Now every girl out there loves a good staple that can be worn time and time again. Right? We are all looking for those versatile clothing pieces that can be dressed up or down and worn every which way without getting old.

But finding those versatile clothing pieces can be easier said than done.

And of course--We all have that one dress that can only be worn ONE way. And it's perfect that one way. Or coats--Coats can't really be all that versatile. Their sole purpose is functionality, not really versatility.

Which is why, for the rest of our wardrobes, it is SO important to build up those versatile clothing pieces--To find garments that will work many different ways.

I could go on and on about WHY it is so important to build up a versatile wardrobe. But for now, I'll settle with 3 reasons:

1. The Environment: In a post earlier this year, I wrote about WHY it is so important to recycle your used clothing. Fashion production on this planet is so incredibly wasteful.. The amount of clothing that a typical individual throws away in a year is absolutely insane. Being consciously aware and buying more functional, versatile clothing pieces could cut down on that waste dramatically.
2. A Clutter Free Closet: We have all had that moment. You are looking through your closet, trying to find something to wear in the morning, and inevitably scream "I have NOTHING to wear!" One: Dramatic. Two: Not true. Three: IMHO, it's better to have fewer (but BETTER) choices in your closet--It helps to avoid that feeling of overwhelm. And I think we could all use a little less overwhelm in our lives at the moment.
3. Your Wallet: Because if you are buying versatile clothing pieces that can be worn time and time again.. You will buy less clothing. Therefore saving you more money. Put that money towards something useful--Like your student loans. (HA!)

(Dany DIY sewing project kits are coming so soon! While our DIY kits include everything needed to make a Dany sheath or matching two piece, you will still need a few basic tools in your sewing kit. Start building up that sewing kit now with our complete guide!)

So, some pretty good reasons to build up a versatile wardrobe. Am I right? It all goes hand in hand. I have been really focusing on building up my own versatile clothing pieces in the last 2-3 years, and have noticed the difference in my closet.

Rather than just saving up a bunch of money to blow shopping at the mall, I save it and make a conscious effort to buy less (but better) from small, sustainable fashion designers.

You guys have actually seen me wear a few pieces (see here & here & here) from my fav sustainable designer at the moment:

She is doing everything that the fashion industry SHOULD be doing: Using organic materials and ONLY making pieces that have actually been ordered. (And she just so happens to have released her brand new S/S19 line last week--Check it out!)

But perhaps my FAV way of building up those versatile clothing pieces is, of course, through sewing.

Because if you can't find it, just make it, right? It's the beauty of being a pattern maker & a seamstress. You can make a piece as versatile as you can imagine. Literally.

Because the deeper a connection that you have to a piece of clothing, the less likely you are going to toss it. (Or, more than likely, the longer you will hold on to it.) And what better way to develop a deep connection with a piece of clothing than to make it yourself?

(Dany DIY sewing project kits are coming so soon! While our DIY kits include everything needed to make a Dany sheath or matching two piece, you will still need a few basic tools in your sewing kit. Start building up that sewing kit now with our complete guide!)

How to build up your versatile clothing pieces with the Dany

Which bring us to the Dany--Our very first sewing pattern that we are developing for sale! I am getting so, SO close to launching the sewing pattern & the DIY kits to go with it. (Literally sent all of the files for the sewing pattern to my printer this morning!)

The Dany sewing pattern is the definition of versatile: You can make three completely different garments from a single sewing pattern. And those pieces include:

1. The Dany Sheath: A loose fitting sheath dress with giant front inseam pockets. It can be sewn with or without sleeves (I love the sleeveless version) and in two different hem lengths. I love this dress because it can be worn all on it's own, but would also be super cute with a turtleneck or a long sleeve underneath too! Or even a short sleeve tee--Say hello to the 90's.
2. The Dany Crop Top: A loose fitting crop top with a round neckline, that crops right at the waistline. Like the dress, the crop top can be sewn with or without sleeves. And if going the sleeveless route, short or long sleeves could be worn underneath just like with the dress.
3. The Dany Skirt: A fitted high waisted skirt that pairs perfectly with the Dany Crop Top! I designed the two to go together, but they can also definitely be worn on their own. And those pockets--Game changers when it comes to a skirt.

