One of the most pivotal parts of your vacation happens before you even begin the boarding process; packing your bags. our summer vacation wardrobe can determine how comfortable, or even how confidant, you feel while spending a little down-time in your favorite sunny destination. Here are 5 DIY styles for your summer vacation that will help you feel as cool as you look.
Summer means lots of skirts and flowing accessories. What better time to try out a few bohemian rhapsodies? Patchwork is back in a big way, and just one patchwork piece can add a lot of mellow vibes to your look.
The best part about patchwork is that you can use many fabrics to create a unique look every time. Use calico prints for a soft fresh vibe, or even cut up your old Star Wars sheets for a funky look. Sew a small heart-shaped patch on your jeans to add a playful vibe. Even if you don't consider yourself of the 'hippie' persuasion, patchwork is definitely a look you should have in your closet.
Get into the hippie spirit with these fast and easy projects:
Cargo Capris in khaki colors can look adventurous or playful, depending on the top you match them up with. Go with a t-shirt for the casual look that Jessica Alba sports them in, or dress them up with a button-down blouse. Whether you prefer hiking in the woods or a theme park this season, ditch the purse and leave it up to these handy pocketed Capris.
Make your own Capri's from pants...More »
Here's a quick fact: jeans were first used by miners in early America to combat harsh working conditions. With a hearty history like that, how could we cast our worn friends aside?
Repairing jeans is a great opportunity to breathe new style into your wardrobe. Try patches in any shape but square. Cutting shapes like hearts and stars will give your look some character, but be sure to match these with tops that don't clash. Neutral patches in browns and blacks go with everything.
Old jeans frayed at the bottom and the knees? Hem them up to a capri length. When your jeans are beyond repair, they can still be cut and used in lots of projects that call for the denim look, like a booty bag.
Jeans are so versatile that there’s no need to part with a pair when they’ve lingered past ‘pants mode’. Turn them out, turn them up, put ‘em back on.
Now that spring is in full swing, it's time to put away those cozy winter numbers and break out your breezy favorites. One way to increase your spring wardrobe is to convert some of your fall skirts into shorter, spring skirts.
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When you are changing the length of a skirt, the most important step is to measure correctly before you cut. If you measure too high or low, you won't be happy with the results. Keep modesty in mind when shortening your skirt, too. Ask yourself if you would be comfortable wearing it on a daily basis. If you go too short, you may be left with a skirt that is only decent to wear to the pool or beach.
Learn how to change the length of your skirt with these easy step-by-step instructions.
Skin safety is always an issue at the beach or pool, but covering up shouldn't distract from your natural hotness. Show off your new suit while you hit the snack bar with this lacy knit cover-up. It leaves something to the imagination while letting your suit & skin peek through. Our Guide to Knitting will show you how to make this new addition to your DIY Fashion closet.
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Regina Spektor sings, 'Summer in the city...means cleavage, cleavage cleavage...'.
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With temperatures rising, necklines are dropping. Around the office, I can't help but notice that scoop necks are scooping up more than a light breeze. On the home front, a friend of mine recently bought a shirt that prevents her from bending down to tie her shoes. I admire those with the confidence to flaunt it, but family picnics and office meetings may require a quick cover-up to hide the girls.
Since I can't resist the barrage of low-cut numbers on the racks this season, I've made a few wraps that will help keep me in line with the dress code until I can cut loose from the crowd. Try making a wrap out of a short-sleeved button-down shirt so that you have options when it comes to wearing your skimpy numbers.
Hemp necklaces and tie-dye are symbols of summer, right along with ice cream trucks and tan lines. These examples of summer style will put you in the laid-back frame of mind that is perfect for part-time jobs and beach excursions. The best part is that they're fun to make with a group of buds.
Throw your own tie dye and hemp crafting party, and remember to keep this affair casual.
1. Stitch Some Boho Hippie Looks
Summer means lots of skirts and flowing accessories. What better time to try out a few bohemian rhapsodies? Patchwork is back in a big way, and just one patchwork piece can add a lot of mellow vibes to your look.
