Fit to a 'T'

By Patty Paddock

Does the New Year mean a new you? Need a gift for your friends? Try a quick makeover of a fashion basic!

Start with a basic long sleeve T-shirt. Pick a color that'll go with you—or your friend's—best features. Then add the following bits and pieces to make a sporty, artsy, or romantic T-shirt.

SPORTY T: Add athletic numbers—like the ones worn by your fave football, basketball, or soccer team. Sew or glue on numbers from the craft/fabric store. Or use a stencil and fabric paint, and draw them on yourself. Dark shirt? Use white, yellow, or neon green letters. Light shirt? Use navy, black, or red letters. Pair it with jeans, sweats, or yoga pants for a real athletic look. Or, team it with a "flippy" skirt or kilt for a cheerleading look.

ARTSY T: Add some ribbons to the hem and/or cuffs. Check out fabric stores and craft shops, as well as discount stores and shopping clubs for 3-inch-wide ribbons. Team it with jeans or a jean skirt. Or with gauzy pants or skirt—it all depends on how artsy you want to be.

ROMANTIC T: Add velvet to the hem or sleeves. Or add lace. Feeling really romantic? Sew the lace to the velvet and then the velvet to the shirt! Wear it with a plush skirt or pants for a totally romantic look. Or add it to jeans or cords for just a touch of romance.

	QUIZ: What fashion fits you like a 'T'? 1. Your idea of fun is: A) Being really active—there's no sport you don't love. B) Painting dancing, singing, or trying your hand at photography or poetry. C) Curling up with some music, or a good book. Or chatting with a friend. 2. Your closet is filled with: A) T-shirts, sweats, shorts, and sneakers. B) Tunics, long skirts, boot-cut or wide-legged jeans. C) Lots of skirts, and lots of plush fabric. 3. Your fave TV shows are: A) Sports! B) Decorating shows C) Soap operas If you answered: Mostly A's: You go for a relaxed, athletic style. Mostly B's: You like an artsy look. Mostly C's: You're a romantic at heart.