While denim jackets and vests are always a wardrobe staple, we tend to wear them a bit more toward the end of summer. Why? Because they are easy to layer — a vital fashion superpower come September 1. We’ve rounded up a few denim jackets and vests that we like for this summer-to-fall wardrobe season.

1. Knit Hooded Denim Jacket

This piece is really cool because it’s lighter than the typical denim jacket (thanks to its knit sleeves and hood.) We love it’s distressed look and think it would look awesome paired with some sneakers, skinnies, and boots. The perfect place to wear this jacket? At a pre-fall festival with your friends — it has that effortlessly cool look (and we love anything that’s effortless). The jacket comes in 4 colors and is $148. From Free People.

2. Bcbgmaxazria  Denim Jacket

This denim jacket features a clean, fitted look. It has 4 pockets (a helpful feature when you’re dancing outside on a patio), so you can leave your purse at home. We also like this jacket’s high neck — it’ll keep you warm, sans scarf. Priced at $57.99 from ThredUp.

3. Juicy Couture  Faux Fur Vest

The fake fur vest may be my favorite accessory ever. When paired with the right outfit (bell bottoms or high-waisted jeans, platforms, and a vintage crop top), it can exude 1970s glam. This vest is $42.99 from ThredUp. I suggest wearing it to a late summer bowling date — you’ve got to look good and keep your arms free.

4. Twenty Vest

I love corduroy (especially when it comes in the form of a jacket). But corduroy jackets can be a bit warm this time of year. And that’s why this corduroy vest is a great buy. It’ll keep your core warm, but your arms cool. Where to wear? At a late summer outdoor concert, or on an early morning garage sale trek. Priced at $21.99 from ThredUp.

5. Drapey Wool Vest

If you live in a cool region and know that cold nights are headed your way, this vest is a great pick. It’s made of wool and is super over-sized. It’s priced at $228 and comes in one color, camel. From Free People.

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Image of woman in denim jacket from Shutterstock

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Ten great DIY projects you can make from an old T-shirt.

If you’re anything like me, you have tons of old T-shirts laying around in your drawers collecting dust. Instead of dumping them all in a collection bin, turn them into something useful. You’ll be amazed at how many things you could actually make from a humble tee. Here are ten of our favorites.

Wrapped Bracelets
You can never have enough bracelets, and there are so many great ones you can make yourself. All you need to create these wrapped bracelets are some old tees and bangles you no longer use (or look in the thrift stores for them). Follow these simple instructions by Camilla Fabbri and start wrapping.

Market Tote
Plastic bags are slowly but surely being banned in cities around the country. This stylish market tote is great to carry with you, whether you are shopping at the supermarket or the farmers market. Follow this simple tutorial by delia creates and make one in every color.

Scarf
If you have a sewing machine, this DIY scarf is very easy to make following this tutorial by wienerdog tricks. Use one T-shirt for a monochrome, more refined look or go wild and mix colors or create a tribute piece from all those old band tees you’ve held onto since forever – the possibilities are endless.

Knotted Headband
This stylish headband is super easy to make, with nothing but a few cuts, knots, and glue. If headbands aren’t quite your thing, you can easily make it into an equally stylish belt by just making it longer. Check out this tutorial by Lovestitched for inspiration and how-tos.

Knotted Rug
I love DIY projects that look like they came straight out of a fancy design store, and this knotted flokati-style rug is a great example of that. It does take a bit of manual labor but, following this tutorial by Xoelle, it’s quite easy. And your friends will surely be impressed that you actually made it.

Necklace
Quite far from those macaroni necklaces we all made in school, this DIY necklace is simple to make with just a few tools, following this tutorial by Whole Living. Make it grown up and elegant in one color, like above, or choose a tee with a more intricate pattern or print for a funkier take on the same theme.

No-Sew Vest
If you have about five minutes to make something out of that old tee, try this simple no-sew vest by Wobisobi, which requires nothing but a pair of scissors to make. A great summer piece to throw on over your favorite tee to create a layered, casual look.

Skirt with Pockets
This DIY recycled T-shirt skirt by Out of Order is as simple as it is clever. No material is wasted – even the sleeves are used to make pockets. Use it as a simple summer skirt, or do as demonstrated in the photo above and decorate it with buttons down the front for a more dressed-up look.

Placemats
Dress up your table for a summer party with DIY placemats made from T-shirt fabric scraps. This tutorial by Creative Jewish Mom shows you how to create a simple homemade loom that you’ll use to weave the scraps together – no fancy equipment required.

T-Shirt Yarn
A great way to make use of old tees is to make them into T-shirt Yarn. It’s simple and you’ll actually end up with a ball of soft (just like your favorite tee) continuous yarn that you can then use to crochet, knit or knot. Check out this video tutorial by Relevé Design to learn how.

See Also:

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

Top photo by pfctdayelise, Creative Commons

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