There’s nothing better than getting in touch with your inner “bargainista” and shopping for the best thrift store clothes. And if you think that feels like a win, try learning how to DIY refashion your finds! What is “refashioning”, you ask? Well it’s the same thing as taking an inexpensive home decor item and hacking it into something one of kind. You add a few stitches, or a little fabric glue and some great ideas, and you have brand new clothes for a fraction of the price it would cost you retail! And, it’s not only good on your pocketbook, its good for the environment too. Upcycling cool thrift store clothes finds? Yes please! So check out these DIY clothes refashion tutorials we found, and take on one (or more!) of these projects to update your closet!
Refashion It! DIY Ideas for Thrift Store Clothes
Refashion Men’s Shirts
Can you believe this was a men’s shirt? ‘Fashion Wanderer‘ refashioned it into this cute bow detailed shift dress that was inspired by a Fendi version. So lovely! She has lots of step by step photos on how to cut out and sew this. You have to go see the before and afters!
Liz from ‘Cotton and Curls‘ is one of our fav DIY clothes bloggers, and you will see several of her tutorials featured in this post! We love this feminine ruffled sleeve top that is a men’s dress shirt refashion. Do you know how easy it is to find a quality men’s shirt at the thrift store for just a few dollars? Liz always has really easy to follow tutorials, and this one is no exception.
Another men’s shirt refashion from ‘Cotton and Curls‘, this cute summer dress or swim cover up is adorable!
Turn an oversize men’s shirt into a cute pinafore dress with this step by step tutorial from ‘Diaries of a Maker‘. You just need basic sewing skills for this one.
DIY T-Shirt Ideas
This DIY choker dress is a t-shirt refashion from ‘Trash to Couture‘. Yep, this was a t-shirt! She even has a step by step video on how to make this dress! Laura is another one of our fav DIY clothing bloggers.
This cute top is a no sew up-cycled t-shirt from ‘Mr Kate‘. If you have an iron and an hour, you can turn an ordinary tee into something really special!
This cold shoulder top is a DIY t-shirt from ‘Trash to Couture‘. Easy, fast and gorgeous thrift store clothing refashion!
Update a plain tee with this easy no sew refashion idea from ‘Fashion Wanderer‘. This takes 5 minutes! We love the little bow detail.
Upcycled Skirts and DIY Dress Ideas
Liz at ‘Cotton and Curls‘ (we told you that you would be seeing a lot of her tutorials!) refashioned a $4 thrift store dress into this adorable ruffled wrap dress! A video tutorial makes this an easy sewing project. So pretty!
This pretty eyelet dress refashion from ‘Merricks Art‘ is a simple one. This dress was perfect, except that it was too short. She shows you how to add length to a too short thrift store find. (Or maybe just one that’s been hanging in your closet?)
Sarah at ‘Our Life is Beautiful‘ took an oversized, frumpy women’s suit and turned it into this chic, fitted dress. Go check out the before and after!
Make this festival worthy DIY slip dress from a thrift store maxi. Did we mention this is a no sew refashion project! From ‘Kier Couture‘. Go check out the easy ways she styles this dress, from Boho to belted!
Learn how to make a DIY tulle skirt from a thrift store clothing find from ‘One Little Momma‘. I’m tempted to make my wedding dress into this skirt so I can keep wearing it!
Other DIY Clothes Refashioning
This eyelet lace ruffled top is a curtain valance refashion! Another genius thrift store upcycle from ‘Cotton and Curls‘. Video tutorial for this one as well.
Kimono tops are hot right now. Learn how to make a DIY kimono from a pretty scarf with ‘Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom‘! Seriously easy. And so lovely!
Frumpy thrift store clothes turned into this gorgeous split sleeve top can only be the work of ‘Cotton and Curls‘. Liz is amazing. She has inspired me to pull out my sewing machine and look through my closet and Goodwill bag. You have to go check out her whole site, and all her great DIY clothes!
Check out this sexy blazer refashion from Geneva at ‘A Pair and a Spare‘. The open back is sensual but still sophisticated. She has a video tutorial for you to walk you through this easy upcycle. She even has tips on how to choose your blazer for this project.
Also from ‘A Pair and a Spare‘, these DIY lace trimmed shorts started out as frumpy Bermudas from a thrift store. So pretty now!
You know the basket bags that are all the rage right now? Pick up a couple of rattan placemats and make your own with this tutorial from ‘Brit + Co.‘!
Finally, we have a charming and sweet tie strap top refashion from ‘One CraftDIYGirl‘. This started life as a too big, button down shirt, and now is the perfect summer top!
We hope you are checking out your thrift store clothes finds for great pieces you can refashion! We think you will also love our posts on Affordable Alternatives to Lululemon Leggings, and 16 Sexy One Piece Swimsuits for Summer!
