Ah, denim. The popular textile that comprises some of our most favorite pieces is getting an entire article dedicated to the universally loved look.

With the impending changing of the seasons, it only makes sense to focus on denim. The material is flattering, easy to care for, only gets more comfortable with time, great for all seasons, and pairs well with with a variety of items you already own. We’re particularly smitten with these picks because of their easy to wear, yet fashion-forward vibes, and think you’ll feel the same. Heck, you may even find your new favorite piece on this list.

1. Staple Chambray Shirt

Let’s be real — no wardrobe, and we mean no wardrobe, is complete without a chambray shirt. The lightweight denim is perfect for layering in the fall, and for pairing with a cami and rolled up cuffs in the summer. It can be dressed up or down and looks great with colored jeans for an added pop. We’d recommend wearing this particular top with black denim skinnies, a bib necklace, and a pair of stylish booties. Priced at $78.

2. Ultra Cool Kimono

A truly unique piece to add to your wardrobe, this denim kimono jacket is sure to garner compliments wherever you go. With a minimalist vibe, the piece would look great with simple skinny jeans, chunky heeled shoes, and a wide brim hat for a touch of drama. For now, wear this with camisoles and short sleeve tops. But when cooler weather rolls in, layer away. Long sleeve tops will look great peeking out of the wide-cut, bracelet-length openings. Priced at $69.

3. Comfy Boyfriend Jeans

For a pair of denim pants you’ll want to live in, look no further than these boyfriend jeans. Lived-in and sure to be loved, these are the epitome of comfort and style combined. Snug at the hips and waist, yet baggy in the legs, these are said to fit like a dream. They’d look excellent with simple summery tops and sandals during the tail end of the season. And when autumn rolls around, pair these jeans with sweaters, flannels, loafers, booties, and so much more. Priced at $98.

4. Dark Wash Jumpsuit

Another truly unique piece on our list, this fitted denim jumpsuit is a statement maker. Great for warm weather when worn with camisoles, tanks, and even crop tops or bramis, you can easily round out the look with a pair of sandals or open-toed heels. Then, in the fall, layer over a long sleeve top, with a pair of ankle booties, and a cool bomber jacket. Don’t forget the accessories! We recommend stacked bracelets and aviators. Priced at $128.

5. Indigo Blue Dress

A departure from the traditional shirtdress, yet still great for grab-and-go days, this denim number is perfect for now and in the fall. The workwear detailing adds interest, while also creating a flattering slimming silhouette. Great with a pair of casual sneakers and rolled up cuffs, this dress is a fun casual choice. When the crisp air emerges, this would also look adorable with tights and knee-high boots. To break up the solid denim, consider undoing a few buttons and showing some skin, or layering a cami underneath. Priced at $180.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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If you’re ready to mix up your daily denim, then we think you’ll adore these jeans, each of which features their own special flair and flavor.

We have the scoop on daring denim—or at the very least, jeans that aren’t boring! A staple in every woman’s wardrobe, they’re arguably a piece of clothing that we just can not live without. For a departure from the normal skinnies, and even distressed looks, we have a selection of unique denim that we think you’ll love.

1. High-Rise High-Lows

For a practical piece that also strays from the ordinary, look no further than these high-waisted jeans. With an easy feel, and flawless fit, this denim is perfect for pairing with a variety of tops and shoes. Not only will they look great with nearly everything, but they will add a little extra something to all that they’re teamed up with. The sweet patch-like detail around the ankle is just enough to garner you plenty of compliments without looking like you’re trying too hard. Wear with sweaters and loafers for an easy weekend look. Priced at $148.   

2. Black Tassel Jeans

Black denim definitely has a place in your closet. And when they look like this pair, then it’s love at first sight. A great closet staple, yet still trendy and unique, these deep, dark jeans have an edginess to them. If you’re feeling rebellious, pair them with ankle boots, burnout graphic tees, and a leather jacket. If you’re feeling glamorous, try a chic pointed toe pump, bodysuit, and a wide brim hat. Either way, these are a super-versatile pair you won’t want to pass up. Priced at $265.

