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"Hey Seventeen readers, happy holidays! It&amp;#039;s Chelsea from Style Council again!  As winter draws in closer and closer, you know it&amp;#039;s about that time to get your cold weather gear in order! This means pulling out your coats, scarves and gloves from the recesses of your closet and getting them ready to wear for the cold months. I&amp;#039;m a HUGE fan of taking old pieces of clothing that you&amp;#039;ve had forever and giving it new life. It&amp;#039;s perfect way to save some money, not to mention a blast to get crafty with that one item of clothing you&amp;#039;re just not ready to part with. So, rather than going out and buying a new coat this year, I&amp;#039;ve decided to take 2 of my favorite old coats from last season and give them a few updates. Try these fun ideas, and make your favorite old coat look brand new.  First tip: add a ribbon! It&amp;#039;s easy and non-expensive, just head to your local craft store and hit up the ribbon isle for some simple solids or fun patterns that you know will go with your favorite cold weather ensembles. Every once in a while, switch it up and change out the ribbon for another. Have a little fun, and embellish the ribbon by adding a cute broach or pin. This is also a great way to accentuate your waist, and will be perfect for adding a slimming affect after all those Thanksgivingand holiday feasts. The next tip is to add your favorite broach to match whatever scarf or winter hat you&amp;#039;re wearing! This is a great way to not have to alter the existing garment at all, but still add a pop of color and bling to your jacket. Here are some other great ways to refashion your winter coat:   Add a belt. A belt will give your silhouette a nice fitted look. Try a leather belt, or a thick stretchy belt to work with even the bulkiest of jackets.  Get new buttons. New buttons can totally change the look of your coat. You can add rhinestone buttons to dress it up or brass buttons for a more military look.   Shorten a long coat. If you have a long, outdated coat, shorten it to hit your waist level and it will totally be transformed!  Remember: don&amp;#039;t trash your old coats! With just a touch craftiness and accessorizing, any old coat or jacket can be saved! So try it! Stay warm and happy holidays! XOXO, Chelsea For more style tricks and tips, check out the Style Council blogs! "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.seventeen.com/fashion/style-advice/advice/a16902/style-council-chelsea-diy-coat/>