Lace Fashion Craft Ideas: How to Add a Whimsical, Feminine Touch to a Casual Outfit

Do you have about umpteen zillion plain old t-shirts and tank tops that are in dire need of sprucing up? Do you have dresses and skirts that you bored beyond belief with? During recession time, us fashionistas must find cost efficient ways to expand our wardrobe without breaking the bank. Here are a few easy DIY ideas on how to fix up old, casual clothes with pretty lace accents.

Tees and Tanks

One of my favorite ways to give new life to a worn out old t-shirt or tank top is by sewing on pretty lace trim in wild colors. Go to your local craft store and pick out several rolls of lace in vibrant colors. Find some thread that matches either the color of the lace or the color of the shirt and have at it. One way I fixed up an old black t-shirt was by sewing on three strips of lace in electric blue, pink, and yellow diagonally across the front. This is a very fun look with an '80s edge. Another fun idea is to take a large silk flower pin and cut several strips of lace and run the lace thru the pin and attach the whole thing to one of the shoulders of the top. This look is great for those plain ribbed tank tops. Have fun and use your imagination!

Dresses and Skirts

A fun way to give new life to an old skirt or dress is to sew a pretty lace trim on the bottom of the hem. Do you happen to have an old white skirt made of cotton that you are sick to death of looking at? Buy a spool of sexy red lace trim and give the skirt a make-over. Add one, two, or however many rows of lace you want to achieve your desired result. One thing I like to do is take those dresses that have a plain tulle underskirt and sew on some frilly lace trim. Believe it or not, tiny little details like that will make the dress look entirely different and you will feel like you have a brand new outfit.

Accessories

Lace can be a super fun fashion accessory. Think back to Madonna circa 1985 with her 'Boy Toy' look. Remember the over sized lace hair bows? That fun look literally costs about a dollar to achieve. Want to create a pretty choker necklace? Take some lace trim in any color you choose and sew on some Velcro. You can accent the necklace with pendants, rhinestones, or anything fun you can think of. You can also make some fun bracelets out of lace to match.

Giving your clothes new life with lace is such an easy and inexpensive way to expand your wardrobe. A roll of lace can usually be found for under three dollars, and even if you aren't skilled with a sewing machine, its very easy to hand sew lace trim to just about anything. This is truly your chance to play fashion designer, and all of your friends will ask you 'Wow, where did you get THAT?'