4 Denim DIY Ideas to Upgrade Your Tired Old Jeans

When you finally find the right denim that fits you perfectly, you want to treasure it forever. But let’s face it — for every pair of MVP jeans in your capsule wardrobe there is a slew of outdated or ill-fitting jeans that you haven’t touched in ages. This is the denim you’ll want to DIY. Follow along below to learn the four perfect DIYS that you’ll want to master to turn average denim Instagram-worthy.

Follow along to learn the four denim DIYs that you need to know.

Distressed Denim

Distressing denim takes a little bit of time, but it’s worth it. This is a great project to work on with boring boyfriend-style jeans while you catch up on your latest Netflix binge.

Let’s take a look at the materials.

Materials and Tools:

Stretchy jeans are the sh*t, but they are not ideal for distressing. The stretchy fibers of the jeans will leave you with distressed white strands that look like a bowl of spaghetti. Stick to jeans that have a hefty weft for that classic distressed look.

Use a pen to mark where you’ll want distressed patches. Cut two lines and use a zester to help loosen the navy threads. Pull out the navy threads using pliers or a seam ripper.

Add more areas of distress by cutting slits in the jeans and distressing the edges or just taking a cheese grater straight to the denim.

Distressed to perfection.

Denim Cutoffs

Finding the perfect pair of cutoffs is extremely tricky. Our best advice? DIY your own!

Let’s take a look at the supplies.

Materials and Tools:

Pro Tip — You can always cut off more, but you can never add extra back on. This is the golden rule for creating cutoffs. Measure five inches down the inner leg of the jeans and cut off. Try the jeans on and use chalk to measure the perfect length for your body. When trimming off the extra jean, you’ll want to cut a straight line that slightly curves up once you reach the outer edge. This will give your cutoffs more of a polished look.

There is a time and a place for skin-tight stretched denim, but that time isn’t now. Use a pair of jeans that are loose in the legs — no one wants the shorts to be digging into their thighs.

Who wears short shorts?! (But not actually short, just the perfect length)

Patched Denim

Patches are a standout trend for 2017. From quirky, colorful swatches to statement slogans — we love them all. Sarah Jessica Parker was our main inspiration for this piece because, come on, she does style right :)

Let’s take a look at the supplies.

Materials and Tools:

Time to patch it up! Trace the leg of the jean on top of other jean fabric to help get the perfect width patch for your jeans. Use Fabri-Tac to glue onto the jeans and make sure you really get those edges to avoid fraying.

Patch it up and get ready to slay.

Denim on denim on denim — we love it!

Embroidered Jacket

Who can’t get behind a Canadian tuxedo? Get ready to turn all the heads with a denim embroidered jacket that is the perfect finish for any outfit.

Let’s take a look at the materials.

Materials and Tools:

Print out your stencil and trace the back of the letters with chalk. Place (face up) onto your jacket and use a capped pen to trace the letters. Remove the sheet and trace the chalk outline with a washable marker. Use a chain stitch to stitch in the phrase of your choice.

You know what they say… snitches get stitch-ed… jackets.

Boss babe fo’sho.

Dog days of denim.

Show us your latest project by tagging us on Instagram + using hashtag #iamcreative!

DIY Production and Styling: Kelly Bryden
Hair and Makeup – Misty Spinney
Models: Alyssa Rusin, Kelly Bryden, Elena Buenrostro, Rebecca Fong
Photography: Chris Andre

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

As home prices rise, homeowners are still eager to make their house a home, allowing the DIY world to expand almost exponentially. This trendy practice gave birth to so many little-known DIY products that are affordable and surprisingly effective.

But many of these items still feel like a gamble. How long will this really last? Is it really as easy as it looks? Is it worth it?

As a self-declared cheapskate and stubborn DIYer, I tried many, MANY do-it-yourself hacks, products, and tools over the years. Of the slew of products I’ve tried and tested, a few stand among the elite. Add these products to your cart for your next DIY home project, or keep them on-hand for whenever inspiration strikes next.

Rustoleum Tub & Tile Refinishing Kit ($50)

I know this gained recent traction because a few years ago, it was available everywhere. Now? It’s a miracle to find it in stock — and withs good reason. This smelly, yet simple product gives your bathtub or dated tile a total facelift. I used this to “paint”both of my 1980s almond-colored bathtubs and shower inserts. Yes, painted. This is the budget-friendly alternative to ripping out your bathtub or shower surround. The two-step kit comes with 1) your color of choice (I picked bright white), and 2) a sealant that makes it waterproof.

