Use simple supplies like knit tape, ribbon, and marabou to bring texture and pops of color to your store-bought cardigans. These DIY projects are super easy, even if you can barely sew on a button!

What works for an interoffice envelope can also work for your wardrobe. Stitch buttonholes closed, and remove buttons (or find exact matches for them). Sew on even pairs of buttons. Cut 10 inches of cord for each set of buttons; tie on behind left-hand buttons. Loop and crisscross cord back and forth to secure shut.

Shell buttons, in Natural, $1 each, mjtrim.com. Rubber mini cord (#3137), in Red, $1 per meter, from Shindo, 212-868-9311.

Borrow a trick from wrap dresses to feminize a man's V-neck. Remove buttons. Sew a D ring to the end of a 6-inch piece of knit tape. Stitch other end just inside the sweater, below second buttonhole (here, it's on the left side). Slide D ring onto a 2-foot piece of tape (back of belt), and sew 1 end to left-hand side seam (at same height as short piece). Sew an 8-inch piece of tape to inside of left seam (at same height) and an 8-inch piece at the inside edge of the placket (right side). To close, tie short inside pieces, loop long end through front D ring, then secure by threading through second one. 

D ring buckle (#49753005), $1.75, mjtrim.com. Cotton knit binder tape (#2002), 15 mm, color #18, $5.25 per yd., from Shindo, 212-868-9311.

A bit of marabou makes almost anything party-ready. Cut marabou to fit around collar, and stitch on. Cut two 2-foot pieces of ribbon, and sew at neck.

Marabou boa, in Rust, $10 per yd.; and Chromspun ribbon, by Eastman, 3/8", in Rust, $1.75 per yd., mjtrim.com.

Little loops give a sweater color and texture. Remove buttons. Cut one 8-inch piece of tape per button. Fold tape in half, and sew to placket, creating a 1-inch loop. Repeat as needed. Push loop through buttonhole, and thread ends of tape through loop.

Wool knit binder tape (#2004), 15 mm, color #40, $5.25 per yd., from Shindo, 212-868-9311.

Color-block in small doses. Remove buttons. Cut precreased tape to fit both sides of placket and around collar. Stitch in place; bind placket first, covering buttonholes. Optional: Create a loop at 1 side of collar, and leave a tail at other side to thread through.

Wool knit binder tape (#2004), 30 mm, in color #22, $5.25 per yd., from Shindo, 212-868-9311.