By Kerry Rushnak
Columnist
Students are constantly looking to dress stylish, cool and trendy, whether they are walking to class, meeting up with friends or venturing off-campus. If you’re looking to impress your peers, just look to the back of your closet for clothes that you normally ignore — they are begging to be upcycled. Not only will you look amazing and save money, but the environment will also be catching a break, as the production of fast fashion harms our planet. Utilizing the clothes you already have will prove to be beneficial for all.
Crop tops
Vintage cropped t-shirts are one of today’s biggest trends. Whether you own your own oversized tee or have to steal one from your dad, almost everyone has a cozy t-shirt on hand. Start by trying the shirt on and marking where you are most comfortable cropping it. From here, lay the shirt flat on the ground and cut straight across at the marking you made. Viola! Pair it with high waisted jeans or leggings and you have a trendy new outfit.
Embroidery
Do you want to put a distinctive twist on your clothes? Give embroidery a try. Grab a pair of old jeans to start and focus on a specific section, such as the front thigh or back pockets. Embroidery has been around for centuries, so there are plenty of resources to learn the trade. YouTube has tutorials on specific designs and can equip you with the skills to make your own creation. Consider trying flowers, butterflies and bumblebees for the upcoming spring season.
Tie dye
Tie-dyed sweatshirts and sweatpants are all the hype right now. Instead of buying a brand new set, take out your favorite plain sweatshirt or sweatpants. If your clothing is black or a dark color, you can use bleach to create a white tie dye look. If you are using light clothing, pick your favorite color dye, and you’re ready to start. You’ll want to work in a shower or tub to avoid creating a mess. First, wrap the garment around itself, creating a spiral effect. Then, use six rubber bands to keep this shape in place. Grab your bleach or dye and add color, alternating in the sections created by the rubber bands. Leave it to dry for six to eight hours and give it a wash, then enjoy your brand new sweatshirt or sweatpants.