Rustoleum Floor Coating Kit ($70)

Tile can be really expensive to replace and even more tedious to remove yourself. This user-friendly kit is designed to cover and seal your floor while giving it a brand new look. Our bathroom floors were also that awful off-white color, and painting them black was exactly what the room needed. The product description boasts that it can be applied to “a wide range of flooring types including ceramic tile, porcelain tile, concrete, hard wood, laminate, vinyl and more.” It comes in several colors with a matte or semi-gloss finish.

Paint & Sealant Grout Pen ($9)

Maybe your tile is in good shape, but your grout has probably seen better days. It’s not uncommon for grout to get dingy over the year, even when properly maintained. If your tile’s grout needs a bit of a touch up, this fine-tip grout pen can save you hundreds of dollars. It has a precision tip, low odor, and dries quickly for an instant refresh.

Touch-Up Paint Pen (Pack of 2 for $20)

Save yourself a headache or two and stock up on a few of these touch-up paint pens. The refillable pens allow you to keep paint inside and easily cover scruffs, marks, or scratches that inevitably happen in a lived-in home. It keeps paint fresh for up to 7 years so you don’t have to worry about the mess and hassle of finding the paint color, opening the can, and painting the wall — all for just a tiny spot. Bonus points for labeling each color so you know which room it corresponds to.

Brick White Wash Kit ($50)

If your home features brick interior accents, or you have a brick fireplace that feels dated, you can easily refresh it by whitewashing it. This kit eliminates most of the guesswork when it comes to proper measurements and application. You can customize how dark of a wash you want and easily complete this project in a week.

Stain Markers ($15)

No need to panic over scratches or stains on your wood furniture — this pack of markers and wax crayons allows you to discreetly cover up imperfections. The pack comes with a variety of shades that can be used by themselves, or in tandem to customize the color. If you’re shopping secondhand, these are a must. They revive well-loved pieces and restore them to their former glory without much effort.

Leather Repair Kit ($25)

Leather that’s been used and loved often tends to show wear and tear that seem irreversible. I’m here to tell you it’s possible to revive that beat up leather couch of yours, and it luckily doesn’t involve spending hundreds of dollars for it to be reupholstered. This leather repair kit allows you to mix the perfect shade of leather and bring your old couch back to life.

Peel-and-stick Wallpaper ($36)

Renter-friendly wallpaper has been around for awhile, but if your earlier experiences were negative, I highly encourage you to try again. Peel-and-stick wallpaper has come a long way in terms of durability, available patterns, and ease of installation. Most brands make their wallpaper in this less permanent design, which relies on a self-adhesive to hold to your wall rather than a wallpaper paste. The best part is that if you change your mind or move out, it peels right off. You can find every pattern under the sun, as well as some finishes to get your creative wheels turning. For example, this marble wallpaper/contact paper can adhere to countertops or desks for a faux marble finish that looks expensive but isn’t. Additionally, removable wall decals are hugely popular if paint isn't an option, or you’re worried about getting clean lines.

Decorative Window Film For Style And Privacy ($10)

If you live close to your neighbors, you may always be choosing between privacy and natural light. These decorative window films allow light to filter in without having your home on display to the whole neighborhood. Not to mention, some bounce light in a fun and unique way that acts as art itself. You can even find some pretty stunning “stained glass” variations that add character and charm to your home while also being practical. It’s absolutely simple to do and can even be cut to fit your specific window.

Magnetic Garage Door Accents ($17)

Curb appeal can be a big expense and headache. But small changes can ultimately make a big impact, and that’s what I love about these magnetic garage door accents. They stick right to your garage door without impeding its use, but still add a custom, high-end look. It seems silly to ever invest in a new garage door or “real” accents when something this realistic and easy exists.

We’re so quick to “buy new” rather than fix things in our home, but having an arsenal of DIY products that you can rely on to refurbish your old stuff will give you so much freedom in your home. These budget-friendly and simplistic projects will save you money, time, and effort when creating your dream space.

What are your DIY must-haves at home? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!

Header image via Blue Bird / PEXELS

Lauren Graham's new TV show on Tubi, The Z-Suite, follows an advertising CEO named Monica, and her faithful friend Doug (Nico Santos), who get cancelled, fired, and replaced by a whole new Gen Z social media team after an ad campaign gone wrong. So naturally, when I sit down with the two stars in New York City, I have to ask what their most-used app is.

"I think mine is probably a New York Times games and cooking," Lauren Graham tells Brit + Co exclusively. "I'm new to Instagram and I'm still working it out."

And when it comes to Gen Z slang, "I 'sus' every now and then," Nico says. "I still don't get cheugy."

