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7 FLORAL DIY PROJECTS TO REVAMP YOUR DORM ROOM

Looking to refresh your bedroom? There’s no better way to make your dorm room feel personal than by crafting your own decorations! If you’re aiming for a summery, vibrant vibe, these floral DIYs are perfect for you.

Adding a pop of color is easiest when surrounded by flowers, so we’ve gathered seven creative ideas to help transform your space.

Flower Wall Hanging

Wall hangings are a fantastic way to decorate dorm rooms, especially when you’re not allowed to paint the walls. They help fill up empty space and give your room a cozy, lived-in feel. Plus, with this floral DIY, creating your own hanging is simple and fun.

Start by using a long, straight stick or, for an alternative, paint an old wrapping paper tube pink to use as your base. Next, create ten long strands of faux flowers and string them together. Once done, hang the strands from your stick or tube. Add some faux leaves or vines along the top for a finishing touch, then fix the entire piece to your wall for a beautiful, floral display.

A Floral Dream Catcher

Dream catchers add a whimsical touch to your room and can even help bring peaceful sleep. But if you’re not into the traditional net design or feathers, why not opt for a floral version for a chic, bohemian vibe?

Start with an embroidery hoop as your base and wrap faux flowers around the frame, securing them with a glue gun. Then, hang various threads and yarns—mixing textures adds extra charm. While it might not catch your dreams like the classic version, this floral dream catcher will definitely elevate your space with its beauty.

Your Name In Flowers

A great way to add a personal touch to your room is by featuring the first letter of your name on your wall—and making it extra chic by crafting it out of faux flowers! This floral DIY is also a perfect opportunity to establish your room’s color scheme, simply by matching the flowers to your bedding, chairs, or rug.

The trickiest part of this project is creating the letter out of cardboard, but once that’s done, the rest is simple. Ensure your letter is hollow, then fill it with floral foam (a material often used by florists, which you can find at any craft store). Once the foam is in place, all you need to do is push the faux flowers into it, and they will stay put, creating a beautiful, personalized display.

Paper Flowers

Framing paper flowers is a great way to introduce texture into your dorm room artwork, and using music sheets instead of colored paper adds a unique touch. To make it even more personal, you could incorporate a page from a favorite novel or a map of your hometown.

For this DIY, you’ll need wire for the stems, paper of your choice, and glue. There are plenty of flower templates available online—just cut them out and assemble your flowers. Once they’re complete, use a felt-tip pen to add color to the edges for extra dimension. Finally, fix your flowers to a sheet of paper, frame it, and you’ll have a beautiful, personalized piece of art for your room.

Floral Paper Weight

If your desk could use a floral touch, these paperweights are a perfect addition. Whether for function or decoration, they add a vibrant pop of color without taking up too much space. Plus, this DIY is budget-friendly and simple to make.

Start by preparing your flowers using the same pressing method as for the pressed flower frame. Once your flowers are ready, gather some small pebbles and place the flowers on top. Cover them with PVA glue, and once it dries clear, you’ll have a stunning floral paperweight that’s both practical and beautiful.

Pressed Flower Frame

Pressed flowers are a beautiful way to incorporate real blooms into your room without the hassle of replacing them every week. When sandwiched between glass frames, they create unique and elegant artwork for your walls. Plus, they’re super easy to make!

Start with fresh flowers—ensure they’re dry, not damp from dew or rain. Place them between two sheets of parchment paper, then press the paper between the pages of a heavy book. For added weight, stack a few more books on top (you might need to borrow some from the library!). After about two weeks, your flowers will be fully dried and flattened, ready to be framed. Just be careful when handling them, as they’ll be quite delicate.

Flower Mirror

Similar to a floral letter, decorating your mirror with faux flowers is a fantastic way to tie in your room’s color scheme and give a boring black-framed mirror a fun makeover.

To make this floral DIY, gather plenty of faux flowers and trim their stems. Then, use a glue gun to securely attach them around the frame of your mirror. If you want to take it up a notch, add fairy lights to the flowers for a glowing, magical effect that will make your mirror selfies even more stunning.

