Now that summer’s finally here, it’s time to ditch your skinny jeans for our favorite seasonal wardrobe staple: shorts! Whether you’re heading to the beach, a barbecue, your backyard, or the local park, you’ll want to stand out in the crowd. Run-of-the-mill denim shorts just won’t cut it. Get creative! These 11 DIY makeovers will keep your derriere on-trend and turning heads.
1. Lace appliqué
Feel like showing off your feminine side? This peek-a-boo lace appliqué is the perfect way to pump up the flirt factor without having to don a flouncy skirt.
How to make it:
Buy a foot or so of lace or crochet trim, then cut out a section of the shape and size you want to attach to your shorts. Cut out a chunk of your shorts right along the side seam that’s the about same shape (and only slightly smaller) than your piece of lace (try this triangle!). Pin your appliqué in place and use a needle and thread to sew it to your shorts both inside and out.
How to wear it:
The lace appliqué dresses up any jeans-and-tee combo, so stick to the basics! Avoid extra frills and layers – they’ll make the shorts look fussier than they are. A white or striped T-shirt is the perfect complement.
2. Polka dot
Thanks to Minnie Mouse, we can never say no to anything with polka dots – especially not DIY shorts! They’re fun, preppy, and perfect for jazzing up an otherwise humdrum pair of cutoffs.
How to make it:
The key is contrast. If you want white spots, choose a pair of dark or black denim shorts so that they’ll really pop. If you’d rather go for colorful or dark spots, however, it’s best to stick with bleached or white shorts. Dip a pencil eraser into your fabric paint of choice, tap the edge on a dish to remove excess, and lightly stamp the eraser onto the shorts. If the circle isn’t completely full – some won’t be, unless you were born with the innate ability to paint perfectly with an eraser – just go back at the end and fill in the lighter spots with a fine paintbrush. Be sure to wait until all of the dots are dry before turning the shorts over to do the other side!
How to wear it:
Since polka dots are standard fare for preps, you’ll look just right in a matching belt and polo. If you’d rather give the style a bit more edge, try pairing the shorts with a chambray top and black leather boots.
3. Ombré
First, we became obsessed with ombré hair. Now, we’re lusting over ombré shorts. Really, is there anything not to love about this optical treat?
How to make it:
You’ll want to read up on the proper procedure before bleaching your shorts, but the process itself is pretty simple. Soak your shorts in water first, and then dip them into a mixture of bleach and water, allowing the bleach to hit about two to three inches below where you want it reach on the shorts (it will run upwards!). Secure them in place for 20 to 30 minutes, then rinse out the bleach, rinse again with white vinegar and water, wash and dry, and then they’ll be ready to wear!
How to wear it:
Since you’re leaching the color from your denim, you should add some brights to the rest of your body. Choose a fun neon top or jewel tone wedges to pump up the volume!
4. Tribal print
Sometimes, even after subjecting our shorts to a bleach job, we just can’t help ourselves from DIY-ing even further. That bleached space is a canvas for any kind of pattern your heart desires. Our suggestion? Go with this summer’s hottest print: a geometric tribal pattern!
How to make it:
You already know how to bleach your shorts, so this next step is all about adding your own artistic flair. If your drawing skills never progressed past kindergarten or you’re just plain nervous, print out a template. Start by tracing your design lightly onto the shorts in pencil, just in case you make any mistakes. Then, color in the print with a fabric pen. It’s a doodler’s dream!
How to wear it:
Since your tribal print makes a statement all on its own, you should avoid pairing it with any more patterns. Instead, throw on a black tank top or a simple concert tee. For a Coachella vibe add on black fringe boots and a sunhat with a wide brim!
5. Pom-pom hem
Pom-poms aren’t just for cheerleaders anymore. If jean shorts just aren’t your thing – or you’re trying to look a little more formal than Daisy Duke – these fun, fringed, fabric shorts are the way to go.
How to make it:
Cut the excess legs off of a pair of thrifted pants (any color you like!), roll over the hem and iron it, and then sew the hem in place. Sew pom-pom trimming from your local craft store along the edge of the hem using needle and thread or a sewing machine (if you’re feeling ambitious).
How to wear it:
Since these pants can be any color or pattern you choose, there’s no one shade that will work best with them. If you’re going the girly route, opt for a lacy top and one of these swoon-worthy pairs of sandals.
6. Cowgirl fringe
If you’re not a fan of pom-poms, you might be a fan of this season’s hottest trend in trim: cowgirl fringe. It’s showing up everywhere, from bathing suits to dresses to bandeaus, and now, it’s showing up on your shorts’ pockets.
