You don’t need to go out and spend a fortune each season on new items to fill your wardrobe… with a little imagination and creativity you can revamp items to inject new treasures into your wardrobe!
According to an environmental report put out by The Australian Government, Australian’s acquire an average of 27 kilograms of new clothing per person, and discard around 23 kilograms of clothing to landfill each year. That statistic is pretty scary!!
There are many ways that you can revamp your items to look completely different. As seasons change, sometimes our personal style does too. Revamping clothing items can help your wardrobe adapt to your current style. I am going to go through the different items in your wardrobe and give you some clever ideas. Well, I hope that you think they are clever. LOL!
- Cardigans and jumpers
There are so many ways to revamp a cardigan. You can:
- sew on patches or bows
- embroider cute designs
- dye it another colour
- sew trim, ribbon or fringe on the wrist, opening or hemline
- change the buttons
- or even sew fabric or elbow patches (maybe even to match another piece of clothing you own or make).
2. T-shirts and blouses
T-shirts are a really easy and versatile piece of clothing with so many options to revamp!
- sew on patches, attach studs, bows or pieces of fabric
- dye it another colour or even try tie dye
- stencilling and iron transfers
- embroider a fantastic image, or all over if you are clever!
- crop the length
- cut the sleeves for a sleeveless look or attach new sleeves (big puffy chiffon sleeves are quite trendy!)
- cut lines along the back for a strip effect
- cut the shoulders to create an off the shoulder or one shoulder look
- sew trim or lace on the hemline
- add collars or a pocket to create a new style (such as the peter pan collar look)
- add eyelets on the back to create a corset effect
- cut out shapes and add lace backing for a peek-a-boo effect
- change the buttons
3. Skirts
Skirts are a really easy piece of clothing to modify.
- crop the hemline for a midi or mini length
- adjust the fitting from a circle skirt to a fitted pencil skirt
- lengthen the hemline with different fabric
- sew on patches, attach studs, bows or pieces of fabric
- dye it another colour
- add trim to the hemline for a cool effect!
- add tulle or wear a petticoat to give it a 1950s vibe
- modify into a dress – adding a bustier/top or tightening the elastic to your chest
4. Pants
There aren’t as many options when it comes to pants, but you can still find some creative ways to modify them.
- crop the hemline or even crop into shorts
- tighten the fit
- dye it another colour
- add trim to the hemline or down the seams
- sew on patches, attach studs, bows or pieces of fabrics (this looks especially cool on the pockets or cuffs of pants!)
5. Jeans
Denim is quite versatile, so there are quite a few options when it comes to revamping.
- dye it another colour or tie dye
- stencil, paint, sew or embroider images
- sew on patches, attach studs, bows or pieces of fabrics (as with pants, this looks especially cool on the pockets or cuffs)
- crop the hemline to capri length or even shorts!
- sew or source a matching denim jacket for an 1980s double denim vibe (you can even match them further with matching fabric sewn on)
6. Jackets and coats
Depending on the fabric, jackets and coats can have the same revamping methods mentioned.
- dye it another colour
- embroider, paint, sew or stencil an image
- add trim to the hemline or down the seams
- sew on patches, attach studs, bows, or pieces of fabrics (on pockets or the collar)
- changing the sleeve length or fabric
- modifying the collar
- change the buttons
7. Dresses
- crop the hemline or alter the shape/fit
- dye it another colour
- modify into a matching skirt and top
- attach eyelets to the back to create a corset effect
- embroider, paint, sew or stencil an image
- add trim to the hemline
- sew on patches, attach studs, bows or pieces of fabrics
- add or modify the pockets, collar or sleeves
8. Suit
- shorten or lengthen the sleeves or length of the pants or skirt
- change the buttons
- add trim to the hemline or seams
- dye it another colour
- embroider, paint, sew or stencil an image
- sew on patches, attach studs, bows or pieces of fabrics
- add or modify the pockets, collar or sleeves
- modify the jacket into a top or pants into a skirt
I have revamped so many things in my wardrobe. Here are a couple examples of things I have one:
Good luck with revamping your wardrobe! I hope I helped inspire you with some creative ideas. If there are some clothes that you are getting rid of, then please make sure you give it to the charity bins…. as one persons trash is another persons treasure.
Back Soon…..
Ridiculously Retro Xx
Ridiculously Retro 