Customise your wardrobe

DIY fashion is a cheap, fun way to create new and unique outfits, so it’s no wonder it’s taking the style world by storm. You too can customise your clothes: all you need is a little craft knowhow and some inspiration, and you’ll be deconstructing, upcycling and adding a bit of glitz before you know it! Sounds good? Well, read on for the lowdown on how to become a DIY fashionista.

Getting started

The internet is the place to find customising inspiration and DIY tutorials, but it’s best to be honest about your own limitations. If you’re a novice at sewing and crafting, start with ‘no sew’ projects first and work your way up the difficulty scale. It’s a good idea to have a dry run of your first project: practise on something you don’t like or a cheapo item, and then when you’re ready go for the final version!

Remember, scissors are going to be your main tool, so buy yourself a decent pair and keep them for your fashion projects only. Other tools you will need are dressmaking pins, needles, thread and a tape measure.

Embellishing

One of the simplest ways to start altering your wardrobe is to add buttons, sequins, studs and beads, so make it your mission to start collecting them from car boot sales, charity shops and online shops. If you’re handy with a needle and thread then you can definitely do this, but you can also find stick-on versions of many studs and beads. This style of customisation best suits plain clothes like jumpers and cardigans, so add sequined elbow patches, funky buttons and lines of studs for a touch of rock chick chic, or bead a plain sweater to make it look like a million dollars. 

Dyeing

Dyeing clothes is a great way to give them a new lease of life, and there are lots of techniques you can try. We’re delighted that good old-fashioned tie dye is back on trend, but dip-dyed clothes (or ‘ombre’) is also everywhere on the high street at the moment. It’s pretty easy to do and it looks fabulous - just leave the top half of your item in the dye for longer than the bottom. If you’re feeling a little more daring, try dipping and splattering the hem of a dress or top, to get a dramatic couture effect. 

Deconstructing

Deconstruct your clothes by slashing, cropping, rippng and knotting. T-shirts make particularly good victims for this kind of DIY treatment because the fabric won’t fray. Slashes look great on top of a contrasting coloured patch of material, and slashing and knotting t-shirt sleeves quickly turns frumpy into flirty. Old jeans have been chopped into cut offs for decades, but going super short and adding a pretty lace insert makes a fresh statement. 

Transforming

If your sewing skills are a little more advanced then you can create some amazing one-off pieces by completely transforming your clothes. Shirts can be turned into great skirts, and jeans make excellent handbags, waistcoats, skirts and even dresses! Even the humble pillowcase can become a pretty halterneck top with the addition of some pretty ribbon. Beginners, we advise you turn once more to the trusty t-shirt. Cut off the sleeves to create stunning vest tops and halternecks, or adapt cheap oversized tees into mini dresses. 

If you’ve been inspired to customise your wardrobe, check out DotComGiftShop’s gorgeous range of craft accessories to help you on your way. All it takes is a little time and imagination!