Let me introduce you to a few easy ways to reinvent your jeans. As a mom, the reality is my fashion choices have changed. It’s okay that I no longer rock sky-high heels and can’t fit into my old leather leggings, but I still want to look cool. And while embellished or distressed denim is definitely hot right now, I would much rather have fun reinventing an old pair of my own jeans (or a new cheap pair that’s plain!) than paying up for a trend that may or may not still be in style in a year.
Changing up your jeans is also a fun activity you can do with the kids. Any little scraps you have left over from the more complicated projects, like the DIY jean skirt in this round-up, can go toward outfitting dolls or be used as cool art materials. I love to do projects and crafts at home, so breaking out an old pair of jeans that need a facelift and getting dirty is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with the kids — or even by myself!
Looking for some easy ways to change up your look? Here are some very cool ways reinvent your jeans.
10 Ways To Transform Your Jeans
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Create fringe hems.
Jeans with a fringe hem show off your former wild child with a laid back vibe. You can buy a pair (like these) for $100 or more, or you can doctor up some of your own by stitching a straight line across the fringe area, cutting into small strips, and running them through the dryer.
Photo: Instagram
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Add some embroidery.
I am obsessed with words, and especially love message tees and other ironic clothing that shows my personality. This jean makeover does just that with an embroidery hoop and a little creativity. This is not your grandma's needlepoint!
Photo: Honestly WTF
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Embellish with poms.
I love pom poms, and so does my daughter. This is a fun project to do on both your kids' jeans and your own. All you'll need is pom pom trim from a fabric or craft store, scissors, a needle, and thread.
Photo: DIY Fun Tips -
Have fun with tassels.
These are so eye-catching and cool, I feel like wearing them would shave about 10 years off my perceived age. At least in my head, anyway! This DIY shows you how to do every step including making your own tassels, but you can also buy those on Etsy.
Photo: Studio DIY -
Tie dye them.
Traditional tie dye is never going out of style, but this alternative method is just as cool-looking and even easier to do. It's another fun project you can attempt with the kids -- and try it on tees or leggings, too!
Photo: YouTube -
Cut them off.
Classic cut off shorts are another all-time favorite of mine, and yes, moms can totally pull these off. I like mine super-short, but the look works in a more modest length, too. These are easy to create when you don't have all day to mess around with them.
Photo: The Zoe Report -
Bleach them.
Got a pair you love, but the color's just too dark? It turns out lightening them up is pretty simple. I bet this would look pretty cool on black jeans to turn them gray as well. Just wouldn't want to break out the bleach until nap time, in my house anyway!
Photo: YouTube -
Make a jean skirt.
A denim skirt is the perfect answer to the question, "How to look presentable today without trying?" and a million other nagging mommy fashion queries.
If you have a pair of jeans lying around that are too big and no longer fit, this is a great way to make them wearable again. If buying new ones to convert, go up a couple of sizes.
Photo: Cotton and Curls
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Distress them.
I basically live in distressed jeans, but sometimes it's hard to find a new pair that's done in an organic, non-cheesy way. Also, there's something cathartic about the process of doing this yourself.
Photo: The Every Girl -
Paint them.
There are a ton of different options for painting your jeans, and YouTube and Pinterest are both filled with ideas. My personal favorite is to use a stencil and some pretty colors and get to work.
Also try splatter paint, spray paint, custom painted lettering, or freeform. There are no rules here, so just have fun!
Photo: Cut Out and Keep
