Sometimes we just have to make do with what we have instead of buying more, and sometimes, this isn’t actually such a bad thing! I’ve rounded up some of the most innovative, creative and helpful tutorials that show you how to turn ordinary items of clothing into something totally fresh and new – at a very low cost, might I add! I also rounded up some super helpful clothing hacks that I’m already benefitting from, so I know you will too!

1. Hacks and Tricks

Tucking Non-Skinny Jeans in Boots

If you’re not really the skinny jean type of gal you may be under the impression that it’s impossible to tuck in your bootcut jeans to show off your cute boots. You’re wrong! Here’s a very simple trick to make this work without that ugly bunching up.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – StyleBerry 

Stay Zipped Up

Some pants have that annoying zipper that just doesn’t zip all the way up and stay there. If you don’t want people telling you that your fly is down all day long, implement this brilliant and easy trick to save yourself from uncomfortable situations.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – WhoWhatWear

Stretch Tight Jeans

You know the drill: your nice pair of jeans seem to have gotten a little tight (it’s their fault, not yours!) and you’re not quite ready to go buy a replacement pair. The great thing about jeans is that you can actually stretch them out to fit you perfectly once again.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – WikiHow

Get Rid of Deodorant Stains

Not only are these marks pretty embarrassing but they can totally ruin your outfit! Luckily, there are two very quick and painless ways to get those stains off in within minutes without having to run home to wash or change.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – TasteStyle

Bra Strap Concealer

Some tops are cut in a way that don’t really take your bra straps into account – it may be a wide neck, an off-the-shoulder or a narrow shoulder cut. If you don’t have a good strapless bra, or simply just prefer your strapped bra, try this little trick to conceal visible straps.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – RecycledFashion

Sweater over Button-Up Shirt

One of life’s great clothing annoyances is the weird bunching up and frumpiness that comes with wearing a sweater over a button-up shirt. Love the look, hate looking weird with button outlines. I could practically feel the world shattering around me when I first saw this smoothing-out trick, so it’s about time I share it with you!

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – Franish

Double-Hangers

If you want to connect your hangers to preplan outfits or simply save some closet space, actually spending a dollar here and there on these tiny things seems a little silly. Thankfully, some genius discovered that something that is usually tossed as trash can do the very same trick at no extra cost!

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – IdeaBottle

Un-Shrink Your Clothes

It’s happened to all of us (perhaps more than others): you accidentally toss a once perfectly-fitting item of clothing in the drier and now it looks like it belongs to your daughter or little sister. Don’t despair! There’s actually a way for you to relax the fibers so that you can once again fit into your own clothes.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – OneGoodThing

Low Back, No Strap

I absolutely love backless or low-back clothing, but unless you’re happy to go braless, getting the support you need is rather tough without a visible back bra strap. I found two very helpful solutions to this problem: one is a DIY bra converter, and the other is something a little more permanent.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – ExtraPetite and Skunkboy

Easy De-Pilling

Those pills—or little fuzz balls as my friend calls them—can really ruin a beautiful item of clothing. Thankfully, though, there’s a relatively easy way to de-pill and get your clothes looking as good as new.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – Cotton&Curls

Scrunched Sleeves

Want a cool way to roll up your cuffed sleeves? Try this preppy way à la J.Crew! The scrunched sleeves add a little something different to a regular button-up shirt. This method works best with denim.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – WhoWhatWear

De-Wrinkle without an Iron

Need to get rid of wrinkles in your clothing but don’t have an iron (or just don’t feel like ironing)? Don’t despair! Here are seven no-iron methods to get rid of those pesky wrinkles and crinkles – some are quicker than others.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – TheSecretYumiverse

Stop Angora Shedding

Angora and mohair is prone to shedding, and you really don’t want this lovely material to shed and ruin everything it comes into contact with. If you have a freezer at home, you can make use of this cool little trick to stop the shedding madness.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – WikiHow

Organize Shirts and Drawers

If you make use of drawers to store you t-shirts, you may find that stacking them makes it impossible to see what’s what and you just end up with a big unorganized mess. Have a look at this how-did-I-never-think-of-this-myself method to ensure that you see exactly what you have as soon as you pull out your drawer.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – Darkroom&Dearly

Sweat Stains be Gone!

