How to Bring Your Old Clothes Back to Life

I can honestly say that the jeans I have today are the same jeans I have had since freshman year of high school. Is it a miracle that I have been the same size since then? Yes, yes it is because my diet is not exactly balanced. I know I am not the only one who has this problem.  So for all the fashionistas out there I have a solution just for you! It gets expensive to invest in some jewelry, blazers, or some nice footwear to spice up your outfit. Instead, we will learn how to upcycle. Upcycling is a fun and cheap way to express yourself. It doesn’t have to stop to stop there either. You can revive your old jackets, shirts, shoes, phone cases, laptop covers,… the list is endless. 

Now hear me out, this is actually pretty amusing. It will be like a DIY project if you are into those. These results, however, will be worth seeing when everyone starts complimenting you left and right. Or when you finish, your confidence shoots up because of the great job you did all on your own.  I will cover different ways to reanimate various clothing items. Since we all are in college I understand that time and money is of the essence. So the materials I am listing below are easily accessible and reasonably priced. In my opinion, upcycling clothes is just another way of creating art. Which means that there is no wrong way to do it. It is another small way to be the best you can be- Beautifully Unique. 

Acrylic paint and some imagination can really go a long way if you put your mind to it. So this first method is basically turning your clothes into a canvas. All you need is some masking tape, paint brushes, paint (obvi), and something to clean the paint brushes off with. First step is to find somewhere to paint to avoid stains. Next, grab the masking tape and tape off the area you are wishing to paint on. Then, paint to your heart’s desire. Final step, let it dry and slay all day boo! This has been trending on tik tok lately too. I find those videos satisfying. 

Diamonds are considered a female’s best friend. For this method, we use jewels and pearls to add either along the belt loops, on the edges of the pants legs, the collar of a button down shirt, around your shoes… your limit is your imagination. There are two ways you can put them on. First way (easy way), glue them on. The type of glue does matter in this case so that when your design stays on even after going into the washer a few times. The best glue for this job is E6000, white craft glue, or mod podge. All of these will ensure that your unique design will last for a very long time. Also, glitter is a great way to leave sparkle wherever you go. The other way (hard way) is sewing it on.

The final method for upcycling worn out articles of clothing is tie dying. Old-fashion clothes deserve old-fashioned methods. I personally have never tie dyed but that is exactly why man has created the internet. If being super colorful in not your thing, bleaching your clothes is also pretty cute. Feel free to cut up those clothes too. There is no shame in showing a little bit of skin.

Upcycling clothes can be a great way to change up your look for cheap! Have fun and own your look- no matter what it is!