The best part about patchwork is that you can use many fabrics to create a unique look every time. Use calico prints for a soft fresh vibe, or even cut up your old Star Wars sheets for a funky look. Sew a small heart-shaped patch on your jeans to add a playful vibe. Even if you don't consider yourself of the 'hippie' persuasion, patchwork is definitely a look you should have in your closet.
Get into the hippie spirit with these fast and easy projects:
- What is 'Hippie' Patchwork Clothing?
- Make a Simple Patchwork Skirt
- Make an Apron Top
- Make a Pair of Bead Bottom Pants
2. Turn Pants into Capris
Cargo Capris in khaki colors can look adventurous or playful, depending on the top you match them up with. Go with a t-shirt for the casual look that Jessica Alba sports them in, or dress them up with a button-down blouse. Whether you prefer hiking in the woods or a theme park this season, ditch the purse and leave it up to these handy pocketed Capris.
Make your own Capri's from pants...More »
3. Upcycle those Winter Jeans
Here's a quick fact: jeans were first used by miners in early America to combat harsh working conditions. With a hearty history like that, how could we cast our worn friends aside?
Repairing jeans is a great opportunity to breathe new style into your wardrobe. Try patches in any shape but square. Cutting shapes like hearts and stars will give your look some character, but be sure to match these with tops that don't clash. Neutral patches in browns and blacks go with everything.
Old jeans frayed at the bottom and the knees? Hem them up to a capri length. When your jeans are beyond repair, they can still be cut and used in lots of projects that call for the denim look, like a booty bag.
Jeans are so versatile that there’s no need to part with a pair when they’ve lingered past ‘pants mode’. Turn them out, turn them up, put ‘em back on.
- Easy Ways to Refresh Your Old Jeans:
- Make a 'booty bag' out of the bottom of your jeans.
- 5 Ways to Turn Jeans into a Skirt
- Turn Jeans into Cut-Offs that Look Great
4. Change Up Those Skirts
Now that spring is in full swing, it's time to put away those cozy winter numbers and break out your breezy favorites. One way to increase your spring wardrobe is to convert some of your fall skirts into shorter, spring skirts.
Â
When you are changing the length of a skirt, the most important step is to measure correctly before you cut. If you measure too high or low, you won't be happy with the results. Keep modesty in mind when shortening your skirt, too. Ask yourself if you would be comfortable wearing it on a daily basis. If you go too short, you may be left with a skirt that is only decent to wear to the pool or beach.
Learn how to change the length of your skirt with these easy step-by-step instructions.
5. Knit a Bikini Cover-Up
Skin safety is always an issue at the beach or pool, but covering up shouldn't distract from your natural hotness. Show off your new suit while you hit the snack bar with this lacy knit cover-up. It leaves something to the imagination while letting your suit & skin peek through. Our Guide to Knitting will show you how to make this new addition to your DIY Fashion closet.
Â
- This project is for beginners.Get the free pattern to knit this slip.
6. Create an Easy Summer Wrap from a Button-Down Shirt
Regina Spektor sings, 'Summer in the city...means cleavage, cleavage cleavage...'.
Â
With temperatures rising, necklines are dropping. Around the office, I can't help but notice that scoop necks are scooping up more than a light breeze. On the home front, a friend of mine recently bought a shirt that prevents her from bending down to tie her shoes. I admire those with the confidence to flaunt it, but family picnics and office meetings may require a quick cover-up to hide the girls.
Since I can't resist the barrage of low-cut numbers on the racks this season, I've made a few wraps that will help keep me in line with the dress code until I can cut loose from the crowd. Try making a wrap out of a short-sleeved button-down shirt so that you have options when it comes to wearing your skimpy numbers.
- Make a Wrap Out of a Button-Down Shirt
- Have a low-neck nightmare to share? Tell us about it in the chat forum.
7. Hemp, the Hot Summer Favorite
Hemp necklaces and tie-dye are symbols of summer, right along with ice cream trucks and tan lines. These examples of summer style will put you in the laid-back frame of mind that is perfect for part-time jobs and beach excursions. The best part is that they're fun to make with a group of buds.
Throw your own tie dye and hemp crafting party, and remember to keep this affair casual.