How To Upgrade Old Clothes
6 Tips for Upgrading Your Old Clothes
“I have nothing to wear!”
We’ve all had those days when we stare at our closets and think these five words. If you feel like it’s time for a wardrobe refresh, you might be tempted to buy all new items. But did you know there are many easy ways to upgrade your old clothes, without having to spend much money at all? Embellishing, altering, and accessorizing the wardrobe you already have can be fun and affordable. It’s also more sustainable and eco-friendly than buying new clothes entirely and feeding into the fast fashion cycle.
At Zaza of Canada, we have a variety of buttons and one-of-a-kind jewelry that can help you take your style to the next level. So, we’ve compiled a list of ideas and tips that will help you upgrade your old clothes. With our advice, you’ll never have to think “I have nothing to wear” again!
Do you have an old maxi dress or evening gown that you never wear? Sometimes, we’ll hang on to our old dresses for nostalgia’s sake, but we won’t have the right occasion to wear them again. By hemming a long dress into a mini dress, you’ll have a new piece of clothing that feels more casual, versatile, and great for warmer seasons. Alternatively, you can make a skirt or dress longer by adding a ruffle to the bottom. For a more subtle change, try adding a fun piece of ribbon or lace to the hem. Shortening the hem length is also a way to upgrade an old coat into a new cropped style. While these methods of upgrading require some sewing, they’re fairly simple changes to make. In fact, they’re so simple that a sewing machine isn’t even necessary if you’re comfortable with sewing by hand.
This is the easiest option on the list, because no sewing is required. Sometimes it’s easy to forget how a simple accessory can change an entire outfit. For example, to elevate a plain black dress, you can throw on a bold statement necklace or a pair of dangly earrings. Or, you can try stacking bracelets and chunky rings with an old silk blouse. Hair accessories, like hats, scarves, and pins, are also other easy ways for achieving effortless style. Every time you try out a different combination of jewelry, you’ll have an entirely new look, even if your clothes are the same. Feel free to get creative with it, too – there’s no limit when it comes to experimenting with accessories!
Looking for a place to start? Zaza of Canada has all sorts of unique and vintage jewelry, from large brooches to stylish hair pins.
This is another choice that doesn’t require sewing. Whether you’re adding a patch to the back pocket of your jeans, ironing a flower on to the pocket of a t-shirt, or adding some ribbon to the hem of your pants, there are plenty of great iron-on options that can breathe new life into your old clothes. If you’d like, you can sew on top of the iron-ons to add an extra layer of reinforcement, but this isn’t necessary if you’re looking for a quick fix.
Cropping your tops is an especially great option for the warmer months. Maybe you have an oversized sweatshirt or a flowy men’s button-down. By taking away some fabric, you can create something with a new and stylish silhouette. Even dresses can be turned into tops – and evening dresses make an especially great choice for a fancy top.
Swapping out the buttons on your coat or blouse is another way to make an old piece feel new again. This works for both statement buttons and more simple sewing buttons. If you’re looking for statement options, our Bohemian glass buttons come in a variety of styles, colors, and shapes, and the intricate designs offer a beautiful and unique way to upgrade your clothes. Alternatively, sewing small buttons along the hem or collar of a shirt can add a more delicate embellishment. For something more flashy, you can bedazzle a purse, shoes, or belt with rhinestone buttons. These simple touches are affordable, and they also offer a lot of room for creativity and experimentation. If you’re not already crafty, they’re an easy way to get started making, mending, and designing your own clothes.
Jeans are the perfect choice for craft projects because they offer a large blank slate to work with. Maybe you’d like to pick up some fabric paint and cover your jeans in your own unique design. Or maybe you have a talent for embroidery and want to embellish with some zig zags, polkadots, or flowers using a needle and thread. Other options for refreshing jeans include iron-ons, patches, rhinestones, and tassels or ribbons for the hems. Of course, you can always crop them in to a pair of new shorts as well, or even a pair of billowy culottes. Getting creative with your old jeans is always a fun project and can help make them feel more up-to-date.
If you’re ready to upgrade your old clothes, our selection of one-of-a-kind jewelry, Bohemian glass buttons, sewing buttons, rhinestone buttons, and other accessories are a great place to start. Plus, our vintage inventory is highly unique, so your style sure to stand out wherever you go. We’re excited to help you on your wardrobe refresh journey!
