Fashion Clothing Summer Wardrobe D-I-Y By InStyle Editors InStyle Editors Instagram Twitter InStyle's mantra is "Everybody's in," and that means anyone who finds their way to our stories should find themselves reflected in them. We prioritize bringing the right writer to every story and sometimes collaborate as a team to ensure we're including points of view across race, gender expression, body size, skin and hair type, and more. Our editors and writers comprise decades of expertise across the beauty, fashion, lifestyle and wellness spaces in print and digital. We prioritize journalistic integrity, factual accuracy, and also having fun with every story we share. For more about our team, click here. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on April 6, 2015 Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Brian Henn Summer Wardrobe D-I-Y 01 of 36 Babydoll Dress: Supplies Brian Henn 1. Slip or nightgown2. Scissors3. Needle and thread4. Ribbon5. Lace trim6. Pins 02 of 36 Babydoll Dress: Step 1 Brian Henn Cut off the original slip hem or ruffle to the desired new length. -designs by Abigail Arbel Get the latest issue of In Style Your Look for only $1.99 with this coupon. 03 of 36 Babydoll Dress: Steps 2, 3 & 4 Brian Henn Pin trims onto the straps, neckline and underarm areas. Attach lace to new hemline by slightly overlapping the edge of the lace with the edge of the dress. Use straight pins to keep everything place. Sew down trim along the hem, straps, underarms and neckline. 04 of 36 Babydoll Dress: Step 5 Brian Henn Tie a ribbon just below the bust (along the empire seam); secure by stitching at the side seams. 05 of 36 Babydoll Dress: Finished Product Brian Henn A slip is reborn as a coquettish babydoll dress with some easy but charming additions. 06 of 36 Cropped Jacket: Supplies Brian Henn 1. Unlined trenchcoat2. Scissors3. Ruler4. Pencil5. Needle and thread 07 of 36 Cropped Jacket: Step 1 Brian Henn Try on the trench and mark where you want to make cuts on the sleeves-short sleeves work best with the new proportion-and at the waist. Draw a straight line 2 ¼ inches below the original mark at each sleeve and waist so there are three lines in total. 08 of 36 Cropped Jacket: Step 2 Brian Henn Cut along the measured lines at the sleeves and the waist. Remove belt loops if necessary. 09 of 36 Cropped Jacket: Step 3 Brian Henn Turn jacket inside out. Fold the sleeves in 1 ¼ inch and then fold the raw edge in about ¼ inch. Sew down to create a clean hem. 10 of 36 Cropped Jacket: Step 4 Brian Henn Repeat step three at the waist of the jacket by folding up the hem 1 ¼ inch and folding the raw edge under about ¼ inch and sewing down, creating a clean hem. 11 of 36 Cropped Jacket: Finished Product Brian Henn You've updated last year's staple by turning it into a modern cropped jacket. It's cute and cool for hot days. 12 of 36 Bright Mini: Supplies Brian Henn 1. Long skirt2. Scissors3. Needle and thread4. Ruler5. Pencil6. Four 4-inch strips of ribbon 13 of 36 Bright Mini: Step 1 Brian Henn Try on skirt and mark your desired length. Draw a straight line with a ruler and pencil 4 inches below your mark. 14 of 36 Bright Mini: Step 2 Brian Henn Cut along the bottom line. 15 of 36 Bright Mini: Step 3 Brian Henn Turn the skirt inside out. At the spot you marked (4 inches above the new hem), sew two ribbons onto each side seam, one on the inside and one on the outside of the skirt. 16 of 36 Bright Mini: Step 4 Brian Henn Turn skirt right side out, roll hem up; tie the ribbons to secure. To secure hem in roll formation, add a few stitches along the hem (from the underside to hide stitches). 17 of 36 Bright Mini: Finished Product Brian Henn You sharpened your old skirt by shortening it into a flirty mini with an edgy upturned hem. It's a winner with flats. 18 of 36 Trouser Shorts: Supplies Brian Henn 1. Trousers2. Scissors3. Pencil4. Ruler5. Needle and thread 19 of 36 Trouser Shorts: Step 1 Brian Henn Try on pants and mark desired length. Using a ruler and pencil draw a line 4 ¼ inches below the mark. Do the same on both legs. 20 of 36 Trouser Shorts: Step 2 Brian Henn Cut along the bottom line on both legs. 21 of 36 Trouser Shorts: Step 3 Brian Henn Turn inside out and fold cuff 4 ¼ inches. Fold raw edge under about ¼ inch and sew down fold along top. This creates a clean hem. 22 of 36 Trouser Shorts: Step 4 Brian Henn Turn pants right-side out. Fold cuffs back out and secure them by sewing a stitch at the outer and inner side seam on both legs. (Do this from the inside of the pant leg so your stitch is hidden.) 23 of 36 Trouser Shorts: Finished Product Brian Henn Now you've turned your boyfriend's khakis into a cutting-edge (and comfy) pair of shorts. Add a rope belt for a new twist. 24 of 36 Jumper Dress: Supplies Brian Henn 1. Overalls2. Scissors3. Ruler4. Pencil5. Pins6. Needle and thread 25 of 36 Jumper Dress: Step 1 Brian Henn Try on overalls and mark your desired dress length. Using a pencil and ruler, draw a straight line across the legs at your mark. 26 of 36 Jumper Dress: Step 2 Brian Henn Cut legs off at your line and save the scraps of material. 27 of 36 Jumper Dress: Step 3 Brian Henn Cut open the inseam, front seam and back seam; remove curve in the back seam. 28 of 36 Jumper Dress: Step 4 Brian Henn Cut out two triangles (from the scraps) large enough to bridge the space between the legs. 29 of 36 Jumper Dress: Step 5 Brian Henn Lay out your jumper and place the triangle, with the right side of the fabric facing you, under your pant legs filling the space between the thighs. Pin in place. Start with the front side and repeat in back. 30 of 36 Jumper Dress: Step 6 Brian Henn Sew triangles in place, including the front and back rise. Trim off any excess fabric. 31 of 36 Jumper Dress: Finished Product Brian Henn You gave those old overalls an overhaul with a little nip and tuck, creating a sweet alternative to a sundress. 32 of 36 Cropped Jeans: Supplies Brian Henn 1. Boot-cut jeans2. Scissors3. Needle and thread4. Ruler5. Pencil6. Pins 33 of 36 Cropped Jeans: Step 1 Brian Henn Try on jeans and mark desired length. Using a pencil and ruler, draw a line 1 ¼ inch below your mark. Do so on each leg. 34 of 36 Cropped Jeans: Step 2 Brian Henn Cut legs off at the bottom line. 35 of 36 Cropped Jeans: Step 3 Brian Henn Turn pants inside out and fold hem up 1 ¼ inch. Tuck raw edge under about ¼ inch and sew along the top to create a clean hem. 36 of 36 Cropped Jeans: Final Product Brian Henn For a great look, pair your newly cropped pants with metallic sandals. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit