DIY These Trendy Spring Fashions for Less $

It’s time to spring forward, and this year, fashion is taking a vacation. The prevailing theme this spring is that of wayfaring excursions that lead to Caribbean discovery. Pants have been cropped to allow freedom of movement through the tropical wilderness, skirts have donned a traditional Martinique flair, and the colorful island birds have lent their rich palette to every stitch.

But you don’t need to have friends in high places to go on this stylish expedition. We’ll show you how to create each of these hot spring/summer trends with easy DIY fashion methods suitable for even the most novice of adventurers.

Seaside Shirtdresses

image

This spring marks the definitive return of the shirtdress. This style transforms the button-down boyfriend shirt to add length and shape for a breezy look that can be worn until the end of summer. Rebecca Minkoff, Charlotte Ronson, and Chanel (pictured) sent shirtdresses down the runway for spring 2015, but you won’t need to set foot inside a boutique to get the look.

Turning a button-down into a dress can be as easy as borrowing your dude’s office best and pairing with a braided belt. For a more finished look, hem the sleeves to a three-quarter length on the arm, and then knot the sleeve material to create an obi-style belt. Need a stylish dress in a pinch? Go the no-sew route by tying the sleeves of a long men’s shirt to create a fitted women’s look.

Believe it or Not… Culottes

image

For those of us that grew up in the 80’s, the curious word “culottes” does not sound like a fruity cocktail. These wide-legged capris were popular in the age of Pac-Man, and came back for an encore just last year. If you bought a pair last season, hang on to them; culottes are here to stay for spring 2015. Stella McCartney showed more than a few pairs of culottes on the London spring runway, including this pair, which retails for $1,100. But I think we can get you this loose island look for less with a few DIY tricks.

Create your own culottes without Stella’s price tag by hemming up a pair of loose-fit pants. For a flowing culottes look, Letitia of ‘lookunderhere’ shows us how in this DIY culottes video tutorial. If you want a more vintage, fitted look, start from scratch with the fabric of your choice and a pair of sweatpants as a guide. Jocelina shows us how in her culottes sewing tutorial that is suitable for beginners.

Sunshine on our Shoulders

image

One of the most Caribbean looks that spring 2015 has to offer is the absolute exposed shoulder. We’ve been leading up to this look in past seasons, with peek-a-boo shoulders and over-sized necklines. This year, however, the style has taken on its true Barbados form. Ralph Lauren was a particularly avid fan of the exposed shoulder on spring runways, with this top now selling for $1695. But you don’t have to scrape together a small fortune for a closet full of off-the-shoulder bliss.


For a show of skin on both sides, Kirsten Nunez of Studs and Pearls shows us how to turn a regular cotton shirt into this spring’s hot off-the-shoulder look. This toga dress tutorial from Michele Ng removes the right shoulder to imitate Ralph Lauren’s look with just a few cuts and stitches. Even those new to sewing can follow this infinity dress tutorial from See Kate Create. Depending on how you wear this dress, you can incorporate the off-the-shoulder spring look, and even follow the new obi belt trend. Don’t want to sew a stitch? You can actually fold an oversized t-shirt to create sleeveless look.

Shoes Suitable for a Trek

image

If designers are dressing us to chop through jungles and dance our hearts out by the beach this season, then the shoes certainly need to be up to the task. Flats of all kinds have come forward to offer our feet the casual respite and adventurous spirit that the fashion gods have blessed upon us this season. These Valentino sandals appeared on the Spring Fashion Week runway in Paris, and are now on sale for the low-low price of just $1,245. Um, let’s look at a few ways to make our own flats look fab.

Following this spring’s spirit of comfortable elegance, try to make your shoes more comfortable with these easy tips. To make your own flats from scratch, try Katja’s full moccasin tutorial, or Manic Pixie’s video tutorial that transforms a bike tire and a yoga mat into your favorite new flip-flops. If you have a bit of crochet know-how, you can easily turn plastic grocery backs into a pair of dainty slip-ons with this crochet sandal pattern from Cindy at My Recycled Bags.

Let Yahoo Makers inspire you every day! Join us on Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest.