Summer Wardrobe D-I-Y

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Babydoll Dress: Supplies

Brian Henn

1. Slip or nightgown
2. Scissors
3. Needle and thread
4. Ribbon
5. Lace trim
6. Pins

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Babydoll Dress: Step 1

Brian Henn

Cut off the original slip hem or ruffle to the desired new length.

-designs by Abigail Arbel

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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.

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Babydoll Dress: Step 5

Brian Henn

Tie a ribbon just below the bust (along the empire seam); secure by stitching at the side seams.

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Babydoll Dress: Finished Product

Brian Henn

A slip is reborn as a coquettish babydoll dress with some easy but charming additions.

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Cropped Jacket: Supplies

Brian Henn

1. Unlined trenchcoat
2. Scissors
3. Ruler
4. Pencil
5. Needle and thread

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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.

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Cropped Jacket: Step 2

Brian Henn

Cut along the measured lines at the sleeves and the waist. Remove belt loops if necessary.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Bright Mini: Supplies

Brian Henn

1. Long skirt
2. Scissors
3. Needle and thread
4. Ruler
5. Pencil
6. Four 4-inch strips of ribbon

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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.

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Bright Mini: Step 2

Brian Henn

Cut along the bottom line.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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Trouser Shorts: Supplies

Brian Henn

1. Trousers
2. Scissors
3. Pencil
4. Ruler
5. Needle and thread

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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.

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Trouser Shorts: Step 2

Brian Henn

Cut along the bottom line on both legs.

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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.

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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.)

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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.

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Jumper Dress: Supplies

Brian Henn

1. Overalls
2. Scissors
3. Ruler
4. Pencil
5. Pins
6. Needle and thread

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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.

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Jumper Dress: Step 2

Brian Henn

Cut legs off at your line and save the scraps of material.

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Jumper Dress: Step 3

Brian Henn

Cut open the inseam, front seam and back seam; remove curve in the back seam.

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Jumper Dress: Step 4

Brian Henn

Cut out two triangles (from the scraps) large enough to bridge the space between the legs.

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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.

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Jumper Dress: Step 6

Brian Henn

Sew triangles in place, including the front and back rise. Trim off any excess fabric.

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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.

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Cropped Jeans: Supplies

Brian Henn

1. Boot-cut jeans
2. Scissors
3. Needle and thread
4. Ruler
5. Pencil
6. Pins

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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.

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Cropped Jeans: Step 2

Brian Henn

Cut legs off at the bottom line.

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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.

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Cropped Jeans: Final Product

Brian Henn

For a great look, pair your newly cropped pants with metallic sandals.

Replay gallery

Summer Wardrobe D-I-Y

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Babydoll Dress: Supplies

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Babydoll Dress: Step 1

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Babydoll Dress: Steps 2, 3 & 4

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Babydoll Dress: Step 5

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Babydoll Dress: Finished Product

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Cropped Jacket: Supplies

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Cropped Jacket: Step 1

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Cropped Jacket: Step 2

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Cropped Jacket: Step 3

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Cropped Jacket: Step 4

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Cropped Jacket: Finished Product

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Bright Mini: Supplies

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Bright Mini: Step 1

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Bright Mini: Step 2

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Bright Mini: Step 3

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Bright Mini: Step 4

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Bright Mini: Finished Product

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Trouser Shorts: Supplies

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Trouser Shorts: Step 1

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Trouser Shorts: Step 2

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Trouser Shorts: Step 3

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Trouser Shorts: Step 4

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Trouser Shorts: Finished Product

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Jumper Dress: Supplies

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Jumper Dress: Step 1

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Jumper Dress: Step 2

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Jumper Dress: Step 3

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Jumper Dress: Step 4

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Jumper Dress: Step 5

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Jumper Dress: Step 6

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Jumper Dress: Finished Product

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Cropped Jeans: Supplies

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Cropped Jeans: Step 1

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Cropped Jeans: Step 2

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Cropped Jeans: Step 3

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Cropped Jeans: Final Product

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