Have you ever done a final outfit check before heading out and felt like something was missing? You may have forgotten to do one thing: accessorize. Not only do accessories add the finishing touch to your finished OOTD or outfit of the day, but they also bring out your amazing personal style. And our favorite way to let our personality shine is through DIY accessories!
It may be convenient to just drive to the nearest mall and buy your accessories, but DIY is also a great option. Here are some reasons why we think DIY accessories are the best.
Why we love DIY
Bespoke accessories for less
When you make your own accessories instead of buying them from retail establishments, you get to save more money while creating one-of-a-kind items made to your liking. Some may think that anything tailor-made will cost a fortune, but through DIY, you can customize your look at a fraction of the price.
Relaxing hobby to ease your mind and soul
Crafting is a great way to relax and release stress. When you concentrate on a task at hand, like knitting or weaving, for example, you can clear your mind of external threats. Crafting is also an enjoyable way to practice patience and deftness. When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, you can try taking on a DIY project to help you concentrate and calm your mind.
Let your creativity shine through
DIY is not only affordable and relaxing; it also cultivates creativity. Anyone who gives personalizing accessories a try will surely appreciate the work they’ve put into creating the products. DIY accessories are wearable works of art made for you by you.
Whether you’re putting together an outfit for a nice day out or an evening event, DIY accessories can help you look more put together and let your personality show even more.
DIY Accessories to Perfect Your OOTD
Fabric Headband
Best for: A picnic outfit or a casual look for a party with friends
Fabric headbands are an easy way to complete your outfit and keep your hair in place as you enjoy the day’s festivities. These simple items are all it takes to create your own headband:
- Cotton fabric (choose any pattern you want!)
- ½” or ¾” wide elastic
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Thread
- Sewing needle
Classy hair clips
Best for: Formal events (think prom or a black tie-event!) or preppy looks
Classic-looking hair clips are the perfect finishing touch for an elegant evening or preppy look. You can’t really go wrong with pearl hair clips or barrettes. You only really need 3 things to make your own DIY pearl hair accessories.
- 3mm x 5mm pearl beads (you can use bigger pearls for a more statement look)
- snap hair clip or barrette
- glue gun
Wire and bead rings
Best for: couple rings or a date night look
There’s something sentimental about jewelry, particularly rings. Engagement or promise rings can be bought or DIYed; both are just as romantic. You can also complete your date night look by using a precious bead that looks like it was custom-made for your outfit. DIY rings are easy to make. All you need are these three things!
- craft or jewelry wire
- seed beads
- craft pliers
Clay earrings
Best for: a fun night out with friends or afternoon coffee
Whether you prefer them as studs or dangling, you can customize your earrings any way you want. Your DIY earrings can be fun or subtle, depending on your mood or outfit. Clay earrings are a fun way to express yourself. Making them may seem overwhelming, but it’s not really different from shaping and baking cookies—just replace the dough with any color of polymer clay that you want. Here’s a complete list of what you need to make your own set of earrings.
- polymer clay in the colors of your choice
- rolling pin
- knife or clay cutter
- jewelry pliers
- earring posts and backs or hooks
- super glue
- parchment paper
- baking sheet
Knitted scarf
Best for: cozy winter looks
What’s the best way to keep warm during cold days? A hug, of course! But the second-best thing is a knitted scarf around your neck. Knitted scarves feel cozy and can complete your winter look. It may take a while to get the hang of knitting, but when you do, you can bundle up in your own custom look. Make sure you have the below items to make your own knitted scarf starter set.
- knitting needles
- crochet hook
- 100 to 200 yards of super bulky knitting yarn
- scissors
The above suggestions are just examples of which DIY accessories can go with which type of outfit. But really, the possibilities can go as far as you want them to! You can mix and match any of your DIY accessories with any of your outfits to stretch your current wardrobe and create the perfect OOTD for any occasion. Aside from upgrading your own outfit, you can also make DIY accessories to give as gifts to people you love, like your family, friends, or significant other.
Katie Pierce is a writer, as well as a teacher of some awesome (but often hyper) preschool kids.