A Simple Brushstroke Makeover for Your Basic Wardrobe Pieces

As Florida teased warmer weather, we’re back to chilly temperatures, and I’m starting to feel a bit stir-crazy with my wardrobe. I’m not a fan of layering—anything more than one sweater and a jacket is a no-go for me. Plus, I’m trying to resist the urge to buy more clothes and add to our already overstuffed shared closet.

So, I decided to dig deep into my drawers for those timeless basics I could update, and voilà—an oversized tunic caught my eye. Perfect!

Transform Your Basics with an Easy Brushstroke Technique

This tunic reminds me of the good old days when art teachers would ask us to bring in our dads’ old shirts for smocks. I used to sloppily paint hearts on them, and I’m glad to say I’ve evolved since then—now I’m all about adding a bit of grown-up flair with modern brushstrokes.

What You’ll Need:

Basic tee, dress, or any piece of clothing you want to transform
Wide bristle brush
Acrylic or fabric paint
Water
Cardboard (to protect the fabric)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Pre-wash your clothing to remove any residue that could interfere with the paint or cause shrinking.
Lay your piece flat on a surface, placing a piece of cardboard inside to keep it smooth and prevent paint from seeping through.
I recommend using watered-down acrylic paint for this brushstroke effect. Fabric paint can be thick with a limited color palette, and as any acrylic enthusiast knows, it’s tough to get off clothes. Dilute the acrylic paint with just enough water to make it runny and easy to work with.
Grab your wide bristle brush and start painting! Allow the front of the piece to dry fully before flipping it over. I like when the design extends from the front to the back, so I shifted the piece slightly on the cardboard to allow for continuous strokes on both sides.
Once done, proudly show off your custom piece!

I can’t wait for the weather to warm up enough to wear this tunic on its own. Right now, I’ve been pairing it with leggings and a moto jacket or tucking it into jeans. For fall, I’m thinking it would make a chic, lightweight jacket over summer tanks and shorts. This piece is truly a year-round staple!