"Somebody my age the other night said they liked my 'fit,' and I was like, 'Hold on,'" Lauren jokes. "I'm one of those boring people who still will write out entire words in a text because it's just is offensive to me to shorten everything until I'm not even sure what I'm doing."

Yes, Lauren Graham is truly as funny as you'd hope in real life, and The Z-Suite is the perfect way to show off that humor.

Keep reading to see why Lauren Graham's The Z-Suite is the ultimate winter comfort watch — and how Lorelai Gilmore would fit into the picture.

Lauren Graham & Nico Santos say 'The Z-Suite' is the perfect winter TV show.

"It's a fun world. It's easy viewing in a fun, comforting way," Lauren says of the new series, which premiered on Tubi February 6. "It's speaking to a moment in our culture, but without kind of taking a side or being too militant about it. We haven't kind of seen these generations interact, and I don't know, it's fun."

"It's a comedy for everybody certainly, but if you look at our cast, it's I think one of the most diverse casts you'll see out there, which I think is really important," Nico says. "We're telling the story through this lens and just sort of giving the other people a chance to tell their story as well."

And working behind the scenes created a "creative and fun" environment for the cast.

Tubi

Gilmore Girls fans have been wanting more from Lauren Graham ever since the GG finale, her 6-season hit Parenthood, and the Gilmore Girls: Year in the Life Netflix revival came in quick succession. Despite the fact she's found TV gold multiple times, Lauren admits choosing the perfect project is "probably less of a science than people think."

"There's so much that goes into what kind of job you're looking for versus what kind of job comes to you," she says. "I try to think in terms of, is this something I feel I can add to, like can I bring something that maybe is not on the page? And then is this far enough away, because in TV especially, you tend to get offered what you've already done, and so for this to even have a little bit of stretch, which I think it does, was really just a fun opportunity."

"For me it's all about the comedy in the scripts," Nico Santos adds. "That's my background and if I don't laugh reading a script, then I'm like, I'm not gonna do it."

"That is a huge part of it too," Lauren agrees. "Who the creator is and, in speaking to Katie [O’Brien], Nico knew her already, but I just thought this is someone I want to spend my days with, and that's really probably the most important decision, or a piece of the decision is, does this seem like it's going to be creative and fun?"

And one of Lauren's favorite parts of bringing the character of Monica to life was fleshing her out beyond the stereotypical "mean" boss archetype. "You know, the sort of like a tough older boss — I hate saying older, but I relative to the rest of everybody, yes!" she laughs. "I just wanted there to be kind of a reason behind her drive and a heart there, even though it is a pretty broad comedy. We talked about that and tried to find those moments where she's softer."

"There are moments that aren't really grounded and very sort of ridiculous, but it's also very important to infuse that sort of craziness with being grounded," Nico says. "So I think it's creating that balance and that's what makes the character so likable, I think."

Lauren Graham also loved the community aspect of filming 'The Z-Suite.'

Tubi

With the Gen Z, virtual workplace of it all, there will be some The Z-Suite viewers who have never worked in an office, including myself (and Lauren apparently). But seeing all the characters together creates a community that I totally didn't expect when I sat down to watch.

"Any opportunity to be with the community and be working and be back to anything resembling normal is a real gift," Lauren says. "It was fun too, it's like playing in a new kind of place, and I found after a little initial awkwardness that I really could walk into my office and take charge and that was like a new kind of a channel to walk into."

"I just like being a part of an ensemble," Nico says. "On my previous job with Superstore, it's like ensemble comedy and we did that for so long. So that's an environment where I really thrive, so I love it."

And in the spirit of past projects, I can't help but ask how they think Crazy Rich Asians' Oliver and Gilmore Girls' Lorelai would fit into the picture?

"Lorelai would not do well," Lauren Graham says. "She would be bored by the world of the office and I think would relate way more to the Gen Z people cause in her mind, she's always kind of one of the kids. But the office culture, she'd bring them coffee and then leave."

"Oliver would be a client," Nico Santos says. "He'll come to the ad agency with some asks."

You can stream the first two episodes of The Z-Suite on Tubi now! Check out Lauren Graham's First Instagram Post Is The Perfect Lorelai Gilmore Throwback for more Lauren love!

So we’ve already shown you how to repurpose your old stacks of magazines, but in case none of those tickled your fancy we’ve got one more DIY for you. DIY magazine wall art! Ta dah! This DIY Basic is super simple. In just five easy steps you can create wall art that is fun, original, and packed with color.