3. Vintage Southwest Denim

Vintage denim is hot this year, and these southwest-inspired jeans fit the bill. With a heft to them that you oftentimes can’t find in thinner, stretchier types, these will give you that authentic feel. In fact, this style is extra-special thanks to the manufacturing process. These call for actual upcycled vintage denim, complete with original distressing, making each pair slightly different than the next. The design detail is embroidered, so you don’t have to worry about fading or flaking. Pair with boots and a poncho sweater for a seriously good-looking outfit. Priced at $298.

4. Sparkly Applique Jeans

If you’re looking for a pair of jeans that can take you from day to night, then these could be the missing link in your wardrobe. Sparkly, fun, and versatile, the gold sequin applique turns regular cuffed jeans into statement makers. You could easily pair these with slides or sandals and a tank for a casual daytime look. Or, you can dress them up with a pair of strappy stilettos and a beautiful blouse. Priced at $178.  

5. Embroidered Floral Skinnies

This gray-black pair of jeans is unique in color and design. Although the skinny, form-fitting silhouette looks familiar, the lived-in gray wash and beautiful floral embroidery makes these special. Like some others on this list, these can be dressed up or down, and worn with edgier accessories and accompaniments, or with ultra-feminine details. Whether you choose a moto jacket, or a sheer lace blouse, they’ll surely pair well with either look. Priced at $198.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

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This season’s denim trend is a double throwback to two decades in fashion history – wide leg jeans from the ’90s and bell bottoms and patchwork from the ’70s. Work the look right with our vintage trending tips!

It all started on the Fall/Winter 2014 runways and bled into the Spring/Summer 2015 trend reports – vintage denim styles are back in and in a BIG way. Seen in the collections of Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Alberta Ferretti and Michael Kors, wide leg jeans, bell bottoms and all manner of cutting up and sewing back together all shades of denim are sure to be seen on the street of fashion savvy cities like New York, London and Paris.

One of the biggest culprits is the revival of Los Angeles-based brand JNCO, responsible for the ultra baggy, wide leg jean styles that contributed to the rave trend of the ’90s. JNCO will be offering up a range of its signature “slouchy” styles including its signature jeans with leg openings between 20 and 23 inches wide, alongside newer styles for the denim market. Although the super wide leg jeans with openings up 50 inches wide are a thing of the past, chic out your outfit by pairing these new JNCO’s with a cute crop top or go for a slightly boxier short sleeve cotton button-down.

If you’re opting for ’70s-inspired bell-bottoms and hippy chic patchwork denim, try a sleeker look on top. Tailored top and jackets look amazing with bell bottoms, and a high waisted pair will show off your feminine curves. Remember to rock a pair of platforms or heels to keep them hems from fraying.

Although we think the patchwork double denim look is a bit much, we do think it looks awesome with two different shades of denim and a pair of killer boots. Cap off your look with a leather hat and you’ll  be ready for action!

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Do you know the best jeans for your bod – or just think you do?

I’ve never actually stopped to think about what makes a great pair of jeans. When I go shopping, I tend to focus on my waist size and leg length – both of which are ballpark figures – and once I hit the change room with what I believe to be the best jeans, I freeze… since, you know, I have no idea what it even means.

Have you been wearing the best jeans for your body type? To help you find out, we caught up with Moniqua Plante, top LA fit model, who’s worked with such ah-mazing clients as True Religion, Lucky Brand Jeans, Forever 21 and Bebe Studio. (There are even Tukatech & Alva mannequins of her bod!)

Here’s what you need to keep in mind during your hunt for the best jeans:

1. Enjoy experimenting
“The biggest piece of advice I can give is don’t be afraid of trying on a few different sizes,” says Plante. “We’re socialized to believe that size is everything. Meanwhile, no one’s looking at the label inside your jeans, they’re looking at your cute butt on the outside.” Plus, when jeans are mass-produced, sizing will always vary slightly, so make sure to bring your go-to size, one size up and one size down to the change room.

