The Charm Effect

The Charm Effect: Why Customising Beats Buying New

By Sloane · Re:dressed · Style Tips · Sustainable Style · Self-Expression

There's a version of "new shoes" that means a trip to the mall and a card swipe. And then there's a version that means one tiny charm, three minutes, and a pair you already own looking completely different. The second version costs less than a coffee and is, frankly, the more interesting flex.

The difference isn't the shoe. It's the decision to add to what you have instead of replacing it.

Why customising is the original sustainable habit

Long before "capsule wardrobe" was a hashtag, people were doing this instinctively — patching jeans, swapping buttons, pinning brooches onto old coats. Customising is recycling's more stylish older sibling: it keeps a perfectly good item in rotation by changing how it feels to wear, not what it's made of. My Crocs have survived two summers, a hiking trail, and more pavement than I can count. They're not new. They don't need to be. Every charm on them is just proof of where they've been.

What's actually on there (and why it's not random)

Smiley face. A little heart. A pizza slice. An "M." A rainbow. A tiny red sneaker. A butterfly. A bottle that means something only to me. None of it was bought as a set — it's been collected one charm at a time, traded with friends, picked up secondhand at markets the same way I'd find a good vintage jacket. That's the part that actually matters for a blog about sustainable style: charms are maybe the lowest-barrier entry point there is. You don't need a thrift haul or a sewing machine. You need R20 and something you already own.

Comfort that travels

The second photo isn't a styled moment — it's a paddleboat, an overcast sky, and feet up because that's where they ended up. These aren't "special occasion" shoes. They're the ones that show up whether the day was planned or not, which is its own kind of consistency. Sustainable style doesn't always look like restraint. Sometimes it looks like one pair of shoes following you everywhere and still having something to say.

A new pair asks you to spend. An old one, customised, just asks you to notice it again.

What to Wear Going Out in Cape Town

 What to Wear Going Out in Cape Town: A Night Out Outfit Formula That Always Works

By Sloane · Re:dressed · Night Out Style · Cape Town · Outfit Ideas

There's a specific kind of getting ready that happens when you're going out in Cape Town. It's not rushed — it's considered. The right playlist, the right lighting, the right amount of time spent deciding between two pairs of shoes before grabbing the first ones you put on anyway. And then you step out and somehow everything comes together perfectly.

That's the energy of this photo. A deep red cocktail with an orange slice, chunky black loafers kicked up, denim skirt, a beaded bracelet that catches the light. It wasn't a planned outfit shot — it was just a night out. But that's exactly what I want Re:dressed to capture. Real dressing. Real moments. Real Cape Town.

The Cape Town night out problem

Going out in Cape Town is genuinely a styling challenge because the city does so many different things in one night. You might start with dinner somewhere warm and dim-lit, move to a bar in the city bowl, end up somewhere in Obs or Green Point, and somehow the weather changes three times along the way. You need an outfit that moves with you — comfortable enough to actually enjoy yourself, put together enough to look intentional.

The formula I keep coming back to: one statement shoe, a relaxed bottom, and a top that does the work. Everything else is details.

The chunky loafer as a night out shoe

I know heels are the traditional going-out shoe but hear me out — chunky loafers are genuinely better for a Cape Town night out. You can walk on cobblestones without a second thought. You can stand at a bar for three hours without your feet giving up on you. And they look just as intentional as heels when you style them right. Black patent chunky loafers especially — they catch light, they add edge, and they work with literally everything from a mini skirt to wide leg trousers.

The best part? They're one of the most commonly thrifted shoes in Cape Town. People buy them, wear them once and sell them. I've seen perfect condition chunky loafers on Yaga for R80. That's a night out shoe that cost less than one cocktail.

The denim skirt — underrated night out piece

A denim mini or midi skirt is one of the most versatile going-out pieces you can own. It reads casual enough for a laid-back bar but styled up with the right shoes and a fitted top it works for anywhere in Cape Town. It's also the perfect winter-into-evening piece — throw on an oversized knit or leather jacket on top and you've solved the Cape Town cold snap that hits at 10pm without warning.

Second-hand denim skirts are everywhere — charity shops, Yaga, flea markets. Levi's denim skirts especially pop up regularly and hold their shape beautifully. Worth hunting for.

