In an age where trends shift faster than you can say “disposable fashion,” the idea of investing in timeless style is more relevant than ever. Enter circular fashion, a growing movement that advocates for the reuse, repair and upcycling of clothing, making our wardrobes more sustainable while maintaining their flair.
When it comes to party dresses — those glamorous, statement-making pieces that define celebrations — circular fashion offers a fresh perspective. Instead of buying a new dress for every special occasion, why not embrace a more sustainable way of dressing by rewearing and reworking dresses that already hold the power to dazzle?
This philosophy has taken hold in celebrity circles, where stylists have worked wonders by giving iconic dresses a second life on the red carpet. These moments remind us that true style is not fleeting. It’s timeless.
The Rise of Reworn Glamour
Celebrity stylists have long understood the value of reworking an outfit. It's about making a statement that transcends the negative impact of newly-produced dresses each time one needs to show up looking glamorous. Circular fashion is pushing boundaries in red carpet events, with designers, stylists and celebrities themselves increasingly embracing the idea of rewearing iconic dresses.
Many stars have paid homage to some of the most memorable looks in fashion history, by wearing dresses that were originally made years ago. These moments not only celebrate the legacy of designers but also highlight the timeless nature of great style.
When Celebrities Channel Past Iconic Looks
Here are some unforgettable moments when celebrities wore iconic dresses from the past:
Sabrina Carpenter stunned at the 2024 MTV VMAs in a gown famously worn by Madonna to the Oscars back in 1991, designed by Bob Mackie.
Blake Lively paid homage to Britney Spears at the It Ends With Us premiere. She wore the Versace dress Britney originally wore to the brand's Milan fashion show in 2002.
Sydney Sweeney wore Angelina Jolie's iconic Marc Bouwer dress, which she originally wore in 2004, to the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
Another iconic Bob Mackie dress, famously worn by Marilyn Monroe while singing ‘Happy Birthday Mr President’ graced the red carpet. Kim Kardashian caused a stir online when she arrived at the Met Gala 2022 wearing it, leading Bloomberg to identify this incident as “spotlighting a market that’s set to boom”.
Also on the Met Gala back in 2019, Lily Rose Depp, showed up wearing a black gold-chain dress from Chanel’s spring/summer 1992 collection, originally worn by Christy Turlington on the runway.
In 2022, Dua Lipa attended the Grammy Awards in a bondage-inspired dress from Versace’s autumn/winter 1992 collection.
Zendaya also wore an archival Versace couture dress from spring/summer 2002 at the NAACP Awards in 2023.
The Tom-Ford Gucci era is popular: Bella Hadid arrived at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022 wearing a dress from Autumn/Winter 1996.
These moments remind us that fashion isn’t just about what’s new; sometimes, the most powerful pieces are the ones that have stood the test of time. Whether it’s a bold Tom Ford dress, a vintage Versace number or a historic Chanel creation, fashion continues to evolve while still looking back on the legendary icons that shaped it.
Timeless Style
Some dresses are so timeless that they almost become cultural symbols — forever associated with the people who wore them. Consider Audrey Hepburn's iconic black Givenchy dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Circular fashion is about more than simply rewearing dresses; it's about embracing the idea of creating a wardrobe that is filled with versatile, long-lasting pieces. Celebrities aren’t the only ones benefitting from this shift — everyday fashion lovers can embrace this too.
Top Tips for building your own timeless party dress collection:
Invest in quality: choose dresses that are well-made and timeless in design. Look for fabrics like silk, wool or cotton blends, which have staying power and can be repaired if necessary. Think classic cuts and flattering silhouettes, which make it easier to restyle the dress over time.
Rework Accessories: You can change the entire feel of a dress by swapping accessories. A simple Little Black Dress can look entirely different with a statement velvet bow, necklace or sexy pair of heels.
Shop a curated selection of pre-loved and new but out-of-season party dresses from sample sales and vintage shops at our next Eco Stylish event.
Why Circular Fashion Matters
Circular fashion isn't just good for your wardrobe — it’s good for the planet. By rewearing a party dress, you contribute to a world where fashion doesn’t have to be disposable. Instead, it becomes a celebration of creativity, longevity and individual style.
So, next time you face a special occasion, think twice before purchasing a brand-new party dress. Instead, take inspiration from your favourite celebrity style icons, invest in quality pieces and embrace the magic of circular fashion. Timeless style doesn’t fade — it only gets better with time.
If you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe while embracing sustainability, attending our next Eco Stylish event is a great way to get involved in the circular fashion movement. This event offers a unique opportunity to buy or swap pre-loved party dresses.