2. Know what to look for
“When you try on jeans, they should feel a little tight, but not like sausage casing,” says Plante. “Denim will grow as you wear it. I always do a few squats and knee bends in the dressing room to get a feel for how the denim moves and to see how quickly it stretches out.”

Once you’re checking yourself out in the mirror, here are three important areas to pay attention to:

• If the mid-thigh area is too tight (the area between your upper thigh and knee on the back of your leg), you’ll end up with extra fabric above the back knee and serious creases on your back thigh. Plante calls this extra fabric fold behind the knee “knee buckets.”
• If you have a muscular calf area, the stretchier the jean, the better. You don’t want your calves to seem larger, so try a slight boot cut to avoid emphasizing this area. This will help to balance out your figure.
• Are they bootylicious enough? Use the back pockets as your guide: You want to make sure they’re not too big and not too small. If you’ve got a big booty, small pockets will make it look bigger. If it’s small a larger pocket will help fill you out. If your rear’s flatter, look for pockets with a flap or embellishment of some sort to accentuate all you have to offer.

3. Know your body type
“There are a number of body types,” says Plante, “But you probably fall under one of the main five.” Here are her recommendations for each:

Curvy
Balanced upper + lower body with a slim waist.

“You want to accentuate your awesome curves without making yourself look fuller than you are,” says Plante. Skinny jeans are ah-mazing for this body shape. If you’re not a fan of skinny jeans, try a pair of boot-cut or flared jeans with a low- to mid-rise waist to even out your curvy hips and booty. Wider-legged styles will also look fabulous on you. Go for denim with a bit of stretch for extra comfiness.

Straight
Athletic build, straight up and down without a defined waist.

“Lower-rise jeans will create the illusion of a defined wasiteline,” says Plante. The best jeans for this figure are bootcut or slightly flared. Make sure they’re relaxed around the calves and ankles, but fitted around your hips and booty. Steer clear of higher-wasted styles, as they will add too much width to your lower body.

Triangular
Wider shoulders/larger boobs with a slim booty and thighs.

A wider leg will help balance out your chest so you don’t appear top-heavy. “A lighter wash denim will also draw the eye downward and away from your chest,” says Plante. “Go for low-rise, boot-cut or wide leg jeans to achieve the effect.”

Apple
Slim shoulders + hips, wider midsection.

Low-rise jeans will emphasize your fuller middle and give you a muffin top (dun dun dunnn!). “I recommend mid-rise jeans with a boot-cut or slightly flared silhouette,” says Plante. A straight leg style will show off your lean legs, and if you love skinny jeans, go for it! Just make sure you choose a flattering, flowy top that helps hide the tummy.

Pear
Wider hips + thighs with narrow shoulders + bust.

“The most important thing is to look for a style that will elongate your legs,” says Plante. “I caution against skinny jeans because they’ll emphasize your fuller lower regions, as well as super high-waisted jeans, which will make your legs look shorter.” Give mid-rise, straight leg or bootcut styles a try – with a dark wash that will flatter your shape.

Have you found the best jeans for your body type?

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ColumnEver since the art of American blue jeans sprang up in San Francisco during the gold rush of 1849, blue jeans have stood as a solid symbol of American contemporary style, freedom, and quality. This week’s On Trend features 8 of the absolute best made in America blue jeans companies. Each brand has its own special characteristic, but they all embody domestic manufacturing and quality that lasts. 

1. Tellason, San Francisco, California — Menswear

Designed and produced in the birthplace of American blue jeans, San Francisco, Tellason jeans are American made to the core — 99.9 percent of all denim used is from the White Oak Cone Denim mill in Greensboro, NC, pocketing is sourced from Tennessee, threading  from North Carolina, and leather goods from Oregon, using all Northwest sourced vegetable tanned leather. “We’ve become friends with our suppliers and feel it is the right thing to do to support them and their businesses as we build our products,” says Tellason co-founders, Tony Patella and Pete Searson.