The full night out formula

Bottom: Denim skirt (mini or midi) or wide leg trousers — comfortable, moves well, looks intentional.

Shoes: Chunky loafers, ankle boots or a low block heel. Anything you can walk in for hours without thinking about it.

Top: A fitted long sleeve, a simple bodysuit or a structured knit. Nothing too fussy — the shoes and bottom are doing the work.

Bag: Small crossbody or a mini bag. You're going out, not moving house. Keep it minimal.

The detail: One piece of jewellery that catches the eye. A beaded bracelet, gold hoops, a layered necklace. Something that makes it feel finished without trying too hard.

On dressing for yourself on a night out

The best going-out outfits I've ever worn were the ones I put together for myself — not for a crowd, not for a photo, not for anyone else's approval. The nights I felt the most confident were the nights I wore exactly what I wanted to wear and nothing else.

Cape Town has a way of rewarding that energy. This city appreciates people who show up as themselves. Dress for the night you want to have, not the one you think you're supposed to have. 🖤

— Sloane xo

Winter Boots in Cape Town

 Winter Boots in Cape Town: How to Style Them and Where to Find Them Second-Hand

By Sloane · Re:dressed · Winter Style · Boots · Cape Town · Sustainable Fashion

Cape Town winter has arrived and if you know, you know. The wind comes off the mountain with absolutely no warning, the morning is freezing, and by noon the sun might come out just to confuse you. Dressing for Cape Town winter is genuinely an art form — and boots are the most important piece you'll reach for.

I took a photo recently that says everything about this season to me. Two pairs of black boots, two pairs of light wash wide leg jeans, standing on a cracked paint floor in the cold. Different boots, same energy. That's Cape Town winter dressing — personal, practical, and always a little cool without trying.

Why boots are the best winter investment

A good pair of boots does what no other shoe can — it grounds an outfit, adds instant structure, and keeps you warm without sacrificing style. Unlike trainers or sandals, boots have presence. They tell a story about who's wearing them before that person has said a single word. And in Cape Town where the wind will literally blow you sideways on De Waal Drive, they're not even optional.

From a sustainable fashion perspective, boots are also one of the best second-hand finds you can make. Quality leather and faux leather boots last for years, age beautifully, and are donated constantly by people who bought them on impulse and only wore them twice. Your gain entirely.

The two boot personalities — and which one are you

The loafer boot — clean, classic, effortless. Smooth black leather, chunky sole, slightly square toe. This is the boot that goes with everything — wide leg jeans, midi skirts, tailored trousers, even oversized dresses. It's the "I know exactly what I'm doing" boot. Understated but completely intentional. If your style is clean lines and quiet confidence, this is your boot.

The textured lace-up boot — bold, grounded, a little edgy. Croc emboss, lace up front, chunky platform sole. This boot has personality and it knows it. It works with the same wide leg jeans but takes the whole look in a different direction — more Y2K, more street, more "I dressed this way on purpose and I don't need your approval." If your style is expressive and a little rebellious, this is your boot.

The beautiful thing about both? With the same base outfit — light wash wide leg jeans — they create completely different looks. Same foundation, different story. That's the magic of knowing your shoes.

How to style black boots with wide leg jeans

Wide leg jeans and black boots is one of the most reliably good combinations in fashion. The key is length — your jeans should be long enough to graze the top of your boot or sit just above it. Too short and it looks accidental. The right length and it looks deliberate.

For the rest of the outfit: keep it simple. A fitted knit top or a structured coat on top. Let the jeans and boots do the work at the bottom. Add one accessory — a gold chain necklace, small hoop earrings, a simple bag. That's the whole outfit. Sometimes the best looks have the fewest moving parts.

Where to find good boots second-hand in Cape Town

Boots are one of the best thrift finds because quality ones last so long. Check these spots regularly:

Yaga — filter by "boots" and "Cape Town" and you'll find real gems, often barely worn. Prices range from R80 to R300 for quality pairs. Check daily because stock moves fast in winter.

Milnerton Flea Market — go early on Saturday morning and head straight for the shoe stalls. You can find leather boots for R50–R150 that just need a clean and some leather conditioner.

