Detailing is everything

You’d detail your car wouldn’t you? You’d add a sweet set of 17” mag wheels, maybe a spoiler, some leopard print seat covers, and naturally a pair of fuzzy dice hanging proudly (like testicles in the words of Cake) from the rear-view mirror; so why wouldn’t your detail your clothes?

Adding an unusual feature to something you already own is a great way of getting something new and original to wear. I had a boring plain black suit from Ojay that I bought a few years ago. Nothing wrong with it, I just never wear it because it is too plain. I was about to donate it to the Smith Family (great charity if you are looking to donate somewhere) when I was struck by inspiration.

I have some beautiful Chinese silk from the Silk King in Shanghai that my friend K sent. I haven’t used it yet, so I thought I’d do something simple but tricky.

The skirt (centre) I tapered in along the legs to give it a pencil skirt shape, then added a border around the bottom with the blue silk, also filling in the vent at the back to make a pleat instead.

The pants (left), I unpicked the belt tabs, sewed in a thin band at the waist and then sewed the belt tabs back.

The jacket (right) I added the silk to the welts of the pockets and created a pleat in the sleeves, adding the blue silk as a detail.

This used all of about 20 cm of fabric, and I’ve transformed a boring suit into a really interesting one. I even have enough material left to make a matching top.

You’d detail your car wouldn’t you, why not your clothes too?

* Update - Hi to readers from Bargain Queen!

RELATED Do it yourself details Faux fur, Short and simple, Great jacket detail, Solution to showy straps