From the Editor: DIY Fringe Pocket Shorts

Remember these beauties from Nasty Gal? Yeah. We were lusting over them too. Anyways, our June/July 2011 issue featured a DIY version of these shorts and it was super popular. So we thought we’d share it with you online!

Updated: While we posted this rad DIY back in July of 2011, Nina Dobrev is wearing similar fringe shorts on the cover of Nylon this month (February 2012). Dress like Nina with our DIY!

Ombre fringe-pocket shorts retail for over $100, make your own for less than $20.

Supplies Needed:

• Old pair of denim shorts
• Long chainette fringe (white)
• Spray paint (any color)
• Permanent adhesive fabric glue
• Unused toothbrush
• Newspaper

2. Take your two pieces of fringe outside and lay one piece on the newspaper. Decide at what point you want the ombre effect to start on fringe and begin to spray that area of the fringe with your spray paint– we chose to use blue, but you can use any color. We found it easier to fold the fringe into half and spray. Flip the fringe over until the bottom is completely covered. Repeat on the other piece of fringe.

3. Create the ombre or gradient effect by spraying a bit of paint onto a section of the newspaper, rub the toothbrush bristles onto the paint and begin to brush just above the colored area on the fringe. Continue to do so until you’re happy with the look. Of course, repeat on the other piece of fringe. Let paint dry for about 30 minutes.

4. Once dry, bring the fringe inside and lay where it would be glued on the shorts. We decided we wanted our ombre to start higher, so we took them outside and repeated step 3. When you’re happy with where the ombre effect is on the fringe, then begin to line the outer edge of the pockets with the fabric glue. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the glue, you’ll want your fringe to stay in place. Attach the fringe to the pocket. Repeat on the other pocket.

5. The glue will dry quickly, about five minutes. Once dry, try on your shorts and decide how long you want the fringe to be. Leave extra long for maximum nastyness! We decided we wanted the fringe to lay a couple inches below the hemline. Trim with scissors to desired length.
*Optional: Use the same glue to add some studs along the top of the fringe for some extra bling and an even ‘nastier’ effect!

That’s it! Wear everywhere and brag about your creativity.