10 Ideas To Get New Clothes Without Spending Money
Clothes are constantly going in and out of style and continually pouring money into trends for seasons gets to be expensive. There are so many cute trends out there that you may feel behind on the times. No worries, we have you covered with 10 ideas that will transform your closet without spending a penny.
1. Repurpose Old Jeans Into Shorts
Jeans that are too tight on your thighs, too short at the bottom, or just don’t seem right as jeans can easily be transformed into shorts. First grab a ruler and chalk, marking a slight line diagonally (1-2 inches) across the pant leg. Cutting straight across will make the cut less flattering. Making sure the legs are symmetrical, cut the amount of length you want off with fabric scissors. If the raw cut look is what you’re going for, rub the loose denim fibers with sandpaper to fray the hem. This will create a worn, distressed look. If not, hop behind that sewing machine. Fold up around a 1 ½ and stretch the leg as you sew the neat hem. Bam. Brand new jean shorts.
2. Turn T-shirts Or Sweaters Into A Scarf
Have any t-shirts laying around that you don’t wear anymore? Transform old t-shirts into a scarf that will catch everyone’s eye! You’ll never find a scarf quite like this in stores. Look for shirts with a unique pattern, texture, or graphic design you want to stand out. Using a ruler and chalk, make a line right under the armpits and right above the bottom hem. Then, using fabric scissors, cut the t-shirt right on the lines made by the chalk. This creates an instant infinity scarf. Follow the same guidelines with an old sweater for a thicker material scarf. If you want a fringe scarf, measure with a ruler 5 inches up from the bottom, marking the material with either chalk or tape, and cut 1-inch wide strips. In order to create the desired fringe effect, hold the shirt down above the strips and pull on each strip until is curls. Then try on the scarf and boom! A brand-new scarf!
3. Turn Old White T-shirt Into A Tie Dye Success
Look through your closet for any stained, worn out, or old white t-shirts you just don’t see yourself wearing anymore. You’ll need to grab dye, rubber bands, rubber gloves, a bucket of warm water, plastic bags, and soda ash. Dissolve the soda ash in the bucket of water, which will help the dye stay on the fabric of the shirt. Let your shirt soak in the bucket of water for approximately 20 minutes. Reminder that a wet t-shirt will make the dye travel further and faster across the shirt, so if you want the color to stay put, dye the shirt while it’s dry. Then bundle your shirt in whatever pattern you want using rubber bands. Using the desired colors of dyes, dye your shirt with a light drizzle for a lighter color or saturating the shirt for a deeper color. To preserve the color and let the dye set, wrap the shirt up in a plastic bag. Then set it aside for 5 hours to let the color set in. After 5 hours, rinse out the dye wearing rubber gloves. Unwrap the shirt as you rinse it out to remove excess dye. Wash your shirt in the washing machine, set on cold water, and use very little detergent if any to ensure dye won’t transfer to the inside of the washing machine. Then after the cycle, move your shirt to the drying machine. When your shirt is dry, you have your finalized product!
4. Add Lace To Your Dress For A Brand New Look
Adding lace is a fun way to lengthen or add some design to a plain dress. If your dress is too short or you want some flare at the bottom of the dress, add some lace to the hem. Start by lay the dress out, making sure the skirt of the dress is very flat. Make sure you gather enough lace and the kind of lace you want. Then fold the lace in half and line it up at the bottom of the skirt where you’ll be attaching it. Pin it in place and sew. When you have sewn the lace all the way around the skirt, pin the end pieces of lace together and sew them. This will add length to a short dress or more flare!
5. Borrow Clothes
This sounds too easy right? A no brainer? Swap out clothes with a friend that you’re both tired of to refresh your closet! Maybe you always liked her blue top and she liked your pink skirt, exchange them to update your closet. Doesn’t cost a thing and you’ll both be happy.
6. Turn A Long Sleeve Shirt Into A Wrap Skirt
This one is so simple; you’ll be amazed you didn’t already think of it. Slip your legs into the neck of the shirt and slide it up to your hips. Then tie the sleeves around the front and tie a cute bow. Easy!
7. Turn A Scarf Into A Flowy Skirt
For this, use a slip underneath so if the scarf is see-through, you’re covered. Make sure you find a long enough scarf. Place a stretched-out piece of elastic around your waist where you want the skirt to hang from. Then tuck the fabric of the scarf into the elastic all the way around your waist. If you want to close the slit, overlap the fabric or use safety pins to secure a closing.
8. Make Your Long Baggy Flannel Shirt Your New Dress
Have an over-sized flannel that you just aren’t getting much use out of? Skip the leggings or jeans and try it on as a dress! For a stylish statement add a belt. Pair with a cute pair of boots or heels and you’re ready to go!
9. Transform Your Old Button Down Into A Tank Top
If you have a button down that may have the arms not fit right or just needs updated, cut off the sleeves to make it a stylish new tank top. To really ramp it up, take the bottom and tie it. This will give it an edgier look.
10. Sweater Sleeves Make Super Cute Sweater Socks
If you have an old sweater you don’t get much use out of, repurpose those bad boys for some cute socks you won’t want to take off. Using fabric scissors, cut off the sleeves of the sweater evenly. Turn the sleeves inside out and flip them so the shoulder will be where your knee is. Mark the cuff of the sleeve where the curve of your toe is and sew the end of the sleeve shut. Take two strips of elastic, flip the shoulders of the sleeve over the elastic and sew the seam at the end of the elastic. Simple sweater socks!
