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DIY Back to School Fashion

Refashion last year's styles into fresh new fashions.

By , About.com Guide

Going back to school is always exciting, but it also means one very big thing: Everyone expects you to have a new set of duds. While you may be able to buy a few cute pieces for this year, it isn't easy to replace your whole wardrobe!

Here are some tips to recycle, diguise and otherwise reinvent the styles you loved last year.

1. Reuse those Old T-Shirts

DIY Back to School T-Shirt Tube TopRain Blanken

You can make a babydoll top, purse, grocery bag and even a headband out of t-shirt parts. T-shirts are like a blank slate with your favorite logo built-in and ready to be transformed.

2. Ways to Use Old Jeans

Actress Yolonda Ross in capri jeans.Peter Kramer/Getty Images
We all have that favorite pair of jeans that we just can't let go of. Never mind that they have holes in the knees and butt, we're clinging on for dear life.

Okay, you can still use these without looking like you just walked out of a Guns N'Roses video. Here are some of the best uses for old jeans.

3. Make a Sock Wrist Band

Avril Lavigne Wrist BandScott Gries/Staff

Plush wrist bands like the one here on Avril Lavigne aren't just for rocking out or jogging anymore. These fashionable accessories are a part of everyday casual wear, and can sell for more than ten bucks.

Meanwhile, cuffed socks get holes in them all the time and they also have a great ability to lose their match. You can reuse your old socks and create free wristbands at the same time with this simple tutorial. No sweat.

4. Turn Jeans into Bell Bottoms

DIY Back to School Bellbottom PantsJohn Cumming / Getty Images
Send your jeans back in time by turning them into a pair of bell bottoms. You can use crazy patched fabric, or just a matching piece of denim to make a simple flared leg look.

5. Turn a Button-Down into a Wrap

Shirt WrapRain Blanken

Use those worn-out flannel shirts to create a tied wrap. You can even reuse the lines of buttons to trim the edges.

6. Make Your Old Jeans Look Older

worn jeansTim Whitby/Stringer
Turn last year's simple straight leg jeans into a pair of rocked out blues. It takes a cheese grater and some bleach for an afternoon of denim destruction.

7. Get the Fabric Flower Look for Free

DIY Back to School Fabric FlowersRain Blanken
Fabric flowers are big this year, adorning sweaters skirts and tanks. The secret is that they are just made from scrap fabric and only take minutes to make. Learn how to make a garden of lilies, roses and more when you use ribbon and leftover material to create your own fabric flowers.

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