Hospice and Shout SA charity shops — people donate their winter boots at the end of the season. The best time to find them is April to June when winter donations come in. Right now is peak season — go this weekend.

Taking care of your second-hand boots

When you find a great second-hand pair, a little care goes a long way. Wipe faux leather clean with a damp cloth and a drop of dish soap. For real leather, use leather conditioner to restore any dryness — a small tin costs about R40 and lasts for years. Re-lace if the laces are tired — fresh laces make any boot look almost new. And stuff them with newspaper when not wearing to maintain the shape.

A well-cared-for pair of boots will outlast anything you'd buy new at a fast fashion store. Every single time. 🖤

— Sloane xo

The All Black Formula

The All Black Formula: How to Make Monochrome Look Intentional and Not Boring

By Sloane · Re:dressed · Style Tips · Dark Aesthetic · Outfit Ideas

There's a version of all black that looks like you grabbed whatever was clean off the floor. And then there's a version that looks like you planned it — like every single piece was chosen with purpose, like you understand something about fashion that most people don't.

The difference between the two is not money. It's not designer pieces or expensive fabrics. It's knowing the formula. And once you know it, you'll never look at a black outfit the same way again.

Why all black is actually the most sustainable colour palette

Black goes with everything, fades slowly, shows less wear and stays in style across every decade. A black blazer from 1995 looks just as relevant today as it did then. Black wide leg trousers work for work, dinner, a walk through the city, a market on a Sunday. Black is the colour that never asks you to justify it.

From a sustainability perspective, building your wardrobe around black basics means you buy less, wear more and waste nothing. Every piece works with every other piece. There are no "this only goes with one thing" mistakes. It's the most practical, most versatile, most timeless colour choice you can make — and second-hand black pieces are everywhere because black is what everyone donates when they "need a change."

The all black formula — broken down

Step 1: Vary your textures. The biggest mistake people make with all black is wearing the same fabric head to toe. Matte black trousers with a shiny black top reads flat. But wide leg satin trousers with a matte knit top, leather boots and a quilted bag? That's depth. That's intention. Mix textures — leather, knit, satin, denim, wool, cotton — and your all black outfit goes from flat to dimensional.

Step 2: Let your shoes do the talking. In an all black outfit, your shoes carry enormous weight. A chunky boot adds edge. A pointed toe boot adds elegance. A loafer adds ease. A heel adds occasion. The silhouette of your shoe sets the entire tone of the look — choose deliberately. Pointed toe black boots under wide leg black trousers is one of the most elegant combinations in fashion, full stop.

Step 3: One piece of hardware. Gold or silver — pick one and let it be the accent. A gold chain bag. Silver hoop earrings. A belt with a statement buckle. In an all black outfit, even the smallest metal detail catches the eye. It's the punctuation mark at the end of a very well constructed sentence.

Step 4: Fit over everything. All black is unforgiving of bad fit in a way that patterned clothing isn't. A slightly ill-fitting printed dress reads "fun." A slightly ill-fitting all black outfit just reads "ill-fitting." Make sure your pieces are proportional to your body — wide leg trousers need length, blazers need to sit right on the shoulder, tops need to hit at the right point. When the fit is right, an all black outfit is armour.

The pieces that make the all black formula work

You don't need many. A wide leg black trouser is the foundation — it works with everything and elongates every body type. A fitted black top or turtleneck to tuck or knot in. One quality black jacket or coat. Black pointed toe boots or loafers. And one bag — preferably with interesting hardware or texture.

That's five pieces. Five second-hand pieces, found over time at thrift stores and on resale platforms, can build you an all black wardrobe that looks completely intentional every single time.

The terrazzo floor moment

The photo that inspired this post was taken on a day I wasn't even thinking about fashion. Black wide leg trousers, pointed toe black boots, quilted chain bag. Terrazzo floor underneath. I looked down and thought — this is it. This is exactly what I want Re:dressed to feel like. Dressed without overthinking it. Deliberately put together without looking like you tried too hard.

