5 Easy DIY Clothing Hacks to Freshen Your Wardrobe

Give clothes you already have a much-needed face lift with these simple DIY's.

This time spent at home has proven to be a total DIY renaissance. Never before have we witnessed such an influx of homemade breads, newly woven baskets, and self hair-trimming on our feeds. It seems that everyone is leaning into developing new skills and being super proud to let others know "hey this was actually not so hard after all." Call it bragging (I'm looking at you, banana bread) or call it community, either way, there is something in the air. Fashion simply refuses to be left out of this movement, and with good reason! There are so many ways to take an existing piece in your closet, exert just a little effort, and make a huge impact. It's like, next-level shopping your closet. We asked 5 DIY'ers to show us the way.

@brittanyxavier's DIY Cardigan Twin-Set

brittany xavier diy

(Image credit: Brittany Xavier)

Global style influencer Brittany Xavier has turned her DIY hacks into content, debuting this twin-set hack on her TikTok account early into quarantine. "It's been cool to experiment, to upstyle and re-shop my closet. I especially love this DIY idea because of its little waste of fabric," says Xavier. Swipe through to see it in action:

How to Make Brittany's Twin-Set

@trynabstudios' Girly Gym Socks

trynabstudios diy

(Image credit: Leslie Gomez)

Leslie Gomez, founder of Tryna B Studios, started altering vintage garments to give them more contemporary cuts in order to fit her petite frame. Her upcycled creations have gained popularity in the insta-sphere who can't get enough of her reworked versions of '90s sportswear staples such as Polo Sport and Tommy Hilfiger sweats and Coogi-esque sweaters she makes into sets. Gomez shares a much easier DIY to up your sock game during this time. After all, socks are the new shoes these days.

@patchyalater's Customized Cut-Offs

patchyalater diy

(Image credit: Meaghan Mena)

Meaghan Mena, the owner and patch designer of Patch Ya Later, has mastered the art of patches. Her vintage-inspired designs are the nostalgic touch for the summer we all could use right now. We love patches as an easy way to make something your own and her latest customizable designs will take your personalization up a notch. Once you've got your adornments together, pour yourself a glass of wine and have yourself a little patch party.

How to Make Meaghan's Shorts

@a.shirt.story's Sparkly Army Jacket

ashirtstory diy

(Image credit: Sasha Iglehart)

Sasha Iglehart, former fashion editor at GlamourElle, and Harper's Bazaar, started A Shirt Story by customizing gently worn mens shirting sourced from thrift stores. By replacing the hum-drum buttons with sparkly ones and chopping off the collars and hems, she's given new life to shirts that would have been otherwise overlooked, or even worse, discarded. Here, she shows us how you can do the same by breathing new life into an old army jacket with these simple swaps.

@trashtocouture's Scarf Halter Top

trashtocouture diy

(Image credit: Laura Pifer)

Laura Pifer started her blog Trash to Couture in an effort to show others that so many fashion items can easily be made at home, not mass-produced. From polished homemade espadrilles to impressive interchangeable bag straps, she proves that DIY projects can look just as good as manufactured pieces. In an easy 5-minute hack, she reworks a chunky chain necklace and a silk scarf into a throw-on-and-go summer top.

Julia Gall

Julia Gall is the former Style Director at Marie Claire, covering all things fashion, as well as styling tips, wardrobe upkeep and sustainability. Check her out at @juliasgall.