Are you looking for a way to add fashionable flair to your wardrobe while still saving money? Thrifty DIY couture offers a unique spin on bargain shopping. Plug into the thrift store scene and find out how you can revamp your wardrobe with pre-loved pieces from North America. Leave dull, outdated trends behind and make way for creativity and personal expression that can’t be replicated with store-bought clothing.
1. Scoring Big Savings with Thrifty DIY Couture
Money Talks
Sometimes the budget just doesn’t allow us to break out the Amex to spoil ourselves in designer fashion. With a little bit of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, we can still look a million bucks without touching our bank accounts. DIY Couture is the perfect way to up your style game without breaking the bank.
Reimagining what you already own
Rather than feel restricted to what’s currently in your wardrobe, why not put a spin on pieces that you already own? Treating your old clothes to a few easy DIY tricks can give life to your favourite trends with minimal effort. Even basic items can be totally transformed with just a few minor tweaks and pieces of creative flair.
Investing in classics
Sometimes splurging in the right places can reap an instant wardrobe upgrade. Investing in staple, timeless wardrobe pieces is guaranteed to serve you in the long run. But don’t break the bank just yet – hunt around the thrift stores and try to invest in quality items – leather jackets, great fitting trousers and beautiful blouses – these items can last for years if looked after properly.
On trend remixes
- Try tying a t-shirt together at the bottom to recreate an on-trend crop.
- Mix your patterns for a unique look – try a polka dot and gingham combo.
- Layer shirts, crop tops, and jackets for a super cool look.
- Try rolling up your jeans or trousers to create a great looking ankle crop.
If you still feel like your look is missing something, accessorise with cheaper pieces that look more expensive. Experiment with any mix and matches, turn old pieces of clothing into original statement pieces and give life back to forgotten pieces of clothing that have been lying in the back of your wardrobe.
2. Revamping Thrifted Apparel to Re-Invent One’s Style
Think of thrifting as the secret gold mine of style inspiration. What previously belonged to someone else, now can be taken, trashed, or modified to become your own unique sense of fashion. With a can-do attitude and few extra bucks, you can revamp your staple wardrobe pieces into trend-worthy attire.
To begin, cleaning up old garments is essential. Start by laundering any fabrics you’d like to keep. Soaking and scrubbing away stains can help create a great canvas to work with.
Here are some ways to update your thrifted clothing:
- Change the fitting – Add some darts or take it in to provide a modern cut.
- Change the fabric – Mix and match different fabrics to make an outfit unique.
- Change the silhouette – Drape, cut and sew a different shape for any piece.
- Change the details – Cut off the original details and replace with uncommon accents.
- Change the color – Dyeing is the perfect inexpensive and easy way to give a garment a second life.
Refashioning thrifted pieces is an economical way to broaden your style. So don’t be afraid to start! Color blocking is fantastic to add vibrance to an otherwise boring outfit. Adding patches and pins are also great ways to make a statement.
If getting crafty isn’t your thing, outsourcing is always the way to go. You can always hire up-and-coming fashionistas to customize pieces for you to ensure the best quality.
3. Making the Most of Local North American Thrift Stores
It doesn’t matter where you live – thrift stores are a great way to save money while still finding items that match with your personalized style. North America is no exception! Here are some key principles to help you make the most of your thrift store visits.
1. Look Twice
When you see something you think you might like, don’t just glance and move on. Look it over carefully to make sure it’ll really work for you. There is no rush, so take your time and make sure you’re comfortable with the fit, condition, and overall look and feel of whatever item you select!
2. Ask Questions
- Is the fabric or material in good condition? Is it a thick or flimsy material?
- Are all buttons, zippers, and snaps in place and in good condition?
- What occasions is this item suited for (casual, semi-formal, formal, etc)?
More often than not, the staff at thrift stores will know a lot about the items they sell. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. They’re there to help and will be more than happy to provide more insight on what you’re looking at.
3. Be Open-Minded
Chances are, you’ll come across some items that don’t look exactly like what you set out to find. It’s important to try on different styles and sizes to see what looks good and feels good. Be open to trying different styles – you may just find something you love.
4. Have Fun
Shopping at thrift stores can be overwhelming. Remember to take your time, look around, and have some fun! Instead of focusing on what you’re supposed to find, take a more relaxed approach and enjoy the process. Who knows – you might just discover a unique item that wouldn’t normally catch your eye.
4. Stepping Outside the Box with Upcycled Clothing
Thinking outside the box is one of the best methods for finding unique items and style ideas. Upcycling is one of the best ways to get creative and add unique elements to your wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for vintage pieces or one-of-a-kind statement pieces, upcycling is a great way to get creative.
Maximizing Resources
By upcycling, you’re allowing yourself to give new life to an old item rather than throw it away or buy something new. This sustainable method of clothing creation is both planet friendly and wallet friendly; the perfect combination for stylish fashionistas. Depending on the supplies you have on hand, the possibilities of upcycling are endless.
Look for Inspiration
Get inspired from the classic upcycling techniques of turning old T-shirts into skirts or dresses, an old pair of jeans into shorts, or long sleeve tops into cropped pieces. If you’re feeling crafty or ambitious, head to the ceremony and purchase vintage clothing and turn it into something crafty and unique. You could even use a combination of vintage elements and modern materials to create entirely new looks.
Get Creative with Textiles
Exciting opportunities exist with textiles and upcycling techniques. Think about combining clothing pieces from your closet, or complimentary colors, materials, or textiles to create unique looks. Rearrange the buttons, add fringes or frills, use trims or use upholstery fabric to line a dress or jacket.
- Experiment and play around fabric dye
- Customize with applique or embroidery
- Deconstruct pieces for an edgy look
- Add patches to a jacket or handbag
Have Fun and Be Creative
The most important thing to remember is to have fun and be creative. Don’t be afraid to try something different and step outside of what you might normally do with clothing. You don’t have to limit yourself to clothing either; upcycling is the perfect opportunity to bring new life to worn out accessories and jewelry as well.
Thrift stores are a great source of affordable fashion and furniture. North Americans are becoming increasingly creative in reimagining thrifted finds and finding new uses for them in a fun and thrifty way. The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to thrift-inspired DIY couture — so dive right in and relinquish your inner fashionista!
