Free image taken from: https://unsplash.com/s/photos/ribbons
I have too many clothes in my closet, said no woman ever! But most women have faced the harsh reality of having a wardrobe packed full of clothes and nothing to wear.
The truth is, the clothes that we own seem to become unwearable after a while. Not because their lifecycle is close to an end, but simply because we get bored of them. And if you want to become a conscious consumer, you’ll probably feel guilty if you go on a shopping spree for new clothes, when your old ones are still in perfect condition.
But you can still find a middle ground that will help you rekindle your relationship with your old clothes. It’s not even that complicated. A little imagination, a tweak here, a few accessories there, and you can breathe new life into your wardrobe with little effort and of course without digging a whole into your budget.
Here’s a few tips that might help you get started:
Use lace to glam up plain T-shirts
Having a plain white t-shirt is probably a must have in every woman’s wardrobe. But when you have a ton of them, sitting in the back of the closet, gathering dust, it’s time to take action! Let’s face it, you’ll never wear them again unless they’re the only clean clothes that you can find.
Believe it or not, lace can be a game changer when you’re dealing with this kind of problem. Don’t overthink it! Just grab a pair of scissors, cut a few pieces of lace and stitch them at the hem of your t-shirt.
But you don’t have to stop there. You can also use lace to make insertions into your t-shirt, cut it into whatever shape you like and apply it wherever you fell it’s going to look best.
Add ribbons for a touch of elegance
If you’re more on the elegant side, ribbons are the way to go. There are literally thousands of options, from plain simple ribbons for those who want to keep it classic, to brightly coloured ribbons or the ones with bold patterns for those who are a little bit more daring.
You could use cheap grosgrain ribbon to create interesting bows and attach them to your hat, or you can apply them on your coat to make it stand out from the crowd. It’s fun and easy and impossible to go wrong with it.
Make aprons out of old graphic tees
Here’s one that you’ve probably never thought of: turning your old graphic t-shirt into an apron. If you just can’t think of anything else to do with your t-shirt, just turn it into an apron. Graphic tees are the perfect candidates for this kind of DIY project. But you can also use shirts or dresses if you think they have the potential of becoming great future aprons.
Just think about it: you will save one clothing item from going into the bin and you will have a new and fun apron to wear in the kitchen. That’s called a win-win situation.
DIY distressed jeans
This one is probably something you’ve already done before and you should probably keep doing. If there’s one clothing item in a woman’s closet that can be brought back to life, it must be that pair of old jeans.
If you’re dealing with a classic pair of jeans that are a little worn out around the edges, it’s a no brainer that all you have to do is make them even more worn out. You can use a pair of scissors or a razor to rip them in a few strategic spots or to create some fringes. But remember, the dose makes the poison. You want to look carefree and stylish, not to sport a just came back from the war style, so keep it simple.
Add fringes to… everything
All you need is the good old pair of scissors and any clothing item that had the audacity to bore you with its presence. Grab your boring t-shirt, that plain dress that you haven’t worn for ages and probably never will if left as it is and just cut away.
The same treatment can be applied to jeans or any kind of trousers, as long as you are willing to be a little extra.
A quick tip for those of you who are not comfortable using scissors – you can also apply fringes to your clothes. You’ll have to spend a little on buying some interesting fringes that will satisfy your style, but you won’t regret it.
Paint your clothes
If you have a clothing item that is plain and simple and you would like to make it more interesting, there’s nothing easier than adding a little colour. Painting your clothes is actually a thing and you will be surprised at how much it can change their appearance.
Whether you have a favourite colour or you just want to use all the colours of the rainbow, we encourage you to experiment with it. There’s no better way to combine fashion and art.
There’s just one thing you need to keep in mind: choose the right kind of paint for the fabric that you have and don’t worry if it’s going to get a little messy.
Of course, the list of ways to spark new life into your clothes can go on forever. That’s because there are no rules to it, you can do whatever you want as long as you like the result and you are having fun with it.
You can be both practical and stylish and also save some money in the process.