How to Update Old Spring Shorts

Reinvigorating your closet instead of buying new clothes is a great way to help your wardrobe budget go a little further. As an essential part of your spring wardrobe, you can update your old shorts with just a few simple alterations. With the help of basic sewing skills and your local fabric shop, you can breathe new life into an ensemble from seasons past.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric dye
• Needle
• Thread
• Sewing machine

1. Change the color of your old shorts by using fabric dye. Materials like cotton and some synthetics accept dye readily, making a successful color switch an easy thing to do.

2. Look for updated buttons at your local fabric store. Decorative buttons applied to the cuffs and pockets of a pair of shorts can change their entire look from hum-drum to stylish.

3. Alter the hem length of your shorts to update them for wear this season. After leafing through a few fashion magazines, determine this season's desirable length and re-do the hem of your old shorts either shorter or longer, if there's enough hem to let down, in order to match the trend.

4. Pick one trendy item such as a blouse or jacket to update your shorts ensemble. Pairing old shorts with a new piece of clothing can quickly change the overall appearance of the outfit. You can get a trendy new look without shelling out the cash for the entire ensemble.

5. Mix it up by pairing different shoes with your shorts. With looks from high espadrilles with shorts to ballet flats with capris, you can create a whole new look by simply swapping an old shoe silhouette for an updated one.

6. Dress up a pair of shorts from last season with this season's hot belt. Whether it's a chain belt around loose pallazos or a wide above-the-waist look, you can achieve the season's hottest looks by adding just one new accessory.

7. Update an old pair of jean shorts by creating a new skirt for spring. Simply remove the inseam and top stitch the front and back panels together to create a cute, short jean skirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't throw away your worn-out jeans and pants from last spring. If the seams are sturdy and there is wear left in the seat, you can convert them into a stylish pair of shorts by cutting and hemming them to the desired length.
• Don't use a bleach bath to lighten your old shorts. Bleach may damage the fibers of the fabric and result in splitting and tears. It is better to dye your shorts a shade or two darker instead.