When it comes to buying clothes, sometimes it’s tricky trying to align all of our priorities. We want to buy sustainably and be able to get dressed without stress, but we also want to love and value the things we own, Marie Kondo-style. Well, we’ve found a solution and it’s pretty simple: items that can be worn in multiple ways. Yup, we’re talking garments that offer more than just one look. You might think these kinds of clothes have to be devoid of colour or style to be multi-functional, but that isn’t so; just ask Tove & Libra.
The Hong Kong-based brand creates staple items with a refined, Scandinavian aesthetic and a focus on wearability and clean, clever design. They encourage customers to create a sustainable capsule wardrobe, not only to save the planet (and morning dress-stress), but also to save money – an important factor right now when so many working professionals are facing economic uncertainty. They offer a variety of different capsule collections, including the linen capsule, the WFH capsule, and our favourite, the multiway capsule.
So what are their sustainability credentials? For starters, they are all for eco-friendly materials. Concerned about the fact that Hong Kong throws away over 300 tonnes of textiles every day, the company creates their garments using sustainable fabrics. Their FW18 collection focused on extra-fine Merino wool, while their SS19 collection shone a much-deserved light on Tencel™ – a modern fibre that requires less water and energy than cotton in production (yet is as breathable as cotton). They also upcycle deadstock fabrics and yarns so that nothing ends up in landfill. Of course, sustainability isn’t just about treating the planet with care, but people too. Tove & Libra’s family-owned sourcing and production factories are all about achieving ethical goals, e.g. proper working conditions and fair pay. The founders are third-generation manufacturers, so they work directly with factories and get to see the conditions first-hand and build close relationships with the workers (some spanning over 20 years!).
Their expertise, eye for design, and commitment to the environment have led to a range of simple-but-sophisticated, versatile pieces that work in literally any wardrobe. Here are some of our favourite picks from the sustainable star that is their multiway capsule…
Botanical 2-Way Shirt Dress
Summer is all about light and airy clothing, which makes this shirt dress the perfect summer staple, worn as a dress or a beach cover-up. But its transformative talents don’t end there. It can also be worn as a breezy duster jacket over a cami and pair of jeans, on top of leggings for a comfortable, casual feel, or over slim pants for a more formal look. Oh, and the sweet botanical print is charming year-round.
Safari 2-Way Shirt
Depending on how ‘safari’ you like to feel, this shirt comes in two colours: sand and sage. More than just a shirt, this functions as a workwear piece, a smart-casual piece, and a super chilled piece. To channel a more formal look, the removable belt can be added to cinch in the waist and have you feeling like a boss. To achieve smart-casual, the shirt can be neatly tucked into any skirt or pair of trousers. For that breezy, casual vibe, the top can be worn loose and free-flowing over trousers, dresses, camis, skirts; anything. The divine colours have such a subtle pizzazz, they go with just about everything.
Convertible Crop Pant
Perfect mate to the 2-way shirt, this pair of Tencel trousers offers two different looks that both work for work and leisure. In their natural state, they have a wide, relaxed fit, but clever snaps attached at the hem transform these trousers into a more tapered silhouette, perfect for tucking into boots in the cooler seasons. Both the relaxed shape and the slim shape can be worn casually (think paired with trainers) or formally (hello mules!), depending on your style.
Cable 2-Way Sweater
Living in the tropics means that sweaters aren’t really on the top of our priority list for most of the year. That’s why Tove & Libra’s 2-way cable sweater is the perfect addition to our wardrobe – it’s two sweaters in one which means less time, money, and waste on accumulating new sweaters. With a V-neck on one side and a wide crew neck on the other, this sweater allows you to choose which neck-vibe is right for your outfit or mood. It’s also made from cashmere (100% natural) and is available in three colours.
Zipped 2-Way dress
The perfect LBD that goes from day-to-night-and-beyond, this 2-way dress can be worn with the zipper at the back for a classic, formal look, or reversed, with the zipper at the front, to make a bold statement. Little details, like the satin trim around the neck and sleeves, and the subtle slit at the hem, makes this LBD timeless, and thus a forever friend of your wardrobe.
This article is brought to you in collaboration with Tove & Libra