We are living through very tumultuous times, a lot of us are having to go without pay if we’re lucky enough to not be laid off, and even if we may have that kind of disposable cash lying around,donating to the relief funds set up to aid the destitute, or even just saving for a medical or financial emergency trumps the need for a fresh summer wardrobe. But the heart still wants what it wants, Phir kya kerrain? Summer is officially here and with all the free time our Instafam has on their hands, their fingers are itching to click on that like button! We cant keep them hanging can you? With these simple tricks you can get a whole new look without (virtually) even spending a dime! So lets get on with it shall we?

REINVENT

Let's turn up the notch on creativity here! ANYTHING could be your next OOTD if you put your mind and some sewing skills into it. Bring out those needles and cutting shears. That Sussi shalwar that's just tooo adorable but you’ve worn it literally everywhere? Just flip it over, cut a neck hole out of the aasan and voila! You have an avant garde batwing top! Turn your kameezes into crop tops, dresses into tunics and blouses into kotis with just a few snips tucks and whirrs of the sewing machine! You could also give old tshirts and light coloured tops a whole new outlook by trying out some fun tie-dye techniques! Check out this tutorial! Also, another reason to be thankful for our desi roots, being blessed with having a closet full of the most versatile piece of clothing that EXISTS! Not only are there 100 ways to use it but theirs literally 100 ways to WEAR it too! Check out these amazing makeshift dupatta outfits concocted by this cool cats! https://www.instagram.com/p/B-g4Ctzp_VP/ Check for the makeshift shalwar from dupatta section in the video. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-h6ZpiJs-f/ Or this elegant creation by https://www.instagram.com/p/B-j8hNiHFTH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

RESTORE

So once a colleague walked into the office with these super cute polka dot printed patches on her jeans, and everyone, literally EVERYONE swarmed around her asking where she nabbed such a hot find, she rolled her eyes and laughed ‘my mom found the rips in my jeans too haram so she stitched these patches into them’. You can also refurbish old clothes but give them a whole new outlook altogether! Use leftover patches from last year’s lawn jorra packets or extract cute print details from old scarves or even bedsheets! Trust me, anything is salvageable once you put your mind to it! Bonus tip; if you’ve got some Whites or light colours lying around, you can easily give them a new lease of life by using vegetables or fruits to dye them! Follow these simple steps at Homemade Natural Dyes POPSUGAR Smart Living

RESTYLE

There couldn’t be a more perfect time to throw out the styling rule book altogether! A super cool shalwar! https://www.instagram.com/p/B_VZrvTJD59/?igshid=12a4kxv0xxpdi https://www.instagram.com/p/B26qJssn0Hc/ Forget everything you’ve ever heard been told about what can and can't be done, what colours go together and what dont, what kind of pants must be worn with what kind of top, don't wear this if you’re short, don't wear that if you’re tall.... PISH POSH! There couldn’t be a better time to go crazy, try new things that you couldn’t afford to with a busy lifestyle, you can actually use this time to figure out what really works for YOU, and really be able to personalize your future style choices as well. https://www.instagram.com/p/B7En4U1nqn0/ Pair that crop top with that funky shalwar, put on that baggy t-shirt with mum’s old sari, pull that skirt up and wear it as a top. Wear a kameez with denim overalls. Unlearn everything you’ve been told to believe about style and really write your own rules! Even if you make a few mistakes along the way, the benefits of this exercise will far outweigh the drawbacks! https://www.instagram.com/p/B3uk0ZmnKs3/?utm_source=ig_embed While our online store remains functional, we’d understand if your orders don't start lining up as they used to, these are tough times for all of us, Perhaps we can persevere with the hope that we’ll come through this! Signing out, with ❤️ from GENERATION.... Cover Image by Mahnoor Ahmad