the $2 trick that will change your wardrobe

We spent just a few hours—and even fewer dollars—completely recoloring our entire closets.

For more how-to dyeing tips from fashion news director Jen Ford, check out her videos on dyeing leather and cotton or silk.

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Architectural cuts in darker hues are deeply feminine.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: CALVIN KLEIN, ACNE, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Photo: catwalking.com, Fairchild Archive (2)

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We started with these.

Tips before you get started:
· Stockpile the things you need to make the process infinitely easier (and tidier): rubber gloves; chopsticks to stir the pot; a Brillo pad; Ajax; a sponge to clean up; and an old towel to protect your bathtub while items dry.

· Remove any labels or buttons that you don't want dyed and sew them back on when you're finished (makes them look more authentic).

· Pick a roomy pot that you don't intend to cook in—ever—so the items can swim around freely. A full-length dress will fit in an 8-quart stockpot, heavier pieces need a 12-quart size.

· Don't stress if you mess up. That's what Rit's Color Remover powder is for. It can fix small spots or lighten an entire garment.

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And made these!

DRESS: RIT DYE, NAVY BLUE. BLOUSE: RIT DYE, DARK BROWN. BAG: TARRAGO LEATHER DYE, BLACK.

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Ice-tinged pale shades are perfect for winter.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: STELLA MCCARTNEY, DEREK LAM, BCBG MAX AZRIA

Photo: catwalking.com, Fairchild Archive (2)

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We started with these.

Tips for cottons, silks and synthetics:
· Use an alkaline dye like Rit. Add a cup of regular table salt to a big pot of water and bring to a simmer on the stove. Add dye and stir well. Thoroughly wet the garment you're dyeing in warm water, wring and place in dye pot.

· Stir regularly for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on how intense of a hue you want.

· Turn off the stove and let it all cool for 20 minutes. Dump the dye water into the bathtub, then rinse the garment in warm water (cold can cause shrinkage) until it runs completely clear.

· Hang the item in the tub overnight to dry—place a towel underneath to protect any porous surfaces.

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And made these!

BLAZER: RIT DYE, PETAL PINK. SKIRT: RIT DYE, KELLY GREEN + TEAL. SHOE: TARRAGO LEATHER DYE, WHITE.

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High-wattage bold brights add punch to any wardrobe.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: JENNI KAYNE, PRABAL GURUNG, DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

Photo: Fairchild Archive, catwalking.com (2)

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We started with these.

Tips for cashmere and wool:
· Use acid dye by Jacquard. (This sounds terrifying, but the only acid involved is vinegar.)

· Heat two thirds of a potful of water until it's hot but not simmering. Stir in about two-thirds of a cup of white vinegar and a tablespoon of dye. Test the solution with a chopstick and add more color until satisfied.

· Place the article of clothing in the pot and stir for 30 minutes.

· To avoid felting, maintain the water temperature throughout.

· Let the mixture cool completely, then rinse in hot, then warm, water until it runs clear.

· Roll the item in a towel and squeeze out excess liquid. If it's a knit, let it dry flat on a towel; wool blazers or trousers can hang-dry.

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And made these!

DRESS: JACQUARD HOT WATER ACID DYE, SCARLET. BELT: TARRAGO LEATHER DYE, FUCHSIA. PANTS: RIT DYE, PURPLE.

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Elegant but tough, glitzy metallics amp up a closet of basics.

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, ANTONIO BERARDI, RODARTE

Photo: Fairchild Archive (2), catwalking.com

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We started with these.

Tips for leather:
· Use a Tarrago dye kit, which comes with a brush and sponge. You'll need a flat surface (cover it with a garbage bag), a sponge and protective leather gloves.

· The kit comes with a cleaning solution to pre-treat the leather: It removes dirt and waterproof coatings and softens the exterior. Use the extra sponge to apply.

· With the brush, paint on a coat of color, and then rub it in with the sponge. Dip a cotton swab in the cleaning solution to touch up any metal that was dyed.

· Turning something black usually takes one coat; going from dark to light can take up to three coats. Let the item dry and, amazingly, the color will never rub off.

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And made these!

SHOES: TARRAGO LEATHER DYE, ANTIQUE SILVER. BAG: TARRAGO LEATHER DYE, SILVER. WALLET: TARRAGO LEATHER DYE, GOLD.

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