New to You — Focus on the Details to Transform Your Fall Wardrobe

The weather is changing and as we pack away our cut-offs and pull out our cardigans, let’s take a minute to focus on clothing. Fashion trends these days usually end up being disposable but over here at Krrb, we believe in making do with what you got. Why buy new clothes when you have a closet packed full of possibilities? Here are some tips and tricks on how to revitalize your older but favorite duds in time for fall.

Ombre Dye

Don’t know what to do with those faded shirts, ties, or sweaters? Easy. Add color by dip dyeing and let the fabric do all the work. The trick is to simplify colors and patterns to avoid the summer camp tie dye of our youth.

Find out how at RitDye.com

Buttons

Changing the feel of a piece of clothing can be as quick as switching out those boring plastic buttons for something with a little more pizazz. Make a big impact on the cheap by exploring a variety of button materials like wood, brass, bone, and shell. Extra kudos if you can sew them on yourself.

Get your sewing 101 at Everydayfrugaleverydaygreen.blogspot.com

Lining

Nothing reminds us more of Winter and Autumn quite like flannel. Welcome this seasonal change by retrofitting baggy jackets or pants with a colorful and warm lining. True, this might be a bit more labor intensive than sewing on a button, but your body will thank you when the temperature starts to dip.

Check out a great how-to at Sewmamasew.com

Elbow Patches

Are holes or rips putting a damper on your beloved worn-in sweater and coats? Fear not, elbow patches are not only functional, they can be stylish as well. Stray from the professorial look and experiment with bright colors and unusual fabrics like canvas, velvet and felt.

Find out how at Ohsnail.blogspot.com

Frayed Edges

For some underrated charm, rough up the edges of handkerchiefs, pocket squares, and scarves. A little fray goes a long way.

Find more instruction at Valetmag.com

Contrast Pocket

Before there were pocket squares, there were pockets! Add some function and a pop of color to that simple shirt or pair of pants by adding a pocket in a contrasting color or pattern. We guarantee it will add some visual interest to your clothes and afford you a place to stash the cash you save by upcycling.

We’ve found DIY instructions at eHow.com

Slim Your Tie

Fashion is all about proportion and fit. And neck ties are no exception to this rule. An extra wide tie can make you look dated, but there’s no need to toss it out. A simple alteration and presto, a retro tie becomes new again. Well, new to you.

Find the how-to at Instructables.com

Contrast Shoelaces

A surprising return on investment comes in the shape of shoelaces. Ditch the boring brown laces and add some visual pop to your winter boots by tying on some neon colors. Not only will it help distinguish your shoes from the masses but it will help refresh your outfit faster than you can say rabbit ears.

Find out more at Wax-wane.com

Embroidery

Get out your grandmother’s embroidery hoop and add some stitch work flair to your fall clothes. Personalize a shirt with your monogram or sew a cute bird on a totebag, the great thing about embroidery is there are no limitations.

Check out a how-to at Aokcorral.com

Happy Hunting!

When it comes to updating your wardrobe, shop secondhand for a boat load of possibilities. The next time you go thrifting, look at shopping in a whole new way. Instead of focusing on the whole article, keep your eyes peeled for vintage fabrics and decorative accents. You’ll be amazed at how many awesome and rare materials are hiding in that half-off bin at your local thrift store. You’ll be adding the finishing touches to your personal autumn look in no time.