Materials:

  • Magazines
  • Canvas/wood/board
  • Hot glue sticks
  • Pattern
  • Tape

Tools:

  • Hot glue gun
  • Scissors

Instructions:

  1. Print and cut out a silhouetted shape.
  2. Tear out a bunch of magazine pages. Fold in half twice to get four small rectangles.
  3. Start to roll! Try to keep the magazine rolls as tight as possible. Tape the end to avoid it from unraveling.
  4. Hot glue your magazine roll-ups to your silhouette. Once the silhouette is covered, trim off the extra magazine pieces. This will reveal your silhouetted shape.
  5. Glue magazine silhouette to your wood board.

Time to get started! Cut out your silhouette from scrap paper.

Next you want to tear up those pages. First fold the page in half and tear down the center, then fold in half again and tear. Now you will have tons of small rectangles ready to roll.

Start at the edge and tightly roll the page into a cylinder. Secure the end with a piece of tape.

You’re going to need a lot of roll-ups ;) Try to pick magazine pages that have fun colors!

Using the hot glue gun, glue the roll ups onto your silhouette. Don’t worry about covering the smaller sections. Once you trim off the excess roll up you will have smaller pieces that will fit into those tiny spaces quite perfectly!

Trim the excess magazine to reveal your silhouetted shape. Remember, don’t throw away those tiny pieces.

Patch up those paws!

Look at those colors!

Time to mount your silhouette to a board. We used a thin wood board that we found at the art store. You can use wood, cardboard, illustrator board, etc. You could even go directly on the wall. Wait, do I see one brown hand?!

This bear is ready to hang.

I spy San Francisco! :)

We couldn’t do a post about wall art without doing a geometric pattern! Try grouping the same colors together, this gives it a fun color blocking effect.

Follow us on Pinterest for more DIY projects and let us know if you try this magazine wall art on Twitter!

This post has been updated.

Trader Joe’s never stops when it comes to adding new treats to their aisles – not that I’m complaining one bit. There’s always something fresh to dig into every grocery trip I take, from savory picks to sweets.

This month, TJ’s introduced over 30 new items. These are the top 7 you absolutely must try in February. Be quick, though – these good-lookin’ groceries are likely to fly off shelves!

Scroll on for the 7 most epic Trader Joe’s new arrivals for February 2025!

Trader Joe's

1. Handheld Chicken Pot Pies

This new $5 pick is only available for a limited time, according to Trader Joe's. The pot pie pockets boast a medley of dark meat chicken, peas, carrots, and potatoes, including a thick savory sauce that ties it together seamlessly with the flaky pastry crust. The box comes with two handheld pies that can be easily prepped in the oven or air fryer!

Trader Joe's

2. Soft Pretzel Twists

This next new item is making me yearn for baseball season. I fear there's nothing quite as delicious in the summer than a good ol' soft pretzel, and TJ's just took the treat to a whole new level! These $4 twists are about the size of a hot dog bun, so you could happily transform them into a more-filling, dog-packed lunch, or just get your snack on by dipping one into mustard or beer cheese (I vote for the beer cheese).

Trader Joe's

3. Whipped Feta Spread

I fear I'm about to whip right into the parking lot of my closest Trader Joe's to get a taste of this whipped feta. This $4 dip is heralded as a "creamy, ultra-spreadable, mega-dippable concoction" that makes an ideal pairing for carrots, pitas, bagels, crackers, and more. The recipe includes 51% feta cheese for a tangy, yet fresh flavor. It just hit shelves as a limited-time item, so run!

Trader Joe's

4. Artichoke Bottoms

Artichoke hearts – you know and love 'em. But Trader Joe's $3 Artichoke Bottoms are about to transform everything you thought you knew about the fiber-rich veg. Still boasting the same "nutty flavor" and "buttery mouthfeel" as hearts, these bottoms are shaped perfectly for hosting spreads, dips, or salads for a fun bite-sized party treat. TJ's recommends filling them with their Artichoke & Jalapeño Dip (a 10/10, by the way), topping each one with shredded cheese, and baking until bubbly. Yummm.

Trader Joe's

5. Vegetable Dumplings

These $4 vegetarian-friendly frozen dumplings come in the cutest size, and they're wrapped up and ready to be shown off in your dinner spread. They're equally yummy for an afternoon snack or lunchtime delight! Each one is filled with chives, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and cabbage so you can be sure you're getting your veggies in.

