Before you head to the mall for that new summer trend, take a second look at the back of your closet. You may not wear those forgotten duds now, but a few simple modifications could keep them from going to waste and give you that fresh summer look you crave. For all the inspiration you need to get started, here are 10 creative DIY ideas to help you save money, reduce clothing waste, and stay in style all summer.
1. Baggy tee to swimsuit cover-up
We all have a few T-shirts in the closet that just don’t fit. But more often than not, all it takes is a pair of scissors and some patience to give them a new lease on life. Blogger Laura Doty will show you how to rescue one of your baggy, rarely-worn tees to create a cute side-tie cover-up that’s perfect for beach days. Get step-by-step instructions on how to make one yourself at Creating Laura.
2. DIY Reuse Tank Top
Andrea’s Choice, a YouTuber, shares several easy how-tos for remaking old clothes into new summer fashion. Check out her ideas for making tube tops and reusing old leggings into shorts and a top.
3. Lengthen shrunken skirts with lace
Summer is the season for skirts and sundresses, but most of us have at least one in the closet that fell victim to dryer shrinkage. With this creative project from Alyssa of Elemental Carbon, you can let your shrunken skirts see the light of day again while keeping your modesty intact. Head to Elemental Carbon for step-by-step instructions on how to reclaim those fallen fashions.
4. Rescue scuffed shoes with paint
Looking to rescue a pair of flats that had seen better days? Blogger Sarah Zisa got crafty with some acrylic paint for a brand new look. Get step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself at While They Snooze.
5. Spice up a boring tee with potatoes
Plain white tees always seem to go unworn. But thanks to this creative project from Kelly Lanza of Studio DIY, you can change all that with a touch of paint and some potatoes. Learn how to use potato printing to make a cool DIY “confetti shirt” at Studio DIY.
6. Create a monokini from a bikini
Monokinis are all the rage, but you don’t have to buy new to rock one on your next beach trip. With some sewing skills, you can transform last season’s bikini into something fabulous with help from Creative Fashion Blog.
7. Turn two T-shirts into a dress
Believe it or not, this cute DIY summer dress is actually made from two T-shirts. You’ll need some basic sewing skills and a step-by-step tutorial from Trinkets in Bloom.
8. Worn-out leggings to bandeau top
Rescue unwanted leggings from the bottom of your drawer and turn them into a bandeau top with step-by-step instructions from Skunkboy.
9. Dip-dye tribal shorts from old jeans
Get the tribal print look for less by dip-dyeing unwanted jeans. Learn how to make them at Prudence & Austere.
10. T-shirt to racerback tank
Make those old graphic T-shirts disappear with this DIY project for a racerback tank perfect for summer. Learn how at Kitchen Table Scraps.
Editor’s Note: Originally published on July 23, 2013, this article was updated in May 2024.