With this post, I wanted to show you guys how the three versions of the Dany can be worn. And how they really can help to build up your versatile clothing pieces!

Because most of the time, when I post about the Dany, the styles are all on their own. Whether it's just the Dany Sheath, or the matching two piece outfit. But there truly is SO much more you can do with this sewing pattern and the finished pieces.

(Dany DIY sewing project kits are coming so soon! While our DIY kits include everything needed to make a Dany sheath or matching two piece, you will still need a few basic tools in your sewing kit. Start building up that sewing kit now with our complete guide!)

5 Ways to style the Dany: Style #1

As I mentioned above, this is one of my favorite ways to style The Dany Sheath--With a tee underneath! (And not just any tee--My fav Stella Mock Neck Top from Vesta.)

Because it's summer right now, I decided to go with a short sleeve tee. But I have 100% worn the Dany with a turtleneck underneath and some tights in the "winter". And both options look super cute, for different reasons and different occasions. #versatile

5 Ways to style the Dany: Style #2

With the weather warming up, this has been one of my go-to outfits: The Dany Crop Top paired with a full, voluminous high waisted skirt.

And while I'm still pairing the top with a skirt--The look is completely different from that of the matching two piece. I will always, always love the look of a boxy crop top and a fitted waist. So flattering! And you guessed it: #versatile

(Dany DIY sewing project kits are coming so soon! While our DIY kits include everything needed to make a Dany sheath or matching two piece, you will still need a few basic tools in your sewing kit. Start building up that sewing kit now with our complete guide!)

5 Ways to style the Dany: Style #3

Not feeling like exposing that sweet little midriff of yours? No worries girl.

I also love to pair the Dany Crop Top with a tank underneath--It gives me the security of protecting my belly, all while feeling less exposed. (I actually utilize this style quite often--I'm always a bit self conscious about exposing some skin.)

You could pair the top with pants, shorts, whatever really! #versatile

5 Ways to style the Dany: Style #4

As I mentioned above, the Dany Skirt doesn't HAVE to be paired with the matching crop top. It also looks perfectly cute with other tops--Like here with my Leda Wrap Top from Vesta!

What I love most about this skirt are those giant front pockets. You could take this little beauty out on the town and never need to carry a purse. Those pockets will fit your iPhone, a wallet, keys--Everything you need! (I've even fit a small book in them once.) #versatile

(Dany DIY sewing project kits are coming so soon! While our DIY kits include everything needed to make a Dany sheath or matching two piece, you will still need a few basic tools in your sewing kit. Start building up that sewing kit now with our complete guide!)

5 Ways to style the Dany: Style #5

And lastly, I don't think I have ever actually shown you guys a finished Dany Sheath with sleeves--So here it is!

I feel like this version of the dress is so completely different from the sleeveless version. It's funny how something so small (like a short sleeve!) can make such a dramatic difference.

Wear this beauty all by herself, or warm her up with some tights & a cute thin belt. #versatile

Ready to start building up your versatile clothing pieces?

So! Convinced to start making the shift to building a more versatile, sustainable wardrobe? While it can't be done overnight, it CAN be done.

An easy first step to take would be to start becoming conscious of HOW much you are buying, and WHO you are buying it from. Because it does make a huge difference! (Even though it really may not seem like it.)

And of course..

Not only will you be learning an important, valuable skill when it comes to sewing, but you will also be consciously building a connection to the clothing you wear.

And as I mentioned above--The deeper a connection that you have to a piece of clothing, the longer you are likely to hold on to it.

Because that's the goal, right? To build a closet filled with versatile clothing pieces that we can wear and love for years and years to come. Stay tuned friends, sewing patterns & DIY kits for the Dany are on their way!

(Dany DIY sewing project kits are coming so soon! While our DIY kits include everything needed to make a Dany sheath or matching two piece, you will still need a few basic tools in your sewing kit. Start building up that sewing kit now with our complete guide!)