2. Baldwin Denim, Leawood, Kansas — Womenswear and Menswear

Founded on modern design, quality textiles, and American manufacturing, Baldwin is a hip lifestyle brand producing the best quality jeans for men and women. “Baldwin’s growth has been fueled by its approachability, functional design, attention to detail, and inclusiveness,” says Baldwin. Their deliberate execution throughout all steps of the making process is as foundational to their brand’s signature today as when the label was founded in 2009.

3. Rising Sun, Pasadena, California — Menswear

Take a trip inside the Rising Sun headquarters in Pasadena, CA, and it’s as if you’ve stepped back in time: Rising Sun prides themselves in using period antique sewing machines for manufacturing all their goods. The entire pant is stitched with the same machine — a single needle stitch that dates back 80 years! Using all American made fabrics, founder Mike Hodis, former creative director of Lucky Brand, was recently named The Hardest Working Jeans Maker in America

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4. The Stronghold, Los Angeles, California — Menswear

First established in 1895, Stronghold was the first brand ever to manufacture denim in Los Angeles. In 2004, Michael Paradise and Michael Cassell reopened the label after it had been shut down for nearly fifty years. The duo kept the authentic backbone, but added on a modern contemporary feel.

5. Left Field, Queens, New York — Womenswear and Menswear

Cut and sewn in the Garment Center, Left Field is a company with a hard edge for denim that lasts. “Although the brand has been through many phases over the years, making quality, American clothing that our grandfathers would be proud of has always been my number one concern,” says Christian McCann, founder of Left Field.

6. Raleigh Denim, Raleigh, North Carolina — Womenswear and Menswear

Perhaps one of the hottest made in America jeans right now, Raleigh Denim uses “old school methods and modern fit.” Husband and wife team, Sarah and Victor Lytvinenko, design, develop, source, and create their jeans by hand using a small and dedicated staff in their Raleigh workshop. Recently accepted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Raleigh Denim + Workshop symbolizes the craft of American jeans production.

photography by Sully Sullivan

7. Ruell and Ray, Blacksburg, Virginia — Menswear

Using high-quality deadstock denim from around the world, Ruell and Ray manufacture’s jeans that are “one of a kind… forever.” All threads, buttons, and work labor are sourced from within America, and founder Ashley James inspects and stamps each pair of jeans herself before they reach the consumer.

8. Imogene + Willie, Nashville, Tennessee — Womenswear and Menswear

Imogene + Willie started making jeans in an old gas station, which still stands as their headquarters today. Rising demand for their goods have pushed some production out of their tiny space, but they support a dying denim industry in America’s south by keeping production within the region. Imogene + Willie’s specialty lies in the cut and immaculate fit of the jeans.

 featured image flag from ilmungo and jeans from Rakuten, images from the brands

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Five sustainable denim favorites for spring and summer.

A good pair of jeans will last you the rest of your life (or until you wear them to shreds). It’s important to pick a good pair, made from organic or recycled denim. Cotton production pollutes soil and waterways, damages wildlife habitats and accounts for over 10 percent of the global use of pesticides. Now that spring seems finally here to stay, it may be time to invest in a new pair. Here are five of our sustainable denim favorites for spring and summer.

1. Kuyichi Denim
Kuyichi was one of the first brands to make denim from recycled and organic cotton, grown completely free of pesticides. These are made from 98 percent organic cotton and 2 percent elastane. We love the faded effect, distressed look and contrast stitching.
$99, YOOX

2. Nudie Jeans Tight Long John Org. Twill Rinsed
Although the brand markets exclusively to men, many of Nudie’s style fit women just as well. The Tight Long John is one of them. Last year, the Swedish label managed to transition its entire high end denim line to 100 percent organic. The darkness in the shade of this pair comes from sulpha that has been added to give it a less red cast. The copper trims are also organic.
$179, Nudie Jeans Co.

