Dressing with style does not have to be an expensive proposition. In fact, many homespun styles are far preferable to mass-produced apparel as they allow you to express your special style and make a statement all your own. If you want to stay on the hip side of teen fashion, but don’t want to clad yourself in ready-to-wear garments, consider putting your creative edge to work and making your own duds.
Funkify Your Own Graphic T-Shirts
Graphic T-shirts are a staple of many teens’ wardrobes. With a graphic T-shirt, you can make a statement, standard for a cause or even inject some humor into your wardrobe. While there are a plethora of graphic T-shirts available for purchase, creating your own T-shirt allows you to express yourself. To create your own tee, buy a plain top and funk it up. Create a design on the computer and print it, in mirror image, onto an iron-on T-shirt transfer. You can also purchase iron-on patches or lettering and place them on the top to create your desired effect. Wear your one-of-a-kind T-shirt proudly, declaring your opinions and showing off your design abilities.
Crop Up Those Jeans
Even your favorite jeans can get tiresome after while. Instead of tossing your tried and true blues aside, breath new life into them by cropping them to create cut-offs or capris. Either leave the ends tattered, or turn them under and hem them to create a finished look to your garment.
Revamp a Thrift Store Find
Thrift stores are often filled with treasures. To add some inexpensive and original pieces to your wardrobe, visit your area thrift store and purchase some pieces that catch your eye. Once you get home, revamp the duds. Turn a dress into a skirt by cutting off the bodice and adding an elastic waist. Make a bold-printed top into a fun mini by cutting the fabric apart and repurposing it to create your skirt.
Customize Your Kicks
Make a pair of shoes that screams you. Buy a set of solid-colored canvas sneakers and an assortment of bold permanent markers. Sit down with your inexpensive footwear, and add your personal flair by using the makers to create patterns, draw images or write phrases on the shoes. These eye-catching shoes will set you apart from the rest and clearly convey your creativity and style.
Rock an Original Bag
Adding an accessory to an outfit can completely change your look. Craft your own outfit-altering accessory by creating an original bag. Visit your area fabric store and scour the racks for a print that expresses your inner self. Turn this into a simple bag by cutting it into rectangles and sewing three sides together. Make the look more polished by adding a lining in a complementary color. If you want to turn your bag project into a true work of art, buy a pattern and follow the carefully written instructions to produce a high-quality final product.
Photo Credit
- Jeans image by Francis Bourgouin from Fotolia.com