Did you know that those ugly yellow sweat stains are actually thanks to aluminum-based deodorants, not just your sweaty pits? Anyway, don’t toss your ruined white clothing just yet! Here’s a helpful way to return your items to their pristine, crisp whiteness.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – PopSugar

Draped Vest

I absolutely love these draped vests for the summertime because the flowy style is just so flattering. You can make your own in a matter of minutes with just one yard of fabric and a few clever snips. I think my cupboard will soon be full of these!

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – DIYReady

Easy Dress Makeover

Want to give your dress an edgy makeover without having to do much cutting or sewing? This quick tutorial shows you just how easy it is to achieve a whole new look with minimal effort. I just adore this unique messy pattern that absolutely anyone can achieve.

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – Sincerely,Kinsey

Comfortable Tights

No matter what your size or shape, tights (aka stockings) always seem to give absolutely anyone that dreaded muffin top. I’m not quite sure why they insist on making the waistbands to ridiculously tight, but here’s a way to combat it and actually feel comfortable again!

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – MelissaSplin

Keep those Shorts from Riding Up

When you’re sweating away during your workout, having your spandex shorts or yoga pants constantly ride up becomes a monstrous frustration and distraction. Thankfully, some absolute genius has figured out a way to help us all combat this annoyance!

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – Grosgrain

Dipped Denim

Looking for a way to spice up a pair of jeans? Here’s a really quick, easy and bold way to add a little something unique. I like this Aztec print, but let your creativity go – you can draw whatever you want!

Lifehack Source and Detailed Instructions – MintedStrawberry

Repurposing and Refashioning

From Maxi Skirt to Cute Dress

Do you have a maxi skirt that you’re just not quite as keen on as you were before? With just a few snips here and there you can turn it into a really cute and fun dress – no sewing necessary!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – KierCouture

Bow Sleeves

Breathe some new life into a plain t-shirt by giving it these adorable bow sleeves. This will only take a few minutes and all you need is a sharp pair of scissors and some washable glue. Quick and easy, yet so effective!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – CreatingLaura

Beautiful DIY Summer Dress Idea – T-Shirt Refashion

This is an absolutely gorgeous dress that you make from a t-shirt. I just love all those t-shirt refashion projects and this is a great one for summer. The tutorial is at Ruffles and Roses Crafts and it is a really easy project that you can do in less than a day. You basically just need a really large t-shirt and enough elastic to hold it at the waist. Once you’re finished, you can dress it up with any accessories that you want. How cut would this look with a leather belt and cowboy boots? If you want a really easy project for the weekend, this one is it!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – rufflesandrosescrafts

Cut-Out Shirt

I’ve been enjoying the cut-out trend thoroughly, and I just love how creative people are getting with it. This is possibly one of the most innovative DIY cut-outs that I’ve seen in a while, and the fact that it involves a button-up shirt instead of regular t-shirt or vest is just fantastic!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – PlanB

Cut Collar

A thick piece of lace of ribbon can refashion a regular t-shirt into a cute, elegant and feminine collared top if you follow this very straightforward tutorial. Oh how I love these creative upcyclers!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MicheleNg

Lace Insert

This brilliant tutorial shows you how to make a lace insert of any shape on practically any piece of clothing. It’s such a clever way to give a regular top a new exciting twist. And best of all, you can just use iron-on hem tape to skip forgo any sewing.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Mr.Kate

Old Shirt, New Skirt

Have you ever fallen in love with the pattern of a man’s shirt in a thrift store or maybe your father’s closet? Of course, the shirt is too big for you to wear, but if you really must have that fabric, here’s a way for you to turn it into a stylish skirt!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Ruffles&Roses

