*Originally published in 2020; edited in 2025*
During the pandemic, clothing has become more of an afterthought. Instead of creative outfits that bring out our personalities, we are now putting on random casual attire that is comfortable as we spend our days mostly indoors. Despite the lockdown, we can still be fashionable without spending too much and with minimal effort. Are you ready to be the next fashionista? Try out these amazing tips:
1. Redesign existing clothing
Do you have a sewing machine, needles, and a variety of colourful threads at home? If not, order these tools online and get ready to add new designs on a simple t-shirt or pants. If you own any clothing in need of repair, fear not! You can simply mend the tear with the magic of fabric tools and techniques.
Here’s a video on how to mend a tear on a shirt.
A sewing kit you can try is the Yarwo Sewing Machine Carrying Case.
Once you become an expert at sewing, the options for creating new clothing designs are endless. Feel free to use your creativity and imagination to redesign a plain t-shirt into the most detailed staple piece of your wardrobe.
An added perk is that you’re not only getting a new hobby but also helping the environment since clothing production is the second biggest carbon-emitting industry in the world. By altering the clothes you own already, you’ll buy fewer new ones and reduce emissions.
Related article: The Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion: What Can You Change To Be More Sustainable?
2. Match different clothes and do photoshoots
You can try mixing and matching different clothes and accessories to create a stylish look. For the visual people who love colour and patterns, a good hobby for you to try is styling. Look through your wardrobe and try on different combinations. Pick up a fashion magazine or search online to learn more about new and upcoming fashion trends. Try to find a new style that fits your personality.
After you’re satisfied with your outfit, do a little photoshoot and post your photos on social media. With some practice and dedication, you can build up a following and even become an influencer!
3. Make fashion illustrations and design your own clothing
Are you artistic and tech-savvy? If so, try drawing some outfits of your own! Fashion designers often use sketchbooks to visualize their ideas on paper before making any clothes.
Before you get started, learn about the techniques and theories behind fashion illustration. You can find this information online. Check out this video with a bunch of tips for fashion illustrators.
Once you have mastered the foundations of fashion illustration, you will be able to showcase your clothing ideas effectively. Now, you can design your first collection. Remember to use different colours, silhouettes, and outfits to showcase your creative vision to the world.
Conclusion: Anyone Can Be a Fashionista
Regardless of your skills and background, you can be fashionable in your daily life and even break into the fashion industry. If you are a technical or hands-on person, you may enjoy sewing and altering clothes. For the visual learners who have a good understanding of patterns and colours, styling may be an interesting option. For the artistic ones or budding designers, fashion illustration is the perfect way to develop clothing ideas.
