How to wear clothes the wrong way

Graphic by Janet Xiong

Pro tip: You do not need new clothes, you just need to experiment with your closet.

There is more than one way to wear a piece of clothing and if your clothes do not fit properly, I am a firm believer they can be made to fit without any sewing. 

From broches to ribbons, I am going to show you how you can wear your clothes in as many wrong ways as possible. I tried all these ways so you do not have to. 

First of all, there are four alternative ways you can wear a long sleeve. A long sleeve can be a halter top, a tube top, a one-shoulder top and a high-neck halter top. 

When I need a “going-out top” refresher, I usually go for the halter top rendition. I slide the neck hole until it's over my chest but under my armpits. Then, I tie the sleeves around my neck. Instant slinky halter. 

Another tool I swear by is a broche. A broche can cinch any piece of clothing in any way you want. Plus, broches can be thrifted. My favorite is turning a button-up into a cross body top. A broche can pin the shirt on either side of your waist. It can also be used to tighten loose jeans and give a skirt a new silhouette. 

If you do not own a broche, you can use a safety pin to cinch clothing. On top of that, if you wish to hide the safety pin, tie a ribbon around it and make a bow. 

Earrings can also be used to pin clothing items. I used two earrings to pin the shoulders of a tightly fitted t-shirt and made a tank top.  

One of my favorite things to do is to simply wear a shirt backwards. I usually do this when I want to elevate a simple long sleeve into a boatneck top. A cardigan worn backwards makes a boatneck sweater with a fun detailed back. 

A sweater can be put on upside down. I folded the top (what was the bottom) over and created an off-the-shoulder top. 

Scarves can be tied to form anything. Top. Belt. Headband. You name it. 

My favorite way to wear a scarf as a top is to tie it as a bandeau top. I tie the corner hanging down the front through the center of the top to create a sweetheart neckline. 

A skirt, depending on the length, can be made into a top or a dress. Before, I have added a belt and pulled the material until it hangs over the belt to devise a short, bubbly dress. I found it flattering and resemblant of Ariel wearing the cloth and rope in “A Little Mermaid.” 

Of course the shoelace is a classic belt, and it still is useful for baggy jeans. Adjustable buttons are great for making loose pants fit as well. 

There are so many more ways to hack the clothes you already own. To start, I advise taking pieces from your closet and approaching the item in a different way. How can you wear this unlike the way you are supposed to? 

Experimenting with your closest, moreover, makes for a pleasant Saturday activity.