You’ve got a whole week to put together a Halloween costume, but if your procrastination skills are anything like mine, you’ll still be wanting for that perfect costume accessory come Friday night (or Saturday afternoon, even?). And who has the time or resolve to battle the last-minute chaos and crowds at costume stores? Here are two super-cool, super-quick, no-sew projects from Generation T: Beyond Fashion that you can make with old T-shirts from your closet—so you can whip up a homemade Halloween costume on the fly. Speaking of fly…
How about a superhero cape? Superheroes are always fun (make a mask, too!), but this cape could also transform you into a dashing Dracula, a mister mysterioso magician, or even crowned royalty! Let the cape be your statement or personalize your look with some fabric markers or iron-on letters.
If you’re trying to channel some warmer weather with your costume, how about this fringe dance skirt? Pair it with a bikini top (which you can actually make using project #49 from Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt) or other tropical attire and you’re ready for a luau. Aloha!
Two weeks ago I traveled to Austin, TX to visit my family and friends. While there I attended the opening football game for The University of Texas (of which I am an alumnus). Needless to say, Texas defeated The University of Louisiana at Monroe, 59-20. For me, the overwhelming win wasn’t the surprising part of the game. What I found most interesting (even though I had the sight numerous times) was the thousands of fans all wearing burnt orange UT t-shirts. The crowd appeared as more of a massive burnt orange blob than a group of individuals.
I did spot a couple of girls at the tailgate who were trying to stay cool (and possibly stand out of the crowd) by tying the bottom of their t-shirts in the back and cutting off the sleeves. While I appreciated the effort, their t-shirt refashioning skills could have used a bit of assistance from my friend Megan Nicolay, DIY extraordinaire and author of the bestselling Generation T books. If Megan had been with me at game, she could have transformed their simple and shapeless tees into something exciting and one-of-a-kind.
When I returned to New York City, I asked Megan to share a few projects from her new book, Generation T: Beyond Fashion, that let you show team spirit while also expressing personal style.
Turn two T-shirts into a flirty babydoll dress (page 78)
Have fun in the sun with a cute sundress (page 72)
Stand out in the crowd with a superstar! halter top (page 50)
Upcyle his T-shirts with one of the 15 men’s projects in chapter 6 (page 198)
Get the kids into the action with a little empress dress (page 167) or baby tutu (page 152)
Take the football fun to the next level and transform your tees into everything you need for a tailgate:
What: Behind the scenes at the photo shoot for Megan Nicolay’s newest book, Generation T: Beyond Fashion
Who: A super crew including photographer Rafael Fuchs, fashion stylist Basia Zamorska, and our team of models, which spanned 11 adults, 5 children, 2 babies, 4 dogs, and a cat named Noodle.
Where: Everywhere! From Brooklyn, where we shot in a restaurant named Bubby’s (if you’re in the area, check out the awesome photo booth), Brooklyn Bridge Park, and a retro bowling alley; to a loft in Tribeca; to the streets of Chinatown.
When: Four days in November. We shot during the first really cold week of fall, and it felt more like winter—but our models were troopers. They somehow managed to scamper around outside in skimpy T-wear without looking totally frozen. Piping hot Grimaldi’s pizza in the location van helped to warm them up some. (Yum.) We also kept the tunes blasting, which is why many of the photos look like the models were dancing—because they really were. A great way to get the blood flowing AND nail a rocking shot.
-Danielle Hark
Makeshift studio set up in Bubby's
Hair and Makeup artist Dina and Megan styling Isabella
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