Embellished Collar

I’m well aware that practically no one listens to CDs anymore, but who would have thought to glue broken CD shards to a shirt collar? It’s just so crazy that it actually works! Make sure to scroll down the tutorial to get to the English instructions.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – FollowFashion

Lovely Fashion DIY Project: T-Shirt Flower Dress

This t-shirt flower dress is a must for summer fashion. The instructions are very easy and you can make one in different colors so you have something that is perfect for every occasion. This DIY fashion project comes from Stars for Streetlights and it is an adorable and fun project that you can finish in just one day and it takes just a little sewing. Imagine having one of these for all of your special spring and summer get-togethers. Moms will love making them for their little girls and because they’re so easy, they will quickly become your favorite DIY project this year.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit –starsforstreetlights

From Scarf to Skirt

If you have a pretty scarf or piece of fabric, you can easily turn it into a stunning draped miniskirt within seconds – and without ruining the fabric. The site is in Icelandic but don’t worry, the photos give you all the help you need.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Bleikt

Beautiful DIY Wrap Cardigan – Must-Have for Fall

If you love wraps and cardigans, this is the best of both worlds. Fine Craft Guild has the tutorial to make this beautiful wrap cardigan that is really easy and looks amazing. You can do one in every color that you need for those fall outfits. The cardigan can be worn in many different ways so you can fashion it however you want. You just need fabric and it takes very little cutting and sewing to turn that ordinary fabric into a beautiful wrap. You can even add snaps to make it even more versatile and give yourself more ways to wear it.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – finecraftguild

Anthro-Inspired Hip Cinched Blouse

This really cute DIY cinched blouse idea comes from Recycled Lovelies. You just need a t-shirt in any color that you want and it does take just a little sewing. All in all though, this is a very easy way to get a stylish shirt and without paying for the style. Incidentally, you don’t have to use a t-shirt. You can do this with any shirt that you want provided you have enough room to work at the bottom. Make it with a t-shirt for casual events or use something a bit more fashionable if you want a cinched blouse that is perfect for more formal events.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Anthro-Inspired Hip Cinched Blouse

DIY Summer Fashion Project - Neon T-Shirt Reconstruction

This is a fun and easy summer craft that will have you turning heads wherever you go. You just need an oversized t-shirt is a bright and fun color. Just a bit of cutting and a little sewing turns the t-shirt into a crafty dress that will look great for any casual summer get-together. The tutorial is from Can Can Dancer and it tells you every step that you need to take to make this adorable little dress. This would make a great cover-up for the beach or just wear it out on the town. It’s so cheap and easy to make that you may want one in every color.

DIY Summer Fashion Project - Neon T-Shirt Reconstruction

Lace Shorts

I love these layered lace shorts but find them to be rather expensive in stores. Instead of dishing out the dollars, you can actually just transform one of your own pairs of shorts that you may not wear so much anymore – or even just go buy a cheap, plain pair to embellish. And if you’re not such of a fan of these, try one of our 40 DIY summer shorts.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – LifeAnnStyle and ClonesNClowns

Elbow Patches

Feeling a bit bored with your long-sleeve tops? Well a simple pair of elbow patches can fix that right up! I love these adorable little hearts because they’re really easy to stich on and make such an impacting difference.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – SuperficialGirls

Easy DIY Watermark T-Shirt

Ever wondered what to do with those old dingy t-shirts? Well, now you can create your own watermark tee. This t-shirt repurposing idea comes from Life of Charmings and it is certainly charming. You just need an old t-shirt, we assume you can use any color that you want, and a few other things like Elmer’s gel glue, fabric dye and the decoration that you want to make. You can easily craft this shirt in just a couple of hours and imagine the special character tees you can make for the kids! This is the perfect craft to redo your wardrobe and get rid of those old tees at the same time.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Easy DIY Watermark T-Shirt

