Tuesday, January 20, 2015

5 Tips for Refashioning



If you look at your wardrobe and see clothes you love but some how they don’t look good on you any longer but you hate to give them away, try refashioning. Did you see Melissa McCarthy on the red carpet at Golden Globes? Her stylists refashioned!


If you are unsure of your skills, head to the Goodwill and buy an inexpensive skirt, dress or top for practice.  My sister bought a lovely silk sleeves top we planned on refashioning to a vest. It didn’t work but it was only out $3.00!

1. Change the hemline.
It is easier to go shorter than longer.  With a long hemline you can make it a handkerchief hemline, bias or just shorten it up. A dress can become a tunic or even a blouse.

2. Adjust the sleeve length.
Whether it is a dress or a top you can shorten a sleeve length. You can add rouching to give it some style while shortening it.


3. Mix up fabrics.
Add pockets to a skirt from a different fabric. Add a neckline trim of a contrasting fabric to a top or dress.

4. Change buttons.
Nothing refreshes an old coat then new interesting buttons. Beautiful buttons can be found anywhere from the Goodwill, fabric stores to artists’ markets.

5. Add or make a belt.
Similar to buttons, an interesting belt can add new life to an older skirt, dress or outfit. Cloth belts can get refashioned with some new material easily.

Have you tried your hand at refashioning?

6 comments:

Karen @Baking In A Tornado said...

I've not tried (other than making Halloween costumes and I know that's not what you meant), but I can't believe what a simple and fun idea this is. And there's pride involved when you've successfully changes an article of clothing too, I bet. Gotta try this!

Haralee said...

Thanks Karen. Hey Halloween is a good start!

Claudia Schmidt said...

Periodically I just go through my closet and try all my clothes on to see what goes with what.....that's my way of refashioning. I also don't know if I've ever mentioned how much I love your nightgowns for hot flashes. I have one and it's the best!

Haralee said...

That is a good way to expand your wardrobe. Thanks so much Claudia, I'm glad you like your nightgown and it is helpful!

Carolann said...

What great ideas. I have so many pieces I can be creative with...just never though to do it. Thanks much!

Haralee said...

Thanks Carolann, I wish you the best in your refashioning!