How to make it:
Pick up long, white chainette fringe and a spray paint color of your choice (for the ombré) at your local craft store. Lay the fringe on top of some newspaper and spray the bottom half on both sides. When you’re satisfied, take a toothbrush and rub it into the excess paint on the newspaper, then brush up around the top of the paint line to create the gradient from color to white. Let the paint dry for about 30 minutes, then use fabric glue to adhere the top of the fringe to the edges of your front pockets and cut to your desired length. Instant edginess!
How to wear it:
Cowgirl boots might make this look more kitsch than cute, so we suggest wearing a tube top and chunky, modern wedges. The shorts would also look great with a bikini, so be sure to pack them for a day at the beach!
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7. Scalloped edge
If fringe feels too fussy for you, you can still jazz up the hem of your shorts with a scalloped edge. This style is ultra-feminine and works on both denim and other fabrics, so it fits with any look.
How to make it:
The best part about the scalloped edge is that it involves – drumroll please – no sewing! Trim the shorts to a little bit longer than your desired length (keep in mind the scallops will make them slightly shorter). Find a flat, circular object like a lid that’s the same diameter as you want your scallops to be, then put it right at the hem of the shorts and trace around its lower half, repeating all across the hem of the shorts. Cut along the pattern of semi-circles, apply fray-check to the edges, and then trim off any excess once it’s dried.
How to wear it:
Since the scalloped edge shorts don’t have any crazy patterns or colors, you can run wild with the rest of your wardrobe! Pair them with a bright peplum top (we know the guys love them!) or a cutesy floral print for a super-feminine effect.
8. Repurposed trousers
For a polished look, ditch the denim for some grown-up pants. This trick makes thrifting twice as nice!
How to make it:
Find a pair of grandpa’s golfer shorts – you know, the ones that reach to your knees and give you a serious case of “mom butt” – and chop off the extra length. Roll the hem over a few times, iron it in place at your desired length, and stitch it all up.
How to wear it:
A refined pair of shorts like these works wonders with a high-neck top and a thick belt. We love the contrasting look when it comes to high-waist pieces like this one; if your shorts are black, opt for a bright white top with black trim. Instant Parisian chic.
9. Studs
Now that you’re free from class and work (at least on the weekends), take a chance to dress like the rock star you’ve always wanted to be. The solution: studs.
How to make it:
Depending on the type of studs you use, there are multiple ways to go about affixing them to the shorts. The easiest way is to poke pronged studs through the fabric and push the prongs in place.
No matter which kind you choose, be sure to have a clear image in mind of where you want to place the studs. Once you push or screw them in, you’ll need to leave them there to cover the hole that you’ve made, so there’s no turning back.
How to wear it:
We can’t imagine a studly outfit with anything but a killer pair of biker boots and a cropped muscle tee. Add on a silver cuff and a bold lip for a head-turning look that’s all your own.
10. Paint splatter
You may not be artistically gifted – you may, in fact, be artistically challenged – but thanks to paint-splattered shorts, you’ll look like you were just working with an easel, and none will be the wiser. It’s creative, casual, and totally on-trend.
How to make it:
Paint splatters are as simple as they sound. You can go to easiest route by dripping and flicking latex or fabric paint onto your shorts with a paintbrush or toothbrush, or you can push the envelope a bit by pouring the paint down onto the shorts from a cup atop a ladder (Just be sure to lay your shorts on a tarp or an old sheet to avoid any mess!). Why add the extra height of a ladder? The distance will allow for larger paint splotches and, most importantly, variation in splatter size. That way you won’t end up with a boring print! You can stick with monochrome or splash on a bunch of neon colors for a rainbow effect – thank you, artistic license!
How to wear it:
A chambray top makes this look effortlessly chic. You can also funk up the outfit by wearing a bright, graphic top and chunky jewelry – the bolder, the better!
11. Fabric panels
This season is all about mixing and matching. By adding a swatch of cute fabric to your shorts, you’ll turn dreary old denim into the perfect patterned piece.
How to make it:
Cut out a piece of your favorite fabric that’s a half an inch larger on all sides than the leg of the shorts you want to cover. Cut out a slit to fit around the belt loop, then pin the patch in place. Sew around the edges of the shorts with a needle and thread (making sure not to sew over the pocket – you only want to sew right up to the bottom edge of its opening), cut off the excess fabric, and you’re good to go.
How to wear it:
Since the fabric patch already gives you a mix-and-match look, stray away from bold patterns and prints up top. Pair the shorts with a solid bustier top or a sheer top with a bandeau or bralette for a summery, flower-child vibe.
Don’t just settle for regular old jean shorts this summer. Pump up your DIY spirit and get crafting!