Fashion DIY Project - No-Sew One-Shoulder Shirt

This is a very stylish one-shoulder shirt that you can make without sewing the first stitch. This crafty DIY idea comes from Wobisobi. It starts with a plain t-shirt and quickly turns into a very sexy and becoming off the shoulder shirt that you can wear for any special occasion. Making it is very easy and the cut out ties on the side are very fashionable. Who knew that there were great uses for those old worn out t-shirts? You can make this in less than a day so if you are planning to hit the town over the weekend, get out those old shirts and make something creative!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Easy No-Sew One-Shoulder Shirt

Wrap Crop Top

With rising temperatures comes the opportunity to show off a bit of skin and wear some sexy crop tops. This one is really easy to make from a regular tank top that you can afford to sacrifice. Just scroll down to get to the English instructions.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – FollowFashion

From Bootcut to Skinny

You may have a pair of bootcut jeans that fit perfectly, but you’re just not so keen on the style anymore. Well it’s actually quite easy to turn them into skinnies with a bit of quick sewing here and there. And I just love the edginess of that exposed zipper.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Brit+Co

Crochet Side Trim

You may have a top that you really love but find that it’s just a bit too snug these days, or perhaps you just want to follow the slouchy trend; well, whatever your reasoning, adding a crochet trim to the side can give your old top a whole new look and feel.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – TrashToCouture

Necktie Necklace

Sometimes a really beautiful necktie catches your eye (perhaps you’re rummaging through your dad’s things or trawling through thrift stores) and you just wish you could somehow find a way to use that stunning fabric. Next time that happens, buy it (or nab it) and turn it into a pretty necklace!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Artstar

Tie Dye Tights

A regular pair of nylon tights can be totally transformed with some simple products you probably already have at home! I absolutely love this edgy and fun effect that makes your outfit all about the legs!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – So,IMakeStuff

Oversized Crop Tank

Most of us love to steal an old, big t-shirt from the hubby or boyfriend just to sleep or lounge around in. well, if they don’t mind you stealing one permanently, a couple of snips can turn a large men’s t-shirt into a stylish cropped and flowy tank top.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – LoveMaegan

Stencil Fun

A stencil and some fabric paint can personalize an otherwise plain or boring item of clothing. And you don’t have to be an artist, since you can just print out a design and cut it out. You can apply this to a whole lot more than just t-shirts!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – DIYReady

Safety Pin Detail

A packs of safety pins is a very cheap purchase, so if you can create something as funky as this for such a low cost – why not? All you need is a bit of patience and some time and you can display any message or image. Maybe use some chalk do draw an outline if you want some guidance throughout the process.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – 2ndFunniestThing

The One-Shoulder Shirt

I love asymmetry, so this one-shoulder top is right up my alley. Just get yourself an oversized men’s shirt and a pair of scissors to create this fabulous piece of fashion. I love the extra flair that comes with the ties on the side – it looks like large fringe!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Wobisobi

Cut-Out Dress

Do you have a skirt that’s a bit too long? Instead of simply hemming and shortening it, why not change it up completely and turn it into the perfect cut-out summer dress? This innovative little repurposing projects is definitely up there with my favorites!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – APair&ASpare

Zipper Sweater

Sometimes, all you need to give something that little something new is a neon zipper! This is supper easy to do and I like the touch of color. Also, you’re not really ripping up a whole sweater so nothing can really go wrong here.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – FashionBlog

Ombre Tights

A cool and interesting pair of tights can really give your look a fresh and funky feel, so move away from the standard black! This easy DIY ombre tutorial is so simple, and won’t take you longer than 30 minutes.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Brit+Co

Cropped Pants

If you’re feeling a bit bored of your drab stretchy long pants, it’s really easy to achieve this cute and flattering cropped style. Perfect for workouts or casual wear!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MeggiPeg

Open-Back Stripes

I really love open-back tops, or really anything that has an interesting back, so this is something I’ll definitely be trying myself. I love how the back straps perfectly align with the jersey’s strips – it really makes it look so well put together.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – TrashToCouture

Lace-Up Leggings

Release your inner rocker by giving a pair of leggings some lace-up treatment. The fun thing about this DIY is that you can extend it all the way to the bottom like this, or you can just do the thighs if you’re looking for a little more modesty; you could even use colored laces for that little something extra.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – TrashToCouture