3. Levi’s Water<Less Classic Rise Demi Curve Boot Cut Jeans
All the styles in Levi’s CurveID line are specifically designed for different body types. They fit in all the right places—no more pinching, pulling, or bent-over backside reveals. The effect is an overall smoother silhouette and jeans that look like they were made for you. This particular pair is also part of Levi’s Water<Less collection, an initiative designed to significantly reduce the amount of water needed to produce denim.
$50, Levi’s

4. The Remy by Big Star Denim
The all classic boot cut is always in style. The medium blue wash of the Remy is very versatile and easy to pair with anything in your wardrobe. Big Star Denim uses special ozone technology to create their washes. This uses less water, less energy and less chemicals.
$98, Kaight

5. Mid Rise Trouser by Reuse Jeans
The perfect shade of medium blue of these flares bring to mind the carefree attitudes of the ’70s. Channel your inner flower child and pair them with fringe and florals for festival season, or dress them up with a fitted navy blazer and simple whit tee. Reuse Jeans are sustainably made in China, from pre-consumer recycled denim.
$95, Reuse Jeans

Images courtesy of the brands featured

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Have you got the blue jean blues?  A new competition aims to turn your denim trash into treasure.

When Levi Strauss created the first pair of blue jeans in 1873, little did he know that there would one day be more pairs of denim jeans on the planet than people. The irony is that the iconic durable workwear item originally designed for gold rush miners (the denim fabric was dyed blue to reportedly hide stains) is now owned in designer multiples by women (and men) everywhere.

If you have a drawer or two full of jeans that you can’t bear to throw away – and have an inkling to show off your crafty skills as a denim visionary, check out Jake & Maya Collective’s latest competition, The Upcycled Denim Challenge. The British sustainable line for children has launched a competition appealing to budding textile designers and creators to submit their own innovative upcycling ideas. One lucky winner each month will score vouchers along with the chance to join the team as a celebrated upcycling designer.

For more details about how to enter, click here.  Take a look at some our favorite ideas so far and get inspired to make your own:

Wall Mounted Fabric Deer Head.

Wallet.

Ruffle Vest.

Drawstring Duffle Bag.

 Images courtesy of Jake & Maya

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This spring, you might be wearing the latest in denim fashion trends courtesy of Levi’s: used plastic bottles.

“These jeans are made of garbage” is the pitch line Levi Strauss is using for its latest denim line, Waste‹Less, which uses eight brown or green plastic bottles to make every pair of the jeans. Unveiled last fall, the jeans are hitting stores as part of spring denim collections and range in price from $69 to $128—quite a bit for wearable garbage, but still a comparable price for a pair of good quality jeans.

Twenty percent of every pair of the Waste‹Less jeans are made from entirely recycled plastic materials, and store displays will feature crushed soda bottles to help illustrate the brand’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Levi Strauss was once known as the workingman’s brand of durable denim capable of standing up to hard labor, whether on the farm or in the factory. The company now wants to be known as the sustainability brand, working awareness into every aspect of the business. And as the biggest jean maker in the world (sales in 2011 were nearly $5 billion)—the impact Levi Strauss can have in fostering a green message is immeasurable.

Changes started happening for Levi’s in 2007 when it assessed an environmental impact on Dockers and 501 jeans, reports Businessweek, “Levi’s found that 49 percent of the water use during the lifetime of a pair of 501 jeans occurred at the very beginning, with cotton farmers.” The company joined the Better Cotton Initiative in order to help farmers in countries including Pakistan, India, Brazil, and Mali to reduce the amount of water used in growing cotton. While growing organic cotton has proved too expensive for the brand to continue at this time (they killed their organic jean line in 2008), the low-water cotton is proving to be just as beneficial a pursuit as water scarcity, particularly in the cotton-growing countries, is a very serious issue.

The first low-water cotton was finally harvested last year—and made its way into more than 5 million pairs of jeans at a rate of about 5 percent per pair. By 2015 the goal is 20 percent per pair. To further encourage better resource management, Levi’s also ran a marketing campaign suggesting people wash their jeans less often, using only cold water, and line-drying them instead of putting them through energy-draining dryers.