CONCLUSION

These floral DIYs are a fantastic way to personalize your dorm room and add a touch of creativity and color to your space. Whether you’re crafting a floral dream catcher, decorating mirrors, or making paperweights, each project allows you to infuse your own style and personality into your room. Best of all, these DIYs are easy, affordable, and fun to make. So, get creative, embrace the beauty of flowers, and transform your dorm room into a vibrant and welcoming space that feels truly your own!

7 ESSENTIAL STYLE TIPS FOR MEN OVER 50 BEFORE YOU SHOP

Navigating the world of fashion in your 50s (and beyond!) may seem daunting, but trust me, it’s entirely achievable. While I can’t personally guide every man receiving an AARP membership in the mail, I can offer you this comprehensive guide to dressing for mature men.

If you’re new to my writing, you might be asking yourself: Caroline, as a 29-year-old woman who spends her free time watching Nordic crime dramas and perfecting my homemade macaroni and cheese, what do I know about the style dilemmas faced by men approaching early retirement?

Well, for one, I have a soft spot for well-dressed older gentlemen.

Every man over 50 has unique wardrobe needs that reflect his personal style and lifestyle. Whether you’re searching for casual attire, looking for shopping recommendations, or simply wanting to elevate your fashion game, dressing well at this age can be just as exciting and diverse as it is for younger men.

Not sure where to begin? No need to fret! Below, 7 tips on nailing mature style for men:

Get a tailor

Everyone I’ve spoken with in the realm of men’s style, especially for those over 50, agrees on one crucial point: the difference between “a guy wearing clothes” and “a well-dressed man” often comes down to good tailoring.

Building a relationship with a tailor is essential for any mature man looking to elevate his style.

Consider your tailor your clothing’s doctor. Just as you have a dentist for your teeth, an internist for your health, and a dermatologist for those pesky moles, it’s time to have a tailor on speed dial to ensure your wardrobe is in top shape.

Now, I can already hear you thinking: “The clothes I own fit me just fine!”

But let’s be real—no man, and I mean none of you, can wear off-the-rack clothing perfectly.

Sure, you don’t need to have every t-shirt tailored or sweatpants hemmed, but those button-down shirts you wear daily with jeans or chinos? Get the sleeves adjusted to the right length.

And don’t forget about those jeans and chinos! 

What about the blazer you wear for dinner with your spouse each week? Could it use a little adjustment to fit you better?

Think of this process like visiting a doctor. You don’t go in every day for every little issue, but for the significant matters, you want to consult a professional. 

Focus on the finishing touches 

When it comes to presentation, the key differentiator between well-dressed men and those who simply wear clothes is the extra attention to detail. These subtle touches may not be immediately noticeable, but once you see them, they make a significant difference.

This attention to detail extends beyond your clothing to grooming, including a well-maintained beard (and nose hairs!), clean nails and cuticles, and a pleasant scent. Just look at the smart tie and coordinating socks worn by Stanley Tucci—voted the most stylish man of 2023 by Style Girlfriend followers!

Accessories are an excellent way to elevate your style as a man over 50. A beautiful scarf can enhance a simple blue overcoat, while the right shoes can complete your outfit—just as easily as the wrong ones can ruin it.

Investing in accessories is a smart choice for your wardrobe. Timeless pieces, like a classic pair of glasses, will never go out of style, and if you choose quality items built to last, you’ll enjoy them for years to come.

I’d like to highlight timepieces: they’re one of the first things I notice on a man. If you wear a watch, I can’t help but notice which one it is.

Let me be clear: you don’t need to spend a fortune on a watch. However, if you can invest in a quality timepiece, it’s often worth it. Even an affordable tank-style Seiko can make you look polished and distinguished.

Invest in forever pieces

By avoiding fleeting trends, you can invest more wisely in your wardrobe. Why? Because when you focus on timeless pieces, you know you’ll wear them for more than just one season.

Instead of purchasing multiple inexpensive shirts and trousers, consider buying one or two high-quality staple items. Then, invest in having those pieces tailored to fit you perfectly. The final step? Embrace the ease and simplicity of cultivating a signature personal style!

Look for brands that prioritize craftsmanship and quality. 

While you may not have the budget to splurge on every item in your closet, you can be strategic about your spending.

Identify the pieces you wear most frequently. If you rarely wear sweaters but often don blazers—think of a post-presidential Barack Obama—prioritize your budget accordingly to reflect your lifestyle.