Accessories and Shoes

Pairing Necklaces with Necklines

Not sure what type of necklace to wear with which neckline? Here’s an easy and helpful guide to the perfect pairing. Of course, nothing is set in stone and you don’t have to adhere to this like some sort of bible, but this is definitely the best guide I’ve seen so far.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – InsideOutStyle

Comic Book Shoes

This is the ultimate shoe makeover for any of you comic book fans. Personally, I’m a big Batman fan so I’ll definitely be making my own version over the weekend! You could even apply the same process with newspaper instead of comic book pages.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Instructables

Wear a Belt with Flair

A waist belt is a great way to cinch in the waist or spice up your look; I’ve never really thought of knotting or tying my belt in any way other than what I’m conventionally used to, but I have to say, some of these look really chic!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – FashionRolla

Waterproof Canvas Shoes

I love the look of canvas or other fabric shoes, but when the cold comes around, they’re rather impractical. If you want to keep your feet both dry and stylish in the rainy months you can make use of this clever little trick using a natural product.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Brit+Co

Stretch out Shoes that are too Small

We’re all guilty of this: buying shoes that are a little too snug and coming home with blisters on our feet. Thankfully, there are two very simple tricks—one using the cold and one using heat—to stretch out your shoes so that you get that sweet release and comfort that you deserve.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – BetterRemade and Coffee,Light&Sweet

How to Wear a Scarf

Most of us are set with wearing our scarves in about two or three different styles, but there is a whole world of scarf-knotting that we’re just not aware of. This master list gives you a whopping 50 ways to tie a scarf – just click on each one to get a step-by-step guide. If you like making your own, check out our list of DIY infinity scarves.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – Scarves

Peter Pan Collar

This Peter Pan-style leather collar necklace is so extremely easy to make! You can team this with practically any blouse to elevate it from drab to fab within mere seconds. Feel free to play around with colors and additional accessories or embellishments.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – LoveMaegan

Boho-ify Your Boots

Whether you want to give an old pair of boots a new boho twist, or whether you just go out and buy a cheap, plain pair, decorating them in the popular bohemian style is sheer brilliance. Not only will you be saving a pretty penny, but your pair will be completely unique.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MomSpark and Mr.Kate

Gladiator Sandals

I remain a steadfast fan of the gladiator sandal, as long as it’s more on the elegant and dainty side than it is on the bold and chunky side. It’s actually surprisingly easy to turn a plain pair of flat sandals into a gorgeous pair of gladiators; and the bonus is that you can go as high or low as you want. Just watch out for those weird tan lines!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – APair&ASpare

DIY Knotted Belt

A belt is a great way to add a little something extra to an outfit, or to help define your waist. The nautical theme and style is an absolute classic – one that I’m sure will never fade, so make your own knotted belt with this simple tutorial!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – MicheleNg

Fringe Scarf

A touch of fringe can totally change your outfit, but if you’re not completely sold on the fringe front quite yet, ease into it with this easy DIY scarf. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose that old t-shirt that you never really wear anymore.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – WalkInLove

Colored Soles

Why spend a small fortune to get colored soles à la Louboutin when you can achieve the same look at home for next to nothing? I just love this little pop of color that shines through, and I love the fact that you aren’t limited to a single color.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – FashionLush

Create the Perfect Shoes for Any Occasion with These Great DIY Shoe Clips

Those girls over at Shanty 2 Chic really know how to pull off a great DIY project. These shoe clips are absolutely wonderful. They let you turn plain old ordinary shoes into something elegant and fun. You just have to make the clips and then add them to your favorite shoes. If you have trouble finding the perfect pair of shoes on occasion, these clips will end that drama for good. You can dress up flip-flops, flats or even those sexy stilettos and always have the perfect shoes for any outfit. Easy to make and inexpensive, that’s why we love this DIY project.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit – shanty-2-chic