According to a 2013 report from consulting firm Bain & Company, DIY-able offerings speak to fickle millennial minds. “As a growing consumer force, young shoppers demand more individualized products than their older counterparts—they’re not a one-size-fits-all generation.” To both Michele and Bain & Company, we say — duh.
Gucci is far from the only fashion house that has tapped into our need for unique touches. The Marc Jacobs Spring 2016 collection was bursting with crafty patches. Vetements’ updated vintage jeans flew off the shelves thanks to subtle yet innovative angled hems and reworked pocket designs. Yes, we want our 90s minimalism — but we want an edited version. Give us an asymmetrical hem or an inventive cut-out over standard Seinfeld fare any day.
Now, for those blessed with that elusive DIY gene, more power to you. This season’s various arts-and-crafts-inspired denim trends are just begging to be reproduced at home (for a fraction of the cost). For those of you who just know you’ll rue the day you dared to wield that seam-shearing X-Acto knife yourself, however, we’ve taken out the guesswork/handiwork. Click through the slideshow below for standouts from each DIY denim category and, for the more intrepid, tips on how to personalize your own wardrobe.
[ Buy or DIY: 6 Spring Pieces You Could Probably Make Yourself ]
DIY Denim
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Frayed
Start by cutting the hem of the garment wherever you like — the messier the better. Run it through the dryer a few times to enhance your frayed edges.
Wåven Elise Overall Top, $78 at ASOS
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Frayed
AG Jeans The Phoebe, $255 at AG Jeans
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Frayed
Levi's The Black High Rise Short, $177 at Re/Done
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Pinned
Break out your old enamel pin collection or seek out the of-the-moment accessories online and get puncturing. Keep 'em clustered and remember: More is more.
Marc Jacobs Embellished Denim Jacket, $810.99 at Farfetch
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Pinned
DEERDANA Prince Pin, $18 at PINTRILL
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Pinned
Inner Decay RIP Feelings Pin, $10 at Inner Decay
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Painted
Proceeds from the sales of Rialto Jean Project support innovative art therapy programs at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Also, each pair is one of a kind, so that steep price point is more than justified, we'd say. If you want a pair of Blake Lively's blossom-covered blue jeans at a more affordable price, however, grab some boyfriend jeans, a paintbrush and the acrylic and fabric paints of your choice and summon your inner Bob Ross.
Rialto Jean Project RJP x Blank Denim Distressed Skinny Jeans, $148 at Shopbop
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Painted
Rialto Jean Project One of a Kind Hand-Painted Cherry Blossom Vintage Boyfriend Jeans, $250 at Lane Crawford
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Painted
Forever 21 Wish Dream Hope Boyfriend Jeans, $145 at Forever 21
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Deconstructed Pockets
This one's a breeze — simply grab an X-Acto knife and cut along the inner pocket seams.
Alexander Wang Frayed Striped Tank Top, $285 at Alexander Wang
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Deconstructed Pockets
Urban Renewal Remade Pocket Shift Short, $69 at Urban Outfitters
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Deconstructed Pockets
Vetements Blue Drop-Pocket High-Waisted Straight-Leg Jeans, $1,450 at Lyst
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Cut Outs
Take a razor and make a few artful slashes at the knees or thighs for a DIY destroyed denim look. Fray the slits with your fingers, if you'd like.
Topshop Moto Super Rip Bleach Mom Jean, $80 at Topshop
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Cut Outs
Or, for a more avant-garde look, remove entire sections of fabric.
Y/Project Cut-Out Trousers, $415 at Opening Ceremony
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Cut Outs
Levi's Wedgie Fit Jeans, $128 at Levi's
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Embroidered
If your needlepoint skills are up to snuff, outline your design, grab a needle and thread and go wild. (Don't forget to try on your denim before you begin drawing, so you have a sense of the 3-D effect!)
Gucci Embroidered Denim Jacket With Shearling, $4,950 at Gucci
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Embroidered
Stella McCartney Janelle Embroidered Denim Skirt, $378 at Matches Fashion
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Embroidered
Bliss and Mischief Chamomile Denim, $478 at Bliss and Mischief
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Badged
Reinforce your tired denim pieces with strategically placed patches to turn your legs into collages of coolness. Step 1: Make sure you're wearing the number while you mark where the patches will go. Step 2: Using a hot iron, lightly go over the patches until they are one with the denim. For patches of a more delicate nature (e.g., material), put a cotton shirt between the add-on and the iron to keep your accents fresh as can be.
Topshop Moto Raw Hem Badge Mom Shorts, $68 at Nordstrom
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Badged
Aries Kurt Lilly Jeans, $294 at Opening Ceremony
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Badged
Zara Shorts With Patches, $35.90 at Zara
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Patchwork
We'd advise you to leave this kind of patchwork to the professionals. It's just too involved. If you want to hop on the 70s resurgence trend, however, grab a pair of flares, measure about 8 inches on the outer seam and use fabric scissors to cut along that line. Slit hems showcase your DIY chops and your shoes.
Steve J & Yoni P Side Slits Wide Leg Cotton Denim Jeans, $405 at Luisa Via Roma
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Patchwork
Zara Slouchy Patchwork Jeans, $29.99 at Zara
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Patchwork
Victoria, Victoria Beckham Patchwork Denim Mini Dress, $470 at Net-a-Porter