Now, as the new Waste‹Less is hitting stores, 3.5 million plastic bottles have avoided ending up in landfills, or the ocean in the company’s first run of about 400,000 items (including jean jackets). While only a small drop in the plastic bucket—Americans consumed 33 billion bottles of soda in 2011, reports Businessweek—it’s certainly a good starting point, setting an example for industry and making consciousness affordable and fashionable. “Is turning eight bottles of plastic into a pair of jeans worth it? I think so,” James Curleigh, president of the Levi’s brand told Businessweek. “Some things are more for making a point than a purpose. We want critical mass.”

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Image: Levi Strauss

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Ten clever, easy DIY ways to remake your pants for fall.

I was in NYC the other day, and for the first time in what seems like forever I was actually cold. This means two things: fall is definitely on its way and shorts are once again to be replaced with pants. The good news is that there are so many great styles of pants that are on trend for fall. But, instead of buying new ones, revamp the ones you already have with these 10 easy-to-do DIY projects.

Palazzo Pants
Wide-leg, printed palazzo pants are probably one of fall’s absolute biggest trends. They are as easy-breezy to make as they are to wear. This gorgeous pair by a pair and a spare look like they came straight off the runway. I’ll be making a few pairs of these in different prints immediately.

Color-blocked Pants
Color-blocking is still going strong this fall, and you can easily turn a pair of ho-hum chinos into a cheerful fashion statement with little more than fabric paint and tape. HonestlyWTF will show you the way.

Tuxedo Pants
Suddenly, tuxedo pants are seen everywhere, and they are super simple to make at home. Check out this tutorial by Henry Happened to find out how you can make yours. We’d make them in black and white and love that they can be dressy if worn with a sheer blouse or sporty if worn with a simple T-shirt.

Lace-Embellished Jeans
Lace seemed to pop up in the collections of many designers this season, mainly used as an embellishment. When paired with unexpected materials, such as denim, it creates a contrast that feels fresh and very on trend. This pair of lace-embellished jeans by a pair and a spare were inspired by Jason Wu’s Fall 11 collection and will certainly give you the look for less.

Distressed Denim
At fashion weeks around the world, fashionistas were wearing denim that wasn’t just a little bit distressed but completely shredded to bits. If you want this look to happen naturally, it would probably take a few years. In this tutorial, Swellmaybe and UniqueLA show us a simple way to achieve the look, DIY style.

Tie-Dye Leggings
Nope, we are in no way over tie-dye just yet, and the fact that it’s such an easy and fun way to transform any kind of garment just fuels our fascination. This tutorial by designer (and tie-dye expert) Shabd Simon-Alexander for Martha Stewart gives you an almost floral print, which feels very current for fall and will work long into spring and summer.

Silk Scarf Trousers
These below the knee shorts can be made from one single scarf (which you can find tons of in almost any thrift store), and the larger the scarf the longer your trousers can be. This tutorial by Park & Cube shows you how easy this is to do, but make sure to follow their advice to measure twice, cut once.

Studded Denim
Sometimes it’s those small, simple details that can really make a garment go from something that just lingers in your closet to something you wear every day. This simple, clever tutorial by Swellmayde shows you how to revamp a pair of existing jeans using metal studs. We love that they are both tough and sweet at the same time.

Fringe Pockets
Embellishment is a huge trend this fall, and the good news is that it’s very simple to do yourself. Putting fringe on the pockets of your jeans takes them from ordinary to fun in a pinch. It also plays well with fall’s western trend. I remember doing this to a pair of jeans when I was about ten years old, so it’s very simple. Check out this tutorial by Fashionista New York Girl to find out how. Just use a pair of pants instead of shorts and it’s perfect for fall.

