Creative DIY Summer Fashion Ideas

You know that feeling when you’re head-over-heels in love with the It accessory of summer, but aren’t so keen on the steep ticket price? Same, girl, SAME. But that’s where we put our foot down. Starting now, allow your summer mantra to be: See it, want it, make it. We don’t care if you’re a master seamstress or a beginner pattern maker - all it takes is a little imagination and you’ll be in the running for the prestigious title of Miss DIY Queen. Keep scrolling for many stylish do-it-yourself projects (everything from a vacay-bound clutch to those ubiquitous pom-pom sandals) that’ll get you noticed by the pool.

DIY Pom-Pom Shirt: We’re smitten with this whimsical pom-pom shirt for obvious reasons (ahem, dem poms!)

DIY Tassel Mule Sandals: Millennial pink mules of yesterday, you’ve been replaced. Take your obsession with tassels to the next level with these cha-cha-ready mules that may cause a spontaneous dance party.

DIY Watermelon Floppy Hat: Sorry, not sorry, but this working gal doesn’t have the funds for one of Eugenia Kim’s celeb-approved embroidered straw hats

DIY Tie Strap Upcycle Top: Playful shoulder ties are still having a moment - as are circus tent stripes - and now we’ve got a DIYable version to hold you down for the rest of summer.

DIY Lace-Up Swimsuit: Hautest swimsuit of summer ‘17 on a dime? Right this way. Get in on the season’s swipe-right-worthy lace-up trend a la this fun DIY swimsuit

DIY Vacay-Bound Straw Clutch: Beach, puh-lease. Decide on a catchy phrase and this statement-making straw clutch can be all yours.

DIY Painted Ice Cream Sprinkles Shoes: Sprinkles on top, please. From Coney Island adventures to National Ice Cream Month celebrations (oh yeah, we’re already a step ahead of you)

DIY Jungle-Inspired Shorts: Maybe you’re heading to Bora Bora, or perhaps it’s the Florida Keys for you

DIY Summer Shift Dress: Who would’ve guessed this Montauk-bound striped shift served a past life as a tablecloth? Not us. It just goes to show what a little upcycling can do - use another dress as the base pattern and follow the steps accordingly for your own summertime frock.

DIY Fruit Pocket Tees:  Lemme tell you - these hand-painted pineapple and strawberry pocket tees are the real MVP of summer fashion (AKA, you’ll reach for ’em every. Single. Day.).

DIY Lace-Up Pom-Pom Sandals: Well, hello, made-for-cruising-along-the-boardwalk pom-pom-strewn sandals. These repurposed lace-up steppers can be done in an afternoon’s work - all you’ll need is an assortment of poms and wood beads, and voila