the brand has developed a used clothing collection program in collaboration with local NGOs. It is unclear whether this facility has been extended to India.