16 Ribbon Fashion Hacks That Will Blow Your Mind
1. Add a ribbon halter to a strapless dress. You can safety pin the ribbon in place or sew it on for a more secure hold.
2. Turn simple sandals into a fun pair of T-straps. Loop the ribbon around the toe strap and ankle strap. Tie a bow, or cut and sew the ends of the ribbon together for a sleek, minimalist look.
Yellow Off-the-Shoulder Ruffle Dress, REBECCA VALLANCE (Available at Net-A-Porter), $505; Red Grosgrain Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $2/yard; Black Sandals, STEVE MADDEN, $90; White Velvet Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $4/yard; Blue Crossbody Bag, INC (Available at Macy’s), $44
3. Add some shapely curves to an otherwise boxy sweater. Lace the ribbon up the front (or back) of your sweater the same way you would lace a corset. This also works well on T-shirts, although in that case, you will need to cut holes in your shirt before you can lace it up.
4. Use a ribbon as a strap on your favorite bag. You can loop it around a few times for a sturdier hold. Tie bows on the ends, by the hardware, or just knot them and cut off the excess.
Pale Pink Sweater, TOPSHOP, $74; Black Grosgrain Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $1/yard; Gold Metallic Skirt, TOPSHOP, $75;White Crossbody Bag, INC (Available at Macy’s), $35; Blue Velvet Ribbon, M&J Trimming, $3/yard; Cheetah Pumps, JEFFREY CAMPBELL, $155
5. Replace the existing lacing on a dress or top with ribbon. It's a great way to add color and texture to an otherwise monochromatic look. Stick with ribbon that is the same width as the original lacing - it just looks nicer that way.
6. Dress up a simple pair of boots by wrapping them with ribbon. Mix textures in complementary colors for a rich, sophisticated look. Velvet and grosgrain ribbons look nicer on clothes and accessories than satin or other shiny materials.
White Lace-Up Minidress, HAUTE HIPPIE (Available at The Outnet), $394; Yellow Velvet Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $2/yard; Tan Booties, STEVE MADDEN, $90; Burgundy Velvet Ribbon, M&J Trimming, $4/yard; Gray Crossbody Bag, REBECCA MINKOFF, $175
7. Add a cool bow detail to the neck of any top with a rolled collar. Cut two slits in the top layer of the collar fabric, a couple inches from the front middle of the shirt, then thread the ribbon through like a drawstring on a hoodie. Make sure the ribbon is as wide as the collar you are lacing it through - it will help it lie better.
8. Experiment with different ways of wrapping your boots. A subtle change in the way you wrap your booties can have a major impact on the overall look of your outfit. Ribbons also look great on printed boots. As long as the boots have a simple shape without any extraneous buckles or straps, you're really only limited by your own creativity.
Striped Top, TOPSHOP, $28; Red Grosgrain Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $3/yard; Green Suede Skirt, X BY NBD (Available at Revolve), $398; Black Ankle Boots, ALDO, $120; Blue Grosgrain Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $2/yard
9. Dress up an LBD with a playful ribbon harness. You need four pieces of ribbon for this one. Take one piece and tie it firmly around your waist, then turn it so the bow is at the back. Take another piece and knot it to the ribbon at your waist, then loop it behind your neck, like a halter, and back down to your waist, knotting the end to the first ribbon. Adjust the positions of the knots so the ribbons lie over your body like suspenders. Cut off any excess ribbon and tuck the ends inside the knots. Finally, take two smaller pieces or ribbon and tie a bow over each of the knots on the front of the dress.
To remove the harness, simply untie the bow in the back and lift the halter over your head.
10. Replace the ankle strap on a pair of sandals. You can use a ribbon the same width as the original strap, or go for a more dramatic look with a wider ribbon made of a thin cotton or silk.
Black Strapless Dress, ELIZABETH AND JAMES (Available at The Outnet), $164; White Grosgrain Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $1/yard; Pale Pink Velvet Sandals, STEVE MADDEN, $80; Burgundy Grosgrain Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $1/yard; Gold Crossbody Bag, REBECCA MINKOFF, $175
11. Cinch wide sleeves with cute ribbon cuffs. You might want to use a small safety pin to keep the cuffs in place.
12. Add a big, floppy bow to the back of a tough pair of booties. Just thread the ribbon through the loop on the back of the bow and tie it in place, then trim the edges of the ribbon so it's still floppy but doesn't drag on the ground.
White Sweater, TOPSHOP, $60; Lavender Velvet Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $2/yard; Silver Metallic Skirt, ALICE + OLIVIA (Available at Bloomingdale's), $295; Black Ankle Boots, ALDO, $120; Pink Grosgrain Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $2/yard; Blue Metallic Bag, REBECCA MINKOFF, $175
13. Use a ribbon as a belt. It won't actually hold your pants or skirt in place, but it will add a pretty, feminine focal point to your look.
14. Replace the lacing in a strappy pair of sandals or pumps. Resist the urge to try wrapping the ribbon higher than your ankle. It will never stay put.
Black ACDC T-Shirt, TOPSHOP, $50; Animal Print Skirt, TOPSHOP, $68; Lime Green Grosgrain Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $2/yard; Black Strappy Pumps, RAYE (Available at Revolve), $180; Pink Velvet Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $2/yard
15. Thread some ribbon between two cutouts. Extra-long tails on your bow will add drama to your look.
16. Wrap your foot in ribbon before you put your shoe on. That way, it will look like the ribbons are attached to the inside of the shoe, instead of having been wrapped around it.
Red Cutout Dress, CINQ Á SEPT (Available at Bloomingdale’s), $169; Red Grosgrain Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $2/yard; Cheetah Pumps, JEFFREY CAMPBELL, $155; Tan Velvet Ribbon, M&J TRIMMING, $3/yard; Rose Gold Crossbody Bag, REBECCA MINKOFF, $175
Model: Laney Degrasse at JAG Models
Hair and Makeup: Jackie Seabrooke
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