DIY: 1 Blouse, 10 Looks (Re-styling with Lace)

I always like thinking of different ways to alter or add some little details to my clothing. I liked this silk blouse for its easy-to-wear cream colour and its standout black collar. It would definitely go with all different kinds of coloured cardigans and blazers. I did think it was a bit plain though, so I started thinking of how I could jazz up the shirt a bit. So I came up with this DIY: LACE BLOUSE EDITION to demonstrate a whole bunch of ways to alter a simple button-up shirt like this one.

Well, the first easy add-on that doesn't require any kind of sewing is a thin belt. Depending on whether you want to stay monochrome or add a punch of colour, you can use a thin black belt with gold details (like the picture below), or go for a bright-coloured one. 

Cinching a belt at your natural waist will give the blouse a less-boxy, more-defined look.

Lace is always a simple DIY addition and I thought adding some black lace detail would contrast nicely with the pale colour of the blouse.  

 

LACE LOOK #1: THE COLLAR BOW

 The first way to add lace doesn't require any sewing at all - just tie a bit of lace into a bow around the collar. I like non-sew DIYs like this because if you ever get tired of the look, you can scrap it easily.

LACE LOOK #2: THE BELTED LACE BOW

 Another way is to tie the lace around your natural waistline to have it act as a belt. 

LACE LOOK #3: THE LACE TRIM

 Now let's move on to our endless lace sewing options. Look #3 here is simply to sew a strand of lace at the bottom of the shirt which helps balance out the black collar and instantly adds some subtle detail.

LACE LOOK #4: LITTLE LACE SLEEVES

Sewing the lace along the sleeves will add more flair to your shoulders! Since this shirt has black buttons underneath a flap of cream fabric, I would also consider sewing the "flap" to the side in order to expose the buttons underneath for a different kind of look.

LACE LOOK #5: DOUBLE LACE LINES

This DIY would require sewing two lace lines horizontally across the shirt. I think this look would be nice with a gold statement necklace worn up top. 

LACE LOOK #6: THE FLYING V

(Yes, that title is a Canucks reference, haha)... Anyway, I think this would be an interesting take on the V-neck. 

LACE LOOK #7: THE DOUBLE FLYING V

...don't worry - we won't try for a triple.

LACE LOOK #8: THE PSEUDO-BIB

I think this look would only work with two or three buttons showing at the top. It gives the blouse a kind of pseudo-scoop neckline, or a "lace bib" for grown-ups.  

LACE LOOK #9: SKID MARKS

Sewing two vertical lines all the way down is an elongated look that can create the illusion of a slimmer torso. (I just made that up right now, but really, I just think it makes the shirt look more interesting in a very symmetrical way). In my opinion, adding a thin belt to this look ties it all together.

LACE LOOK #10: THE "ASYMMETRICAL FLAIR"

I don't know what inspired this one, but I think it definitely adds an interesting element to the blouse. This look would definitely be best without a cardigan over it, in order to show off the lace lines sewn on one side. If you really can't stand the asymmetrical-ness, then get more lace and sew the same pattern on the other side!

 

So... what do you think about the looks? Like? Love? Utterly despise? haha... Let me know which ones are your favourites. With so many options, I still haven't decided which one to actually use. (My excessive-spending side is telling me that the solution is to buy 10 copies of this shirt and make all 10 styles). =P