Lean into a Monochromatic Color Palette

Monochromatic dressing involves combining pieces from the same color family to create a cohesive and polished look. This style not only elongates your body but also gives you a sleek, modern appearance with minimal effort.

Take, for example, the character Steve Martin, 79, plays on Only Murders in the Building. He often sports monochromatic ensembles, like blue jeans paired with a white shirt and a blue knit sweater or overcoat.

For men over 50, these outfits are not only simple to assemble but also effortlessly elevate your style.

You can approach monochromatic dressing in a few different ways. Our favorite at Team SG is the black and blue route—opting for rich, deep blues like navy—or embracing earth tones, such as pairing tan chinos with a chunky oatmeal rollneck sweater.

Aim for leveling up your personal style instead of chasing trends

Here’s a little secret: I often share this advice with my younger clients, but it’s especially true for older gentlemen—dressing for who you are, rather than trying to keep up with the latest trends, makes all the difference.

By midlife, you’ve witnessed countless trends come and go, which makes it easier to identify which cuts and styles flatter you and which colors and textures enhance your personal aesthetic.

Consider what clothing aligns with your lifestyle and which pieces don’t quite fit who you are. 

Think of this guideline not as a limitation, but as a permission slip to bypass fleeting trends. That’s a true luxury! As men age, they naturally become more distinguished—there’s a reason the term “silver fox” is a compliment.

Allyson B. Fanger, the costume designer for Netflix’s (criminally underrated, in my opinion) *Grace and Frankie*, shared that one of the joys of dressing older characters like Robert and Sol—played by Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, both in their eighties—is that these men have lived rich lives.

The show features two lawyers who leave their wives for each other after their kids have grown up, and their style is spot on.

Robert and Sol don’t need to evolve further in their fashion choices, which makes dressing them all the more enjoyable for Fanger.

They each have favorite brands, signature color palettes, and distinct approaches to style.

Robert is traditional, favoring button-down shirts and chinos—he’s a Brooks Brothers man through and through.

Sol, on the other hand, embodies the spirit of a hippie, opting for Cubavera camp shirts and comfortable Tommy Bahama linen pants.

These characters exemplify how, regardless of personal taste or style, it’s entirely possible to achieve top-notch personal fashion at any age.

Ultimately, knowing who you are and being confident in that is the cornerstone of any man’s style, and that understanding becomes more profound as you accumulate life experience.

Adopt a wardrobe uniform

Larry David, at 76, is a big advocate for uniform dressing. While many people think of a daily uniform as a traditional suit and tie, David exemplifies how versatile and liberating this approach can be.

He’s a king of casual style—if you’re searching for casual clothing ideas for men over 50, the *Curb Your Enthusiasm* star offers an excellent blueprint.

His go-to wardrobe staples include crewneck sweaters, zip-ups, AG 5-pocket chinos, and soft shoulder blazers. 

If the thought of choosing an outfit every day feels overwhelming, this dressing strategy might be perfect for you. 

Consider building a capsule wardrobe filled with a few pieces you love: your favorite pants, a handful of shirts that make you feel your best, and some knitwear or jackets.

And don’t hesitate to buy items you adore in multiple colors! (This is another trick David uses.)

This way, each morning, you can reach into your closet and confidently know that whatever you pick will likely coordinate beautifully.

Be yourself 

It might sound a bit silly to wrap up a list of style tips with a reminder to just accept yourself, but hear me out. You might think, “My style is just a ripped sports jersey and Crocs,” and to that, I say: maybe it’s time for a change! (Just kidding… or am I?)

What I really mean is don’t overthink dressing for a particular age. These style tips are helpful if you’re unsure where to start or want to elevate your look. But if you already have a signature style or enjoy dressing outside the norm, don’t let the number in front of your age hold you back. Embrace what makes you unique and wear it with confidence!

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, navigating style in your 50s and beyond doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Embrace the principles of good tailoring, invest in timeless pieces, and build a wardrobe that reflects who you are. Remember, personal style is all about confidence and authenticity—wear what makes you feel good, whether it’s a classic blazer or a funky shirt.

Don’t shy away from experimenting with accessories and details that can elevate your look. And most importantly, don’t let age define your fashion choices. Celebrate your individuality and express yourself through your clothing. After all, style is a lifelong journey, and it’s never too late to redefine your aesthetic!