In the age of online shopping, it’s so easy to fall in love with a piece through your screen, but feel less than enthused when you finally see it in real life. Perhaps the perception gap comes from quality, fit, or color - those are often my core reasons. But sometimes, a piece in real life is so incredibly perfect… except for… one… small… detail. I’m writing this post to say, what if you could change that detail? Over the years, I’ve done this a few times, resulting in subtly custom pieces that feel made for me. I’ve always aimed to execute the changes in an elevated way such that the final product looks natural and doesn’t have a DIY aspect. My years of client-facing professional roles have made “polished” a core attribute of my style DNA.
Here are my favorite ways to customize.
Changing the length of a necklace by replacing the chain.
While chain extenders are a quick and easy way to make this happen, I personally am not a fan because they move throughout the day and risk looking tacky. I’m typically an 18”+ necklace girl as opposed to a 15 or 16”. As someone who is shorter, I find that the longer chain adds much needed visual length to my body. I also love going for an extra long chain to wear with sweaters in the winter - especially turtleneck sweaters.
On my Sophie Buhai Tiny Egg Pendant, I opted for a 20” chain, swapping out the 16”.
Changing a watch strap - especially on more masculine watches
I tend to gravitate toward oversized watches - I was inspired by Victoria Beckham oh so many years ago and haven’t been able to shake her influence. When I borrow one of my husband’s watches, the straps are always way too big, so I’ve found a few strap substitutes that are smaller, more feminine, and sometimes incorporate subtle color in a way that accents the watch itself.
Never underestimate the magic of tailoring and the way in which it can transform a piece
Over the years, I have tried to approach pieces I love, but aren’t 100% right, with an open and creative mind. I’ve turned 3 long dresses into midis or minis (with my favorite being a Rachel Comey sequin number similar to this), completely changed the straps and necklines on dresses (like adjusting the neckline on this Matteau dress), and played with tailoring on certain jeans that seem to be made for 6’ tall women. Hemming denim is always stressful because not everyone can maintain the styling of the original hem. Talking to your tailor about creative solutions that best match the style of the jeans themselves can have amazing results, especially if you’re working with someone who has mastered their craft.
Last year, I purchased the Rachel Comey Kilo Trench - a decision that was years in the making. I always had my eye on it when in the store, and what truly influenced my decision was when I bumped into Kelly Wearstler buying it in the peach color on Melrose (side note: her style and energy in person were incredible!). The jacket only comes in two sizes - XS / S and M / L, which was less ideal because I found it oversized. I was able to make it my own though, in that I had it slightly hemmed and asked my tailor to convert the fabric that was removed into a tie belt. This now gives me optionality when styling the piece, which is perfect for Spring through Fall.
Replacing buttons on shirts and jackets to match your personal aesthetic
I love a metallic accessory, but less so when it is directly incorporated into a piece of clothing. There have been times when I’ve replaced the gold buttons on lady jackets and blazers with gorgeous leather options or other “classic” alternatives that I love so much.
Change out the lenses in glasses
I’m currently in the process of converting some eyeglasses into sunglasses because I couldn’t find the frame shape elsewhere. I’ve done this two other times and always use LensDirect with great success. The process is quite easy and they often run sales, so the price point is quite attractive.
Cheers to small tweaks that make your look unique.
x jz
Images | 1 - 7 | @b.g.mckay, styled by me | 8 | Kelly Wearstler
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