Prom can really take a bite out of your budget. But do you have to spend wads of cash to look hot? I don't think so. Here are plenty of free ways to look sweet this prom season.
1. Alter a Prom Dress to Custom Fit
Rain Blanken
Shop the thrift stores for a dress that doesn't fit you, then alter it to your size. This expands your dress possibilities and saves money on a tailoring bill.
- I'll show you how to:
- Let out a dress
- Make a dress smaller
- Shorten a skirt
- Put a side slit in a skirt
2. Free Dress Patterns
copyright Burda Style
I've collected some of the best free dress patterns from across the web. Simply print out the pattern and follow the instructions. These hot dresses range from easy to average sewing difficulty.
3. Win a Scholarship, Make a Duct Tape Dress
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A duct tape dress is not only a quirky way to show up for the prom, it's also a chance at a college scholarship. Duck Brand Duct Tape runs an annual contest for crafty couples who construct their own formal attire out of the company's tape.
4. Knit a Necktie
knitpicks.com
This is an unconventional look for the guys. I have 8 different knit necktie patterns for you to try.
5. Sew a Clutch
Debbie Colgrove
Many clutch style purses are just too small to carry the things you need! Here's one that is small but has room to carry the essentials. From our Guide to Sewing.
6. Turn Chopsticks into Hair Sticks
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Turn a pair of everyday chopsticks into glimmering hair sticks. It only takes a few minutes and can make for an elegant look.
7. Make Gemstone and Pearl Bracelets
Tammy Powley
String up some beautiful bracelets using gemstone and pearl beads. Here are 6 different bracelets you can make from our Guide to Jewelry Making.
8. Elastic Bead Bracelets
Tammy Powley
Learn the tips and tricks to stringing up elastic bead bracelets with this variety of designs. From our Guide to Jewelry Making.
9. Bead and Wire Earrings to Make
Tammy Powley
Two perfect jewelry making combinations - wire and beads - add them together to come up with a huge assortment of earring projects. Here are lots of wire and bead earrings, using materials such as gemstones, crystals, and precious metals to get you started. From our Guide to Jewelry Making.
10. Sweet DIY Fashion
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Easy Clothes to Make:
How-To Pants . How-To Skirts . How-To Dresses . Recycle Your Clothes . 10 Clothing Repairs You Should Know . Beginner Sewing Projects . T-Shirt Surgery . Stencils Library . Top 10 Hippie Clothes . Punk Clothes to Make
Bracelets, Earrings, Necklaces and More:
Junk Drawer Jewelry . Decoupage Jewelry . Make Bracelets . Jewelry Making . Hemp Jewelry
Bags, Hats, and More Accessores:
Free Hat Patterns . How-To Bags . Make Scarves . College Student Accessories . Index of Accessory Projects . Gloves and Wristbands
