Things To Do With Your Clothes That Don't Require a PhD in DIY

{Insert_Witty_Username_Here} is a fashion genius! Get ready for some awesome tips...—Sparkitors

We all want cute, new clothes for winter. And if you’re like me, you spend a hefty portion of your day gazing at gorgeous and inaccessible outfits. But alas, we Sparklers are poor and can’t drive to the nearest thrift store. So here are a few quick ways to augment your wardrobe without leaving the house or spending a penny:
1. New Knee Socks: Do you have a pile of useless, too-small tights from when you were six? Or any undesirable tights at all? All you need is a pair of scissors to get a bunch of schoolgirl-chic, cutesy, perfect-for-winter knee socks. Cut the tights at the desired length (I suggest trying them on to get it right) and enjoy! Don’t worry about the slightly ragged hem, it’ll look cool and add texture.

2. Safety pins! Use them to get a super-cool punk look. The great thing about this kind of clothing is that most of it came from a bunch of broke teenagers looking for a way to express themselves. Sound like anyone you know? String together safety pins to make bracelets, necklaces, headbands and earrings. Line them all up like buttons to fasten sweaters or jackets. For the truly daring, pin them onto any kind of clothing, like studs. This looks especially cool on plaid—a kind of nod to grunge and Alexander McQueen.

3. Go digging through your family’s wardrobe. Yes, older sisters have cool stuff, but if all you’ve got are parents or brothers, you can still find awesome things. Check out your mom’s old wardrobe—if she’s kept anything from when she was a teen, it’s probably awesome. Also, she’ll probably let you have it since most forty-somethings don’t dress the same way they did when they were twenty. Your dad’s old flannel button downs, belts, sweaters, and t-shirts will look cute and oversized on you; just pair them with something more feminine and/or fitted. Your little sister’s plastic jewelry and gigantic bows are adorable with more mature, edgy pieces. And finally, your little brother is a great source of shrunken blazers (that he was forced to wear to a wedding) and button downs (ditto).

4. Make a new purse! Got any old pants that no longer fit? Cut out the back pocket, then attach a chain to the corners and you have a purse! These look cool in denim, but I think they’re even better and less obviously pockets in patterns, colors, and fancy fabrics. Be prepared to hear the phrase “OMG that’s a pocket? How did you do it?” Also, they’re crazy-easy to make.

5. Sassy was an awesome teen magazine in the 90’s. It was also the source of the infamous “Sassy Pillowcase Dress.” Now, here’s my advice—unless you are 4’8” and hipless, don’t even try to make it a dress. It works much better as a top. Simply cut out two armholes and a neck hole on the closed side (it should basically look like the average tank top) and enjoy! I recommend using a colorful/patterned pillow; something off-white and slightly drool-stained just looks like, well, a pillowcase. I made mine in a loud floral watercolor print.

There you have it, my fellow broke fashionistas—a simple guide to some cool new stuff that doesn't require any fancy sewing or money spending!

Are you going to try any of these awesome tips? Do you have any DIY fashion suggestions?

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