Trader Joe's

6. Teriyaki Mushroom Mini Bao Buns

I looove bao buns, and the fact that TJ's just made them mini has me so excited for my next grocery run! TJ's says each bite in this $5 bag is "mighty flavorful," thanks to the inclusion of three kinds of mushrooms, carrots, onions, spring onions, and an "aromatic" teriyaki miso sauce. They're extremely easy to prep in the microwave – I could easily see myself grabbing a couple for a quick afternoon snack.

Trader Joe's

7. Dark Chocolate Bark

If you were wondering where the sweet stuff was, it's right here: in the shape of some dee-licious chocolate. This $5 dark chocolate bark houses tons of tiny puffed quinoa seeds and dried raspberry pieces that make each bite wonderfully crunchy and a lil' fruity.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more fun Trader Joe's finds!

'Tis the season for love — Hailee Steinfeldand Josh Allen are engaged! The 27-year-old actress (who you'll recognize from Pitch Perfect 2 and Hawkeye) and 28-year-old Buffalo Bills quarterback were first romantically linked in May of 2023, and "have been head over heels from the start," according to a People source. "Their families are thrilled."

This celebrity couple has the final word on romance if you ask me: trips to Paris, baby showers, and serious PDA (in Cabo no less). But nothing gets more romantic than Josh's proposal on November 22, 2024. An arch covered in roses and a grassy hill with flowers and vases filled with sand. When asked how it felt to play football as a fiancé, Josh said it "felt good. Felt free."

Keep scrolling to see Hailee Steinfeld & Josh Allen's oh-so-romantic engagement post — and some key moments that led to it.

Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen shared a kiss during the NFL Honors.

NFL on FOX

On February 6, during the NFL Honors, Josh Allen won the 2025 Most Valuable Player, and he briefly celebrated before going onstage by giving Hailee a kiss! "You've been my rock, you are my best friend," he told her in his acceptance speech. "I would not be standing on the stage if it weren’t for you."

Hailee, who looked overjoyed during his acceptance speech (you can see tears in her eyes!), also look gorgeous in her strapless & fitted black gown, diamond necklace, and engagement ring. The ring features a round-cut jewel that's equal parts classy and romantic. Hailee always looks good, and I truly can't wait to see what she looks like on her big day.

What kind of engagement ring does Hailee Steinfeld have?

Hailee Steinfeld's engagement ring features a round-cut gem that "appears to be about a three-and-half to four-carat round brilliant diamond set in a thin platinum solitaire setting,” Olivia Landeau, founder and CEO of The Clear Cut, told Brides. “Her engagement ring is timeless and traditional. She opted for a classic ring versus following trends. If her diamond is natural, the ring is estimated to cost anywhere from $70,000 to $150,000, depending on its quality.”

Did Josh Allen get engaged to Hailee Steinfeld?

Yes, Josh Allen & Hailee Steinfeld are engaged! The couple made a joint post to Instagram to celebrate, and Josh captioned the photo, "♾️ 11•22•24 ♾️." The Summer I Turned Pretty's Conrad and Belly have nothin' on Hailee Steinfeld & Josh Allen's eternal love! ;)

"The biggest congratulations ❤️," Hailee's Pitch Perfect costar Rebel Wilson commented. Chad Micheal Murray was also excited for the couple, commenting, "Congrats brother!"

Is Hailee Steinfeld in a relationship in 2024?

Yes, Hailee Steinfeld has been with Josh Allen since the summer of 2023. When they were first linked, a source told People that "it's new, but they are having fun."

And that fun clearly turned into something much more! Josh went Instagram official in October of 2024 (with photos from a Paris trip Hailee posted in April), and the comments flooded with fans and friends showering the couple in love. "Babe wake up, Joshy just hard launched Hailee," one user said, while another added, "thank you for making Hailee happy!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼."

In the October 18 edition of her Beau Society newsletter, Hailee joked that after she and Josh gifted each other the Miyabi Kaizen chef's knife last Christmas, "he told me there's an old wive's tale that if you gift your significant other a knife you have to pay for it, otherwise it signifies the severing of a relationship. So we exchanged quarters so we didn't have that bad omen." This just proves how well they know each other!

Are Taylor Swift and Hailee Steinfeld still friends?

Yes, Taylor Swift and Hailee Steinfeld are still friends. 9 years after Hailee starred in Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" music video, Taylor liked Hailee and Josh's Instagram post (which she doesn't do often), and her BF Travis Kelce commented, "Congratulations!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻."

When is Hailee Steinfeld getting married?

The couple hasn't told us their wedding date yet, but stay tuned for news on the big day — and wedding photos!

Congrats to the happy couple! Loving all the celeb love? Read up on Shaun White & Nina Dobrev's engagement, too!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.