That's the all black formula. Once you have it, you'll reach for it again and again. 🖤

— Sloane xo

Black High-Top Converse

 

The Dark Feminine Staple You Need in Your Wardrobe

By Sloane · Re:dressed · Style Tips · Dark Aesthetic · Y2K Fashion · Cape Town

If the blue Converse is the fun, spontaneous one — the one you wear when you're feeling bright and a little bold — then the black high-top Converse is its older, moodier sister. The one who reads poetry, wears all black, and somehow always looks effortlessly cool without trying.

I've had a pair of black Converse Chuck Taylor high-tops for as long as I can remember. Worn, loved, slightly battered in the best possible way. And I genuinely believe they are one of the most versatile, most enduring pieces in any wardrobe — especially a sustainable one.

Why black Converse are a forever piece

Unlike trend-driven shoes that feel dated after one season, black high-top Converse have been cool since the 1950s and will still be cool in 2050. They transcend trends, aesthetics and occasions. Dark academia, Y2K, grunge, streetwear, soft girl — somehow the black Converse works for all of it. That kind of versatility is exactly what sustainable fashion is built on. One piece, worn a thousand ways, for years.

How to style black high-top Converse

Dark feminine / moody aesthetic — black wide leg trousers, black turtleneck, long black coat and your high-tops. Add a silver chain necklace and you have a look that is understated but completely intentional. This is the "I woke up like this but make it fashion" outfit.

Y2K revival — low rise jeans or a mini skirt, a cropped baby tee or graphic tee, and black high-tops. This combination was everywhere in the early 2000s and it's back in full force. Bonus points if the tee is second-hand with a faded print.

Dark academia — pleated trousers or a plaid midi skirt, an oversized knit sweater, a trench coat and your black Converse. Carry a tote bag. Look like you've been in a library all afternoon. This aesthetic was made for Converse.

Casual Cape Town cool — straight leg jeans, a simple white tee, denim jacket and black high-tops. It's the outfit that works for literally any occasion in this city — from Long Street to the Waterfront to a Sunday at the markets. Reliable, effortless, always right.

Finding them second-hand

Black Converse are one of the most commonly donated shoes you'll find at thrift stores and on resale platforms. People buy them, wear them through one season and move on. Check Yaga regularly — I've seen pairs listed for R80–R150 in excellent condition. The slightly worn-in ones are actually the best because they're already broken in and they have that perfect lived-in look that new shoes take months to achieve.

If you do buy them second-hand and they need a refresh: wipe the rubber soles with a damp cloth, spot clean the canvas with mild soap and a toothbrush, and replace the laces if needed. Fresh laces make a worn pair look almost new and cost about R20 at any shoe shop.

The worn-in beauty of a loved shoe

There's something about a pair of shoes that's been worn and loved that fast fashion can never replicate. The creases, the slight scuffs, the laces that have been tied and untied a thousand times — that's not damage. That's character. That's a shoe with a story.

And in the Re:dressed world, a shoe with a story is always more interesting than one straight off a shelf. 🖤

Got a pair of black Converse you love? Or looking for one? Check my Yaga store — I list shoes when I find good ones.

👉 Shop here: yaga.co.za/sloanes-store

— Sloane xo

Why Sneakers Are the Most Sustainable Shoe You Can Own

 Why Sneakers Are the Most Sustainable Shoe You Can Own (And How to Style Them)

By Sloane · Re:dressed · Style Tips · Sustainable Fashion · Cape Town

There's a photo I took a while back — blue Converse on a bright green painted floor — and every time I look at it I think: this is exactly what dressing for yourself looks like. No occasion. No outfit planned around it. Just a pair of sneakers that made me happy and a floor that happened to be the most perfect shade of green.

That's the energy I want Re:dressed to always come back to. Dressing because it makes you feel something. And today I want to talk about sneakers — specifically why they might be the most sustainable, most versatile, most underrated piece in your wardrobe.

The case for a great pair of sneakers

A good pair of sneakers will outlast almost everything else in your wardrobe if you take care of them. Canvas sneakers like Converse can be washed, re-laced, re-soled, and worn for years. Compare that to a pair of fast fashion heels that fall apart after three wears — there's no competition. Quality sneakers are a sustainable investment, especially when bought second-hand.

