Looking for a way to wear this season’s off the shoulder blouse (aka cold shoulder) without looking like you’re wearing your night gown?
Look no further than this 30 minute DIY that will have you grabbing the hub’s neglected button downs Black Friday style.
Best of all, this minimalist take on the boho favorite will keep your look elevated, sophisticated, and age appropriate.
The inspo for this DIY is the Kacy Tunic by Rag &Bone. ($375 Neiman Marcus). This high-end version boasts a crisp and clean button down look with a straight line bodice. At the same time channeling a relaxed vibe with an elasticized back.
Click through for a step by step tutorial below the outfit pics:
10 Keys to a perfect minimalist DIY off the shoulder blouse:
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Gather your Supplies: 1.5 yards of 1-inch elastic, thread, sewing machine, scissors, chopstick, shoestring, 2 safety pins. Men’s oversized shirt (I scored a NWT Shirt by Asos in this seasons popular gingham check print for $7 at the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop).
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Lay your shirt flat. Using a straight edge and pencil, draw a line from shoulder to shoulder. Be sure to draw the line 1.5 inches above where the button will be, to allow the material to turn down and be hemmed across. (It’s important to have structure in the front for obvious reasons) .
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Cut off the top of the shirt. Fun Tip – save the collar and trim away the excess fabric. For an edgy look or to add more visual coverage to this very bare skinned look, you can wear the collar.
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With the front of your top facing you, fold down the front edge, away from you to form a 1″ wide cuff. Iron, then pin this edge. Top stitch 5/8″ from the edge of the fold. I left a 2 inch opening at each end, next to the arm pit area to allow room to insert the elastic. I also recommend this step of bringing the elastic a little bit into the bodice area to keep the top from sagging in the front when you lean forward.
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With the inside of the blouse facing you (looking at the rear neckline) fold the top edge down, this time towards you. This will create a 1inch pocket for the elastic. Keep folding and pinning till you reach the front shoulders. Stitch 1/4″ away from the bottom edge of the fold, from shoulder to shoulder. Keep that 2 inch area by the armpits free for the elastic insertion. (For more advanced – choose your favorite finished seam type)
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Measure the elastic by gently stretching it across your back and your shoulders. Allow 1-2 extra inches for adjusting the fit.
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Insert the elastic. I like to sew one edge of the elastic to a long tube of fabric that I made specifically for this purpose. You can also use a shoestring. Tie the free end of your string to a chop stick and feed the stick through the pocket you just made. Grab the cord and pull it through the pocket along with the elastic until fully inserted. Temporarily secure the elastic to the fabric with safety pins at each end, near the 2 inch openings.
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Try on the blouse and adjust the elastic by unpinning, pulling it tighter (or loosening) and repinning. This is where you decide how high/low you want this off the shoulder blouse to “fall” across your collarbone. Tip – add spaghetti straps or ties at the shoulder for a more secure fit. I suggest this so you won’t spend a lot of time holding your arms close to your sides.
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Securely sew both edge of the elastic to the fabric at the front openings in Step 3. With the blouse front facing upwards, neatly topsticth front openings closed. (enclosing the elastic).
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Adjust the fabric “gathers” so that the back has an even amount of fabric. Be sure to adjust any bunches or twists. Now you’re finished and because of your hard work (and this tutorial) have your very own off the shoulder blouse!
XoXo,
Ten Key Pieces
