Updating Used Clothing

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

16 Jul 2008 09:07 AM

Cutting back on your expenses can mean buying your clothing used or reusing what you already have. One of the issues with previously owned clothing is that it can sometimes be dated and old fashioned, or reflect a trend that has past. Whether you have outdated children's clothing or adult clothing, you can turn it around and spare the expense. Here is how you can update those old styles.

Removal Method

Many older clothing styles, especially of the 70s and 80s, are defined by their accessories, sleeves, collars, etc. The basic part of the clothing often remains classic. For men's pointy shirts, for example, if the quality is good (and it often is with used clothing, since it has survived time), the collar will be in two parts. Simply remove the outer collar, and you will be left with a "Chinese-style" collar.

If you have any of those designer jeans from the 70s that have embroidered pockets, or any item with outdated embroidery, simply pick it out from the reverse side of the item. You can do this while watching television or talking on the phone (with a headset). All it takes is either a needle or a small, sharp knife. Take off fancy lace trim and collars and cuffs to make a basic dress that can go anywhere. You might be surprised by how a dress can be transformed by this method.

Do you have a sweater with some decorative buttons or beads that are half missing? Simply remove all of the other buttons or beads. Remove other forms of outdated trim, such as sequins, ribbon or rick rack. Suede jackets with leather fringe are a sure sign of a past fashion. Simply cut off the fridge, and you might find that the jacket looks current.

For puff sleeves, try cutting them off of a shirt and see if the shirt looks good with just the remaining straps. Or cut the whole part of the sleeves and collar off and make spaghetti straps for a summer shirt or dress.

Try experimenting. You never know what new thing you might discover.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. Starting June 1st, don't miss her articles in the Baby Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.

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Frugal Upscale Clothing

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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Tashi (1013) 16 Jul 2008 04:53 PM

Snip out those shoulder pads from blouses, shirts, and jackets, and you no longer get mistaken for someone from the NFL. :-) I despise shoulder pads. The drape of the fabric may change when you cut the pads out, but it shouldn't be too bad. I've never had a problem modifying my clothes this way. There are tons of books at the library on how to update/re-use/modify clothing. I also like cutting up old unusable t-shirts, twisting and tying the ends, and using them for doggie tug-of-war toys.

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 17 Jul 2008 05:29 AM

Ah, those old 80s shoulder pads, yes!