Second-hand sneakers — yes, really

I know what you're thinking. But second-hand sneakers are genuinely one of the best thrift finds you can make. Converse, Nike, New Balance, Vans — all of these pop up regularly on Yaga, at Milnerton Flea Market, and in charity shops across Cape Town. People buy sneakers, wear them twice and sell them. Your gain entirely.

What to look for: check the soles for wear, look at the toe caps for creasing, check that laces are intact (easy and cheap to replace), and give them a good clean when you get home. White sole yellowing can often be fixed with a magic eraser or baking soda paste.

How to style sneakers — the Re:dressed way

With a floaty midi dress — one of the best combinations in fashion. The contrast between feminine and casual is chef's kiss every single time. White sneakers especially.

With wide leg or flare pants — you've seen this on the blog already with the brown swirl pants. Chunky white sneakers under wide leg trousers is a look that works for literally every body type.

With a co-ord set — matching two-piece sets look incredible with clean sneakers. Keeps the look from being too try-hard.

With everything else — jeans, skirts, shorts, blazers, even some dresses that people would typically wear heels with. Sneakers are the great equaliser of fashion. They make everything more wearable, more real, more you.

The blue Converse rule

Here's a styling secret: a pop of colour on your feet grounds an outfit in personality without overwhelming it. Blue Converse with a neutral outfit. Red sneakers with an all-black look. Green trainers with earth tones. Your shoes don't have to match — they just have to feel like you chose them on purpose.

And the best part? You can find almost any colour of Converse second-hand for R100–R200 in Cape Town if you're patient and you look in the right places. 🌿

What's your go-to sneaker? Drop it in the comments — I genuinely want to know.

— Sloane xo

The Winter Piece You Need: Styling an H&M Faux Fur Vest 3 Ways

 The Winter Piece You Need: Styling an H&M Faux Fur Vest 3 Ways

By Sloane · Re:dressed · Outfit Inspiration · Thrift Finds · Winter Style

Cape Town winters are no joke. The wind comes off the mountain, the morning is freezing, and by 2pm it's warm enough to take your jacket off. Layering is not optional here — it's a survival skill. And nothing layers better than a faux fur vest.

I have this H&M faux fur vest listed on my Yaga store right now and honestly? It's one of my favourite pieces I've had in a while. Brown and tan tones, incredibly soft texture, size XS/S, and in like-new condition. I put together three ways to wear it because I genuinely could not choose just one.

Look 1 — City Girl Chic

All black everything underneath — black long sleeve, black straight leg jeans or leather pants, black ankle boots. Let the vest be the entire outfit. Add gold hoop earrings and a dark shoulder bag and you've got a look that works for brunch, a walk through the City Bowl, or a casual Friday at the office. The brown fur against all black is one of those combinations that just works every single time.

Look 2 — Soft Girl Winter

Cream or white knit sweater, straight leg light wash jeans, UGG-style boots or white sneakers. This is your cosy, effortless, "I look this good without trying" outfit. Add a brown tote bag to tie in the vest's warm tones. This look is made for a slow Saturday morning — coffee in hand, walking through a market, genuinely living your best life.

Look 3 — Dark Feminine Aesthetic

Black turtleneck, dark brown or black leather pants, heeled boots and a delicate gold necklace. This one is moody, elevated and completely stunning. The faux fur vest transforms a simple outfit into something that looks intentional and expensive. Nobody needs to know it cost R200 second-hand. That's between you and the vest.

Why faux fur is the sustainable choice

Real fur is cruel and completely unnecessary when faux alternatives like this H&M piece exist. Faux fur has come so far in terms of quality and texture — this vest is genuinely soft and luxurious feeling. And buying it second-hand means it gets another life instead of ending up in a landfill. That's the Re:dressed way. Wear it, love it, pass it on.

The details

This exact vest is available on my Yaga store right now. H&M faux fur vest, size XS/S, 64cm length, excellent condition, R200 + delivery. It won't last long — it already has 4 likes and it's only been listed a few days.

👉 Shop it here: yaga.co.za/sloanes-store/product/hbuhvh9b3d8

And if it's already gone by the time you're reading this — keep an eye on my Yaga store for new listings. I add pieces regularly. 🤎

— Sloane xo