Create a New Wardrobe from Your Old Clothes

How many times have you gone to your closet or looked in your dresser for an outfit, only to think I am sick of these same old clothes? The thought of a new wardrobe is a wonderful one but, your finances don't permit shopping for a new wardrobe. Here are some simple ideas that can turn your old wardrobe into a new one for very little cost. Clothes can take on a whole new look with some simple additions and add ons.

Pants:

We all know about cutting the legs off that pair of jeans with the holes in the knees to turn them into a pair of shorts. You now have a pair of shorts, why not dress them up a bit? There is a huge variety of iron on and sew on patches, everything from butterflies and flowers to cartoon characters. A patch put on a back pocket can add a nice look. Another option would be to trim the pockets with lace or sequins. Take a bandanna or another piece of fabric, in a color that matches something else you have decorated the shorts with, run it through the belt loops like a belt and tie it in the front. You now have a new pair of shorts, and there is no other pair like them.

If you have a pair of pants that still look nice and don't need the legs removed, these pants can be dressed up in the same fashion that the shorts were. Another idea would be to add sequins down the sides of the legs or around the bottom of the legs. Sequins could be added to trim the belt loops.

Shorts:

You can make your shorts look like a new pair by decorating them in the same fashion that you decorated the pair you made from your old pants. Add some sequins, lace or a patch and your old shorts are now a new pair.

Shirts:

There are so many options with shirts. A basic t-shirt can be transformed by adding a patch to the pocket or any other decoration. Trim the bottom with a piece of lace or add a small bow on the bottom of each side of the shirt (at the hips). Trim the neckline with something decorative such as lace or embroidery.

A button up shirt could have tiny patches trim the tips of the collar and around the cuffs. Find some fancy buttons and replace the buttons on the shirt. If the shirt is a white shirt decorating could make it look really pretty. If it is a white or light colored shirt that has some slight stains or you just don't want it white you can dye it and leave it as is, or dye it and proceed to dress it up.

Long sleeve shirts can become short sleeve or sleeveless. Cut the arm where you choose and sew the edge that you cut.

Tank tops are easily dressed up by adding lace to the neckline, sequins or other embellishments can be added to the straps. You can also trim the bottom hem of the shirt with the same decorations you used on the rest of the shirt.

Sweatshirts:

That plain old sweatshirt can take on a whole new look by adding a little embroidery. An iron on transfer to the front or back of the shirt is a possibility also. That old hooded sweatshirt that you hang on to because it's your favorite, cut the sleeves off and you have a new summer shirt.

Dresses:

Summer style dresses are very easily turned into two piece outfits. Cut the dress at the waistline of the dress. You now have what will be a matching top and skirt. Hem the edge of the top where you cut it. Add a piece of elastic to make the waist of the skirt. A drawstring could be added to create the waist also. If the skirt is a long one you can leave it long or, you could trim the skirt to make it a little shorter and now you have a flirty two piece outfit.

Skirts:

Skirts can be dressed up also. Short mini type skirts with pockets can be dressed up in the same fashion as pants and shorts. Long skirts could have buttons added down the front, or replace the current buttons with fancier buttons. Wrap a silk scarf around your waist and let it drape down the side. The skirt could also be made shorter.

These are just ideas to get you started. Use your imagination to create a new wardrobe that fits your style. There are so many embellishments to choose from with endless possibilities. After you have created your new wardrobe, pick an outfit, feel good about your new look and show it off to all of your friends.