Here are some inexpensive, DIY hacks for you to do to level up your existing wardrobe. All of these products can be found on Guzzle, South Africa’s leading catalogue directory for retail stores:
1. Acid wash your denim
Give your old jeans a new stylish flare by acid washing them. Acid washing is a process of using a bleaching agent to partially bleach denim to give it an edgy, faded and worn out appearance.
To acid wash your denim clothes at home, simply the relevant item, submerge it in a bucket filled with about 2,5 litres of cold water and 1,5 litres of bleach and turn it every 20 minutes.
Hint: For an amazing acid wash patterns tie handfuls of denim together it with rubber bands.
You should start seeing the colour fade from the denim. It’s up to you how long you leave your denim in the bleach as it depends on the look you’re trying to achieve. Make sure you wear rubber gloves and a mask as bleach is a strong chemical that can be harmful to your health. Also, try to ensure that you are working in a well ventilated area.
2. Tie dye your old white shirts
Tie dye was a popular fashion trend amongst hippies in the 60s and as we know, fashion trends always make a comeback.
Instead of throwing out your old white shirts or using them as a skroplap, why not repurpose them by adding a bit of colour to them?
All you need are a plastic covering, rubber bands, powder dye, soda ash, squeeze bottles and a bucket. Start by setting up your workstation by covering the floor and table in plastic to prevent the dye from causing damage (it’s better to work far away from carpets and furniture).
Soak your shirt in soda ash mixed with water, prepare the dyes as per the instructions on the box, tie up the shirt using rubber bands to form dye patterns, and then spray/squirt the dye on the shirt as you wish. It’s better to use a squeeze bottle to soak the shirt in dye. To layer your colours, make sure you apply lighter ones first.
When you’re done, wrap the shirt in a plastic bag for 4 to 6 hours to keep it moist and help the dye set. Rinse out the dye with cold water, wash it and dry it. Once that’s all done, you’re good to go!
3. Rip your jeans
Ripped jeans are stylish and have been on trend for what seems like forever. Spice up your lackluster jeans with a razor by ripping horizontal cuts across each leg. It’s up to you how many rips you want to make. Be careful not to cut yourself!
4. Make your own crop top
Do you have an old shirt that you’re just not fond of anymore? Cut it in half to make your own DIY crop top. Nothing says I‘m stylish like showing a little midriff!
Crop tops are the types of clothing that will never go out of style. And although times have changed, crop tops were considered gender neutral back in the day. So fellas, if you feel like being the trendsetter that makes crop tops a popular fashion trend for men again, go ahead.
5. Add studs to your clothes and shoes
If your clothes and shoes are looking a little too plain, you should consider adding some studs to them. You can buy studs with metal backs, which make them easy to clip onto clothing and shoes. Or, you can opt for glueable studs.
It’s an easy and affordable way to add more bling to your personal style.
Be sure to check out Guzzle for deals on any the items listed above to keep your closet looking stylish.
