Upcycling and DIY Spring Trends: Turning Thrift Store Finds into Fashion Staples

BY ALICIA MPUNGOSE
Sep 27, 2024
4 min read

Picture this: you step into the perfect thrifting store, the kind that seems almost hidden from the rest of the world. Among the aisles of forgotten treasures, your eyes fall on a floral tablecloth, soft to the touch and bursting with springtime potential. What was once meant for dining décor now has its moment to shine as the cutest flowy dress for your spring lunch date with the girls. A little upcycling magic turns it into something unique and personal, blending your creativity with eco-friendly fashion. Think Lorelai Gilmore’s small-town charm or Jess Day’s quirky vintage style, but with a modern twist.

Spring 2024 is all about sustainability, and upcycling clothes is the trend that keeps on giving. Whether you're repurposing thrift store finds or transforming old pieces, the DIY route is perfect for creating authentic spring outfits. Below are some trendy ideas and expert tips to inspire your next thrifting haul.

1. Gingham for the Win

Gingham is a pattern that just screams spring, making it perfect for upcycled fashion projects. You can find gingham in dresses, tops, or even home textiles like tablecloths and curtains. Laini Ozark, a popular YouTuber, highlights gingham as not only fashionable but also aesthetically pleasing for spring outfits. Consider transforming a red gingham curtain into a breezy wrap skirt or a stylish dress—it could easily become your next favourite DIY project!

2. Lace: Make It Spring-Friendl

While lace is often associated with formal wear, it can be made spring-ready with the right styling. Find lace tablecloths or dresses at thrift stores and repurpose them into something light and airy. Pair your lace creations with neutral tones or primary colours like bright yellows and reds for a fresh, delicate look that screams spring.

3. Shoes to Complete the Look: Sambas

No spring outfit is complete without the perfect footwear, and Sambas are the shoe trend to watch for spring 2024. These classic sneakers add a sporty yet stylish touch to any upcycled look. Whether you're balancing out the femininity of a floral dress or grounding the boldness of gingham, Sambas are the ultimate finish to your sustainable style.

4. Baskets as Handbags

Baskets as handbags are a street-style staple, and while Jane Birkin popularised the look, you don’t need to splurge on designer items. Search for small baskets in thrift stores, upcycle them with some cute DIY touches, and voilà—you've got yourself a chic accessory for brunch or a weekend stroll.

5. Wrap Skirts: Always Timeless

Wrap skirts are a timeless staple, and upcycling old curtains or tablecloths into a wrap skirt is an easy DIY trick that never fails. Bold floral or polka dot patterns are ideal for these projects. The versatility of these large fabrics also means you can create multiple pieces from just one thrifted curtain—turn it into both a skirt and a matching top for a complete set!

6. Primary Colours: A Spring Essential

When upcycling or thrifting for spring, keep an eye out for bold primary colours like red, blue, and yellow. These hues are essential for a vibrant, fresh look that’s perfect for the season. A red gingham dress or a yellow wrap skirt made from thrifted materials could easily become the centrepiece of your sustainable spring wardrobe.

7. Crochet: Time to Learn a New Skill

Crochet is making a comeback for spring 2024, bringing with it the charm of handmade fashion. Learning to crochet allows you to craft unique bags, tops, and accessories that feel personal and trendy. You can often find crochet materials at thrift stores, making it an eco-friendly and affordable option.

8. DIY Without Sewing

If you're not skilled with a sewing machine, don’t worry—you can still create amazing upcycled outfits. Adhesive tape and fabric glue are your best friends for quick and easy alterations, and they allow you to skip the stitches while still achieving a polished look. Whether you're transforming a polka dot bed sheet into a top or making a tablecloth into a wrap dress, no sewing is required for these DIY fashion hacks. You can also use iron-on hemming tape for a neat finish on edges and seams, or try fabric-friendly adhesive Velcro for closures. For those tricky details like adding embellishments or patching fabrics together, fabric glue works wonders. With a bit of creativity, you can craft unique, trendy pieces without ever touching a needle or thread!

9. Polka Dots: A Spring Favourite

Polka dots are another spring-ready pattern that never goes out of style. Large fabrics like bedsheets or tablecloths with this playful design can be upcycled into cute tops or skirts. These oversized pieces are a fantastic fabric source for multiple upcycled projects. Polka dots bring a fun, whimsical feel to any spring outfit, making them a must-try for your next DIY venture. We definitely think that polka dots are the new IT look, don’t you think?

10. Ornaments as Accessories

Upcycling isn't just about clothing—accessories are a huge part of DIY fashion. This Spring, think outside the box by using ornaments as keychains, bag charms, or even phone accessories. This creative approach lets you add personal, unique touches to your upcycled outfits. Making you stand out but still remaining authentic. The quirkier the item, the better!

The Importance of Thrifting

Thrifting is at the heart of upcycling, and it’s essential to know that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create sustainable fashion. Finding affordable, unique, and full-of-potential pieces is what makes thrifting so exciting. As fashion trends evolve, it’s fun to look back and cringe at old styles, but sometimes keeping your clothes—or better yet, upcycling them—ends up being the best idea. You never know when something will come back in style.

Upcycling and DIY fashion aren't just trends—they’re creative, sustainable ways to express your personal style, to have your name written all over your outfit, will definitely be THE highlight of Spring 2024. A few easy do-it-yourself projects and some thrift store magic can let you stock your wardrobe with distinctive, eco-friendly items that are ideal for spring 2024.