As women, we are constantly bombarded with hyper-consumptive messaging telling us to switch up our closets to follow the next big trend. This pressure builds up as warmer seasons approach, and we start to shed the puffer jackets and scarves that would otherwise cover up outfits. Fashion does not have to be inherently over-consumptive; it is the fault of a culture that embraces rapid trend cycles, discarding pieces, and excess. Many have the common misconception that fast fashion is always the most cost-effective and accessible way to get cute clothes. I’m here to show you that achieving your dream personal style does not have to come with a hefty price tag or a carbon footprint. Here are five DIY fashion hacks to upcycle your closet for the summer — no sewing machine needed!
1. Accessorize your accessories
Got any spare hair clips lying around? Paint them to match your aesthetic! Personally, I am a big fan of the polka-dot patterns that have been trending lately. All you need for this simple DIY is some acrylic paint and a paintbrush. First, take the hair clip and paint it your desired base color. I recommend using a couple of coats to make sure the color “pops.” After the base is completely dry, use the back of the paintbrush and dip it into your desired color. Then, tap the back of the brush against the hair clip to create tiny, uniform dots. Here is a picture of the finished product for inspo!
This is just one idea — the crafting possibilities are endless! Not a fan of polka dots? No problem! You can attach rhinestones, studs, and cute buttons to your hairclips using a hot glue gun. This is one of the most accessible DIY options out there. Customizing accessories doesn’t have to take up a lot of time, materials, or effort!
2. DIY appliqué tops
Add some whimsy to your wardrobe by upcycling the shirts you already have with appliqué! Appliqué is a technique where pieces of fabric are sewn or added to shirts to create designs and patterns! Globally, over 92 million tons of textile waste are produced annually. Appliqué is a good way to combat this issue, as you can reuse any fabric or clothing pieces that otherwise would have been thrown away. Don’t have any extra fabric? No worries! Thrift a piece that has an interesting pattern or color.
All you need for this DIY is a top for the base, extra fabric, a marker, scissors, a sewing needle, and an embroidery thread. Start by outlining the shape you’d like to cut out from the extra fabric using a black marker. Then, carefully cut out your shape with scissors. You can use any stitch to affix the shapes to the top, but I highly recommend using a running stitch if you are a beginner, since it is one of the easiest stitches! Click this text for a YouTube link to a tutorial featuring the 13 most common stitches (including the running stitch).
3. easy diy cut-back t-shirts
Looking for an easy DIY that fits a Y2K or an early 2010s-inspired aesthetic? Cut-back shirts are fast and simple to make, yet so versatile! They’re perfect for a night out, an everyday look, or as a beach cover-up. For this DIY, all you need is a t-shirt of your choice and scissors.
To cut out the back, you need to make sure to evenly fold just the back of your t-shirt. Then, take your scissors and make even 3-inch cuts into the edge of the shirt. After you are done, unfold the shirt and stretch it out!
4. Embroidered jean shorts
Add some extra flair to your jean shorts with some custom embroidery! This DIY is more of an advanced craft because it requires skill, patience, and a lot of stitching. I promise the effort is totally worth it! On average, producing a new pair of jeans uses around 2,000 gallons of water. By upcycling the jean shorts you already have, you are effectively rebelling against the cult of hyper-consumptive fast fashion.
I highly recommend watching tutorials on YouTube and practicing on spare fabric beforehand. The example I have below mainly uses a running stitch, so it might be easier for beginners!
5. Beachy crochet cover-ups
Instead of buying a new set to wear to the beach, try making your own cover-up! Crochet pieces are a great staple for a summery wardrobe. Again, this is more of an intermediate or advanced DIY as it requires effort, time, and skill. However, there are many tutorials for beginners online. Here is a step-by-step tutorial I found on YouTube for inspiration!
the take-away: Style does not have to come at the expense of sustainability
All in all, fast fashion encourages overconsumption and excessive waste. Making the effort to limit your consumption can make a huge difference, as consumer habits shape the market. I hope that these DIY ideas have inspired you to think about ways that you can ethically engage with fashion through upcycling your clothes. The possibilities are endless!