It seems like lately everyone is going to some sort of outdoor concert or music festival. Although I still haven’t been to one yet this year myself, I’m glad there’s still plenty of summer left to hit one up. A couple years ago, I altered a Janis Joplin tee-shirt that didn’t quite fit me right into a breezy, 60’s inspired top to go see Weezer & Pixies with my husband. To this day, it’s one of my most worn pieces because of how easy breezy it feels while still looking stylized and cute.
Then I was going through my tee-shirt drawer earlier this week and came across this CBGB’s tee I bought years ago. It used to be one of my most worn pieces (you can even see it’s faded a bit on the stomach from being stretched so much during my pregnancy) but I haven’t been reaching for it very often now because of it’s frumpy fit. That’s when I decided to retry my favorite simple DIY that I’m going to share with you today!
Supplies Needed:
- T-Shirt. (This styling works best with a loose fitting tee. Mine is a men’s size S for reference, but any oversized fit will do.)
- Scissors
- Tailor’s Chalk / Any Marking Tool
- Ruler *optional*
Step 1: Remove the sleeves from the shirt.
Step 2: Cut the hemline to remove (this reduces bulk at the bottom for flowy tassles).
Step 3: Wearing your shirt inside out, use your tailor’s chalk to mark where you’d like you tassels to start. I chose to start mine just above the waistband of my jeans, and used that as my guide.
Step 4: Remove shirt and lay on a flat surface. Using the ruler as a guide, cut tassels. The thinner your cuts, the more tassels you’ll end up with. I cut mine about 1/4″ wide for reference, but it’s really up to you.
Step 5: Knot each individual strip of fabric. The tassels will start pretty flat, but after one washing they’ll curl up on themselves for a more streamlined, hippie look.
And ta-da you’re done!
Altering tee shirts like this is my favorite way to instantly enhance my wardrobe. All it takes is a pair of scissors and just over half an hour! Any project you can do while watching TV is a win in my book!
I also love that this is such a simple way to instantly elevate a classic “jeans and a tee” outfit.
There you have it! The perfect top to wear to an outdoor concert, music festival, craft fair, farmer’s market, or any other summer what-have-you. Enjoy!
XO
-C
