Last time a denim jacket was cool was some time in the 90s, probably worn by Alicia Silverstone. Soon after it became an ultimate fashion faux pas and the must-have attire of soccer moms. (Even the reign of plain blue jeans, that have been in style for years, was tested in the recent years by their skinny-cut, dyed counterparts.) In other words, the denim jacket has become so unhip, it’s hip again!
I’ve been seeing a lot of of denim on the runways and in places like Top Shop (who can say no to to this adorable floral number?). Of course this doesn’t mean you have to buy brand new. With the popularity of all things DIY, I found a way to breath new life into my old jacket and make it exciting again!
What you’ll need: a denim jacket, sewing machine, contrast fabric, latex (wall) paint.
Step 1: Find a well-fitting denim jacket. Check thriftstores – they always have plenty!
Step 2: Decide on the contrast fabric. Thick, denim-like materials work best!
Step 3: Pin fabric in place and stitch onto the collar with sewing machine.
Step 4: Cut out a fabric applique, pin, and zigzag-stitch anywhere you like. I put mine on the front but the back would be nice too!
Step 5: Paint the buttons – try lighter colors for better contrast. (Don’t forget to pin the pocket flaps up while you paint). Let dry overnight. You may go over the buttons and rub them down lightly for a cool ‘worn’ look, but it will probably happen automatically after some use.
Voila, you have a brand new jacket! Stay tuned for tips on How To Wear a Denim Jacket. :)
Deerlings: Would you wear a denim jacket?
And, before I go, a quick poll:
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That’s really a great idea. I have a lot of patches and the like just laying around because I have “I’ll do something with it one day” syndrome. This is perfect for some of them. Thanks, Doe!
Doe Deere Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Haha, the “I’ll do something with it one day” syndrome! :)))
I don’t like flowers patterns… but I may try other stuff!!! loved the idea of painting the buttons!
Doe Deere Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Yeah, you can use any pattern you like that appeals to you! Even Ninja Turtles.
Wow, that’s awesome. You’re so creative!
btw, how long have you lived in the US? You seem to know a lot about western culture.
Doe Deere Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 1:01 pm
Going to be 12 years in July. But I’ve been obsessed with American culture much longer, since I was a teenager.
I voted for multiple categories since I shop at several of those places regularly. My favorite though is definitely consignment/thrift/vintage, it’s truly like treasure hunting, you find such crazy and unique stuff, and it’s usually cheaper than going new.
Doe Deere Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Agreed! I can’t wait to hit up some flea markets this summer!
I thought denim jackets have been popular and stylish for years. Not in a tacky way, either. I’ve just always seen them. I had a great one from Gap in 2003.
Eh, call me crazy but I wouldn’t wear a denim jacket. I don’t wear anything that looks to normal or everyday, all my clothes must look like they came out of a fairytale or surreal other world!
To answer your question, I mostly find all my clothes by dumpster diving. I have found 5 corsets, Juicy Couture, wigs, latex suits, and more! When I must buy, I shop at my local thrift stores or try to find fellow artists to buy from. I like to make or customize almost everything!
Doe Deere Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Wow, I can’t believe you found all this great stuff for free! Every time you comment, it’s a surprise :D
Ariel Grimm Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 1:45 pm
Well I guess it’s one of the good things about living in a small town, people donate often and most don’t want to go through it! One of the main messages I’m trying to promote on my blog is that great style doesn’t have to cost a thing!
This is a really cool tutorial!
Lately, I’ve been getting most of my clothes from random online stores, conventions (think comic-based t-shirts), and thrift shops. :)
I also buy my clothes at New Look. Thrift stores are not so great in Rouen :(
Doe Deere Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 1:23 pm
I’ve never heard of New Look – what is it?
I love this!!!
I think I might try this, but with studs, spikes, and fringe!
Doe Deere Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Love the idea! Do you know how to attach studs though?
Erica Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Ha ha, no! But I can try to learn! Do you think it’s super hard?
Doe Deere Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 7:24 pm
That’s the thing, I still have no idea how it’s done, otherwise I’d be doing it!
Lily Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 11:07 pm
If you’re thinking of the usual pyramid studs, they usually have prongs on the back. Pierce them through fabric and bend the prongs to secure, super easy!
Hiya,
that’s a great DIY idea!
Your jacket looks more fabby than the Topshop one in my opinion.
The rose applique reminds me of a cardigan that my mum had back in the late 80s/early 90s :)
…xXx
I always want all of your clothes, i’d kill to raid your closet! i’ve been shopping at asiajam recently. i’m gonna be lazy and just buy that topshop jacket haha
I actually bought a military-style denim jacket last week, with the intention of wearing it with a super girlie, floofy white dress. Sadly, when I got it home I ended up with a bad case of “looked way better in the store” syndrome and I ended up returning it.
There are denim shorts with similar contrasting floral accents at Forever 21 right now. I’ve NEVER liked denim shorts, but the idea intrigued me and now you’ve shown me how I could make it work on something I’d actually wear.
I wanted to mention a category you didn’t put Doe – I can’t begin to tell you how many clothes I’ve nicked from my parents! Yes, mum and dad both!
