By Shayla Parker, Arts/Digital Editor
Whether it be the result of makeovers, an identity crisis, or just plain boredom, many have taken to fashion as a means of coping with self isolation. Redefining, or simply tweaking, your style might be the refresher you’re missing to stay sane.
However, such a task is an investment and can get pricey quick. With that being said, the following list is a compilation of ways to alter the clothes that you already own to match your ideal aesthetic.
Safety Pins
Other than a jean jacket adorned with pins and patches, this may be the simplest way to give your clothing a nice edge. While there has been a spike in safety pin fashion on TikTok, it has punk origins and should not be confused with the eboy/egirl phenomenon. All that’s needed to commit to this are some safety pins. Simply place the pins wherever you see fit on your clothes. If you’re feeling more on the risqué side and want to show some skin, instead of just throwing safety pins on, cut the clothes and put the pins to use.
Crop your shirt
Everyone has that one shirt they couldn’t resist buying even though it never fit quite right. After putting it to use a couple of times, it now just sits in the back of the closet due to its sheer awkwardness, but you still can’t give it up. So here’s a quick solution- crop your shirt. Adjust it to fit the way you want. This doesn’t necessarily mean going to the full extent of a crop top, but rather cutting the shirt to whatever length pleases you. Scissors are practically the solution to any clothing annoyance— although it’s not advised to do so with silt or knit. To make the shirt even more interesting, instead of cutting a straight edge, try doing a fringe effect.
Paint your jeans
As paint isn’t exactly a household item (especially fabric paint), this is for those who consider themselves more on the artistic side. That is not to say, however, that you must be the next Vincent van Gogh to do this. Making the switch is rather simple, just purchase some paint online. Art can be literally anything; let your creativity take over your denim. Wearing your own art is definitely next level.
Acid Wash & Tie Dye
Either one will certainly spunk up what once might have been a pretty simple outfit. You’ll need rubber bands for both. Simply take whichever old article of clothing that is going to play victim, bunch it up, and secure with the rubber bands. Here’s where the two effects part ways: with acid wash you will submerge or spray your clothes with bleach, and for tie dye you will place the clothes in your desired color of dye instead. There’s an abundance of tutorials and specific instructions on the Internet. Make sure to look further into it if this option seems appealing to you.
DIY Merchandise
Whether it’s because you cannot find merch for your favorite artist or that the existing merch is too expensive, making your own is always a rad alternative. There’s really no limits when it comes to methods for this. However, here are some suggestions to get started: sharpies, paint, threading, and iron on print. Let your vision for the merch dictate which route you go. As far as the actual merch goes, you can use the artist’s logo, band name, song title, album, or even lyrics as inspiration.
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