For years I’ve been collecting the extra buttons that come with new sweaters, button downs and pairs of pants. And since, as many of you know, I love things with buttons (who knew my cardigan obsession would be so handy?) I have no shortage of extras. But except for a few spare coat buttons, I’ve never actually needed to use any of them.

A few weeks ago, I found my stash  in an unmarked box in my underwear drawer filed neatly away in a logical place, and I thought they were too pretty to just sit there, unloved.  I thought about what crafty project I could use them in.  There were buttons in all different sizes and colors: red, black, clear, white, fabric-covered, flower-shaped, etc.   It was a bit overwhelming.

Then, I realized the buttons made me think about Anthropologie, and that got me thinking about using them to spice up a plain white tank.  In my head I knew it would be cute – and I have to say, the end result turned out adorable! I can’t wait to wear it with my favorite chino shorts and what else – one of my five Jackie cardigans from JCrew.  Darling, right?  I could totally picture this number at Anthro – but my DIY version costs a fraction of what they would charge for something like this.

Here’s how you can do it at home:

What you’ll need:

- a plain tank.  I used a standard JCrew tank that I had from last summer.

-buttons

-needle and thread

That’s it!

Directions:

1. Gather a few buttons of different colors and sizes.

   

   Plain Tank

   

   My buttons, now organized in a zip-loc!

   

   Sewing a button on…

   
   

   

   Close Up of Back

   

   Close Up!

   

   All done!

   
   
   
2. Find a thin thread that’s the same color as your buttons. I had one of those handy kits that you stick in a travel bag that had thread in different colors. It was perfect for the random light blue button I used.
3. Decide where you want the buttons to go. I liked mine around the neck, and with three in the back, but you can put yours along the side, or perhaps around the bottom for a different look.
4. Just as you’d sew a button onto a shirt, stitch a few buttons onto your tank top as decoration, using just a few stitches to securely hold it in place.
5. Get creative! Try layering a smaller button on top of a bigger one for a different look, mix up the colors and use buttons that don’t match next to each other.
6. Finally, enjoy! Pair with your favorite jeans, shorts or skirt, or use as a cute beach cover up (You could even make a matching bag!)