Be honest: When you think about leather, do you instantly thing of biker gangs? What about the T-Birds from Grease? Well, we’re here to put that to rest, once and for all, with the help of 15 downright adorable leather DIYs for your closet. Yes, you read that right: These ideas can be done to the items you already own. Now, grab that needle and thread — you’re going to need it within reach after seeing these awe-inspiring ideas.
1. Shirt Style: Your comfy, cozy T-shirt doesn’t have to be reserved for Friday nights at home. Amp it up with a leather shoulder and pair it with jeans and some heels for a causal night out — in style. (via The Forge)
2. Beautiful Bow: Put a bow on it — literally — with the help of this so-cool leather belt DIY. (via I Heart Naptime)
3. Shoulder Smack-Down: One girl’s trash is another girl’s treasure. Here’s a perfect example of that: A thrift store top gets a serious upgrade with leather shoulders. (via Cotton + Curls)
4. Hit It With a Pephem: Adding a peplum to your tops — or even your skirts — is one of the easiest ways to amp up your worn silhouettes into true standout pieces. Plus the fun doesn’t start + stop with leather: Try this DIY with fabric in bold colors and patterns for extra flair. (via Brit + Co)
5. From Scrap to Skinny Belt: This roundup will make this evident: Don’t ever, ever, EVER toss your leather scraps! Even if they’re the longest, skinniest remains, there WILL be a way to reuse it in the future. Here, you’re turning your skinny leftovers into a stylish belt just like that. (via A Beautiful Mess)
6. Five Star Project: We’ve gotta give this shirt a star for effort! But all puns aside, we’d wear this quick DIY in an instant — wouldn’t you?! (via Brit + Co)
7. Shorts With Attitude: Now that’s some serious pocket action. Both the front and the back pockets are leather-lined and lovely. This, we’ve gotta try. (via The Band Wife)
8. Gaga for Geo: Gather ALL of your leather remnants for this rags to riches DIY that turns those scraps into a statement-worthy necklace (or two, or three!). (via Brit + Co)
9. Burgundy is Best: Update last season’s grandpa sweater with some rocker pockets! This burgundy leather DIY instantly transforms an otherwise neutral piece. (via I Love Do It Yourself)
10. Sweet Sweater: Here’s a geometric-inspired sweater that can be worn from day to night. And we’ve gotta say, it’s just downright perfect for Sunday brunch. (via Emerja)
11. Mixing Styles: A little nautical chic, a little motorcycle tough and a lot of style-savvy DIYing. Here’s a dress that does DIY right. (via Court and Hudson)
12. Fringe FTW!: Take last season’s purse, clutch or tote from boring to badass by inviting fringe to the party. After reading through this tutorial, you’ll never look at a basic bag the same! (via Brit + Co)
13. Cover Those Knees: Forget the elbow patch. If you’re looking for the newest take on leather patchwork, look no further: This heart-shaped leather embellishment will make any outfit super fun. (via Flattery)
14. Pocket Fun: Tweed + leather = so wrong it’s right. Update your ho-hum work skirt into this statement-making standout. (via A Beautiful Mess)
15. Way Cool Cardigan Cuffs: This might be the easiest leather hack of them all: use Velcro to add cool cuffs to your cardis. The best part? You can switch up the embellishment as many times as you want — so be sure to make a colorful batch up front! (via Brit + Co)
We’re obsessed with simple clothing DIYs (as if you couldn’t already tell). Tell us below in the comments: What’s your favorite clothing DIY you’ve ever tried?