My favourites are a t-shirt with an old-fashioned Tarzan cartoon printed all over, a worn, grunge looking jersey and two ruffled lace-and-silk skirts :]
I think since I’ve seen so many ladies remaking these in the boutique children’s clothing for the past several years…no, I wouldn’t wear one. ;) I’m sure you will rock yours and make it fashionable, as you usually do. :)
Besides designing my own T-shirts, I add vintage brooches to tops and sew embroidery thread in colorful designs on my jeans. When I was reading your post not too long ago about the clothes you used to put up on eBay, and now this, it really got me thinking that I would love to try more! There is suuuuch a feeling of satisfaction when you customize or make your own stuff!! I got a Bedazzler ;) as a Christmas gift and have been trying to figure out what I can do with it without looking too…Bedazzled. lol When I was 5, I cut my favorite pink dress in half because I thought it would instantly make it into a skirt and top. heehee Ohhh, how I cried when it didn’t work out. My mom couldn’t even get mad at me because it at least showed creativity.
I love how the jacket came out…very shabby chic, which I’m all about. In addition to thrift stores, I also buy a lot of my clothes from Delia’s (I refuse to believe I’m too old for juniors clothes just yet, and as long as I go in and get mistaken for a college student, I’ll milk it!!), TJ Maxx/Marshall’s, Ross, Target, and Filene’s Basement. I love a bargain and the thrill of a great find. I’m not really one to be into designer labels for the sake of wearing a designer label. And I second Annie…I love wearing my mom’s old clothes and accessories!
Doe Deere Reply:
May 19, 2010 at 10:28 am
Aww! What a heartbreaking/cute story about the pink dress! Reminds me when I tried to record my voice “over” my favorite tape – without realizing it will erase it! Ohh how I cried, haha! I didn’t yet know the joys of multi-tracking. :)
OH yes I do ! :) My denim jacket has pale-blue flowers on the back and collar with some laces
I do it myself month ago and I wear it everytime I go out ;)
Doe Deere Reply:
May 18, 2010 at 7:23 pm
That sounds really cute!
I always wear a denim jacket!
Denim jackets always make me think of truck drivers or oil rig workers. Really big tough guys. Don’t really know why :)
I would wear a denim jacket, especially one as cute as that. Definitely on my to do list.
Doe Deere Reply:
May 19, 2010 at 10:24 am
Snap a picture if you ever end up doing it :)
Haha, I have had a denim jacket for a few years! But I never wore it much because it was really small and stiff-fitting… but I might dig it out now… :D
I used to have a bunch of denim jackets. Sure there are those mom type jean jackets but there have always been a ton of other “cool” alternatives as well.
So cute! I love the combination of denim and floral. Also pastels ^_^
When I lived back home in the uk I would should at H&M and topshop, there was two other shops called new look which is a uk version on H&M and another shop called river island which is like topshop.
I would also look at local clothes markets like Camden Market in London which always had unique designs.
Living in Japan has openede a whole new fashion world for me!! I would shop everywhere if I could but I’m too tall to even fit in large sizes, long sleeved tops are three quater sleeves for me!!! Now I do most of my shopping in forever 21, having never seen this shop before it is amazing!
I love what you did with the denim jacket, you are so talented!
Doe Deere Reply:
May 19, 2010 at 10:23 am
I went to Camden Market while in London and got a really cute dress with unicorns! :)
very cute–michelle tanner!
I might wear a dark denim jacket but, for the most part, I don’t think it would fit my style anymore. I have only a few pairs of jeans- those mostly because I’m loathe to ditch anything that still has life in it- and I mostly stick to non-demin pants.
I don’t shop H&M anymore since they have yet to provide any proof they’re stopped destroying (instead of donating) unsold product. It’s completely unethical and while their stuff is cute, I can’t do it.
You didn’t leave any option for “Some other store” which is my real choice; my basics are from Old Navy and The Gap and I do a fair amount of shopping at reduced price retailers like Loehmann’s. I’m not all that brand loyal and will shop anywhere unless they do something outrageously unethical I hear about that makes me feel icky for giving them my money.
whoa, it’s way more out of date than before now!
heeey! i think you should take a look at this denim jacket, it is definetely NOT conventional!
http://www.pixiemarket.com/store/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=1705&viewIndex=1
and well, i would use any normal denim jacket but the one i just showed you with the link i would wear it on special ocassions cause it’s so pretty and different from the usual denim jacket :)
anywaaaaay … i love your blog! <3
[...] DIY’ed to perfection [...]
I have a large stack of turtleneck sweaters I got on super clearance from some department store’s website a few months ago that are just waiting to be transformed. I plan to make them into cute ruffle-edged cardigans and contrast-trim peter pan collar tops… I’m hoping I can cut the turtleneck collars or half of the long sleeves off and use that fabric to sew on matching bows and pockets. In theory it’ll be adorable!
I would get most of my clothes from Forever21 except I’m precisely one size too big to fit in most of their clothes. T^T Charlotte Russe and Wet Seal will fit me though, augmented by Old Navy and department store sales.
[...] Image shamelessly grabbed from Do Deere Blogazine [...]
i found this fantastic acid washed vintage denim jacket that was my uncles in the 80′s
i think the jacket speaks for itself so to add my own personal touch i painted the buttons with nail polish. each buttons a different neon colour and finished with sparkly gloss.
its one of my fav items in my wardrobe.
x
[...] Jacket: DIY (tutorial) [...]
[...] Jacket: DIYed [...]