Pajama Pants
Who would have thought we would ever consider wearing pajama pants outside of the house, and with heels nonetheless. Luckily for all of us, this comfy bedroom-staple has made it’s runway debut and taken it to the streets. This tutorial by ducky house shows you how to make a pair from old sheets. We think they would look great in a dark silk fabric or white cotton, with contrasting neon lace for the cuffs.

SEE ALSO:

DIY: 10 Things to do With an Old T-Shirt

DIY: 10 DIY Bracelets You Can Make This Weekend

DIY: 10 Summer Shorts You Can Make At Home

DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make

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Ten great DIY printed summer shorts you can easily make at home.

Summer time is shorts time. Hot days and warm nights means you won’t have to wear pants for at least another few months. Cute print shorts are all the rage this season, and you can channel that trend without breaking the bank. Just get out some basic tools and make a few of these great summer shorts.

Scarf Print Shorts
This is the more summery version of the pajama pant (which will be all the rage this fall). You can easily make a great-looking pair of scarf print shorts from a vintage scarf and just a few basic tools. Find out how in this simple tutorial from a pair & a spare.

American Flag Shorts
Yes, I know it’s almost been a month since Independence Day, but I am still kind of stuck on American flag motifs (and I don’t think I’m the only one). You can easily make a pair of stars & stripes-inspired denim cutoffs using little more than fabric paint and tape – Ascot Friday will show you how. Show some American pride and wear them while cheering on your favorite athletes in the Olympics.

Leopard Print Shorts
Leopard print shorts have definitely hit mainstream this season, and I understand why, because they do strangely kind of go with everything. There’s no need to shell out big bucks for a pair, though, Cameo Blog shows you how to easily make a pair of these using just paper, an x-acto knife, a fabric pen (and a little bit of skill).

Cheetah Print Short
If leopard just isn’t your kind of print, try another wildcat, maybe a cheetah? It’s a little more unexpected. These ones are even faster and easier to make, as demonstrated by Mr. Kate.

Victorian Shorts
For a more romantic, sweeter take on the printed shorts trend, try making a pair from victorian fabric, following this tutorial from Trash to Couture. There’s a bit of sewing involved, but you’ll base them on your favorite pair of shorts so you can be sure that they will fit perfectly. And you can totally make these from any kind of fabric – the possibilities are endless.

Ombre Dip Dye Denim Shorts
I’ve seen dip dyed shorts on virtually every fashion blog out there this summer. Needless to say, they are very easy to make at home. What we like about these by Fashionotes is that they don’t use bleach (which we all should know by now is horribly bad for both humans and the environment). Pick your colors and start dipping and dyeing.

Fabric Applique Shorts
After seeing this style of shorts with a Mexican blanket pattern, I’ve been kind of obsessed. It’s very easy: pick a pair of shorts that you love (or find them at a thrift shop) but have grown tired of and a great fabric and put them together. This tutorial by Free People shows you exactly how to do it. Again, you can do this with any fabric so get creative.

Tribal Print Shorts
Tribal patterns are very on trend right now, and the great thing is that they are meant to be sort of imperfect, which makes it a great candidate for DIY. These ones by Made in Pretoria can be made in an hour or two, and instead of bleach you can start with a lighter color and use regular fabric dye.

Dip-Dye Star-Studded Shorts
This cool pair combines three hot trends into one pair of (equally) hot shorts – dip-dyed, American-flag inspired and star-studded. What we really love is the flattering placement of the studs, and you can do very easily do just that to any pair of shorts. This video tutorial by Daniela Tabois shows you exactly how.

Tie-Dye Shorts
Oh, how we still love tie-dye, that sweet old wardrobe staple of the free-wheelin’ 60s. This dyeing technique gives you a cool pattern which may be too much for a pair of pants, but are just perfect for a pair of short shorts. This tutorial by The Signature Bow demonstrates an easy way to do this, without resorting to toxic bleach. Peace out.

See Also:

10 DIY Bracelets You Can Make This Weekend

DIY: 10 Things to do With an Old T-Shirt

DIY: 10 Statement Earrings You Can Totally Make

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