We girls of a fashionable nature are constantly searching for ways to update our wardrobes and stay on trend – but monthly (ok, weekly) trips to our favorite shopping watering-holes gets pricey fast! The solution to having a passion for fashion with a barely breathing pocket book is to create new from the old. You’d be amazed how much you can transform your closet with a thread and needle, or less! These super easy projects will revive your summer staples and have you entering the new school year in style!
1. American Flag Shorts
Just in time for Fourth of July, these painted shorts provide a fun, spunky way to show your patriotic spirit!
You will need:
A pair of cut-offs
Five-point star stickers, in the desired size
Painter’s tape
Blue and red spray paint (preferably fabric paint)
Directions:
First, apply the star stickers to the front of one leg of the shorts, spray the blue spray paint to cover the leg, let dry, peel off the stickers. Next, apply strips of painters tape equal distant apart on the other shorts leg, spray the red spray paint over the leg, let dry, peel off the painter’s tape. Voila!
2. Sweatshirt Pocket
There is nothing more wonderful than a comfy sweatshirt on a cool evening, but there’s no reason to sacrifice style!
You will need:
A plain sweatshirt of any color
A fabric swatch of any desirable pattern
Thread that matches the fabric swatch
A needle
(if you don’t feel confident with a needle and
thread, feel free to use fabric glue instead!)
Directions:
Cut the patterned fabric swatch in the shape of a pocket (think the back pocket on your jeans) and whip-stitch ( or glue) the fabric swatch onto the left breast of the sweatshirt!
3. T-Shirt Circle Scarf
No need to buy any new scarves if you’ve got old t-shirts lying around un-worn! Combine the soft comfort of a t-shirt with cute braids, and you’ve got the perfect scarf for summer and fall weather.
You will need:
Two t-shirts of different solid colors
Scissors
Directions:
Cut the sleeves off the t-shirts, cut strips at either end of both the shirts, and braid the cut strips of one shirt with the strips of the other.
*if you have one very large t-shirt, you can always cut strips into either end, and then braid those ends together!
4. A Man’s Shirt Into a Skirt
This is probably the simplest DIY fashion trick of them all – not a single stitch or spot of glue required, AND it produces TWO cute ready-to-wear pieces!
You will need:
A man’s (dad’s, boyfriend’s, thrift store’s) button-up,
long-sleeve, dress shirt of any color or pattern desired
Directions:
Button the shirt 3/4 of the way up, step into the shirt, take the sleeves around the waist and tie a bow in front, tuck any bulking fabric into the folds of the shirt. Now you have a skirt – or a dress if you pull the shirt up to your chest!
5. Glitter Flats
Yes, it is glamorous to hit the town in sky high glittering heels, but no, it is not comfortable! Get the same fun and fancy style with comfort – and do it yourself!
You will need:
A pair of plain ballet flats (any color)
Mod Podge
Sponge paint brush
Clear Sealant Spray
Craft glitter (of any color)
Directions:
Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the flats with a sponge brush, sprinkle a thick layer of glitter on the wet Mod Podge, spray the clear sealant over the glitter, let dry.