5 fashion tips to change a look on a budget
Sometimes it is easy to just throw away old clothes without taking a moment to think about what they could be, or worrying that you don’t have something to wear to that big event that is coming up next week.
But there are so many simple things anyone can do to turn an old outfit into something new, here are 5 of my favourite ideas of how to change your look on a budget.
Turn ripped jeans into shorts.
Fallen over in your jeans and ripped a hole in them, or simply bored of the ripped knee look then how about turning your jeans into shorts. If you don’t mind the frayed look all you need is a decent pair of scissors and get cutting or if you’re more of a neat person just turn over and stitch the bottom hem.
Making men’s t-shirts more feminine.
I know sometimes I spot a t-shirt in the men’s department, that I quite fancy for myself and while at a quick glance it is hard to tell the difference, I do find the higher neckline can sometimes feel a bit claustrophobic. So get those scissors at the ready and cut down the neckline a little, you can also cut the sleeves and even tie a larger size up at the waist to make it look more feminine, depending just how you like to style things.
Buy new accessories.
If you have a last-minute party to attend and only a few pounds in your pocket, heading to a local fashion jewellery seller, could help you with accessories that once teamed with an old outfit can help give it a new twist, on a tight budget.
Add on some extras.
Back in my misspent youth, I used to love adorning my clothes with band patches and while that isn’t perhaps what most would want to add today, it does give ideas; such as adding lace edging to clothing around the seams or around to the neckline to make a collar or if you’re really adventurous you could take to adding crystals to outfit. All you need is some items and your imagination.
Cut it apart and sew it back together
If you really have a talent for sewing then how about taking old clothes apart and making them into something new. A kimono-style top could become a new skirt or an old pair of shorts could become a new bag.
What is your favourite way to turn an old piece of clothing into something new?
Sewing accessories photo from Shutterstock
Trouble is, I wear them down so much, the only place left for most of my clothes is the recycling centre! But clever ideas these.
Have you heard of tshirt yarn Sarah? You can chop up a tee into a single long thread so you can turn some knackered tops into a jumper.
I love these ideas. I’m rubbish with a sewing machine but I love sewing by hand. I used to make my own skirts and stuff when I was younger. I should probably start doing it again!
Great tips – I need a wardrobe overhaul!
I had never thought of the ripped jeans into short fashion until I saw local college students asking for ripped/old/damaged jeans in a local newspaper, the article mentioned what the students planned to do with the jeans for their portfolio’s, needless to say I attempted the idea myself that very week, and needed my nan to help me finish the job with her sowing machine! I love using accessories too to brighten/change an outfit! x
I agree that new accessories with a classic piece of clothing really works. I’m useless with a needle, so can’t change the clothes, but a new belt or great necklace does it for me.
Great tips. I always turn the boys school trousers in to shorts when they put out the knees
Liking the sound of adapting men’s T shirts. Sadly my jeans always seem to go on the bum so now so good for cutting down.
I am a big fan of the slashing the neckline on a mans t-short one – a left over from my punk DIY days!
These are such practical and useful tips – I have turned a few pairs of jeans into shorts over the past few years and I am sure I will be doing it this summer as well. Thanks for sharing
Laura x
Buying new accessories if definitely my favourite tip! xx
I used to dye old clothes but I’m not sure that would work these days! I like the idea of adding lace etc.
I buy a lot of things in charity shops and often take the scissors to them!
Some very good tips have to say, we also have been doing stuff like this as its so good to do and clever.
Some great tips – esp the shorts x
I’m always remaking things and adding bits to clothes, it’s so easy to revive something and make it unique 🙂
I’m not really capable of sewing and re-making clothes but I never throw clothes away. I either swap them with friends, give them to a charity shop or if they’re worn out I recycle them.
I’m definitely all about accessorizing. You can always take a “plain” clothing item and make it fabulous with a cute piece of jewelry or a scarf or something.
Some great tips, I so wish I could sew and make things, it’s a great way to save money.
I must admit I have made old jogging bottoms into shorts before and they are really comfy x
I have found that by just chopping and changing things (after delving deep into my draws) I have found about 20 new outfits to wear with clothes I haven’t seen in about 12 months lol. Some great tips, particularly the easy way of making tees more feminine. Just need to make sure my other half doesn’t read this and start taking scissors to my tops! Stephen :o)
I have been on two sewing courses, but i must admit, I am not a natural! Great tips here Sarah