In Fashion Quarterly’s autumn issue we told you the golden rules for wearing a band t-shirt.

In summary: keep the rest of your outfit uncontrived, resist the urge to wear the tee to the band’s gig (or to meet your friends the day after), and for goodness sake, know a thing or two about the band whose tee you are wearing.

But what if you want to do more than follow the rules? What if, in a world where you can pick up a mass-produced Ramones tee for $30 at your nearest Westfield, you want to make a stylish statement? The answer: DIY.

Look #1 – The braided racerback

1. Cut off your t-shirt’s sleeves.
2. Flip your t-shirt over and cut the arm holes larger until you have created a racerback shape (do NOT cut any further into the front of your t-shirt).
3. Snip across the top of the racerback section to separate it from your t-shirt’s collar.
4. Cut the racerback section into three even strips and braid together.
5. Stitch the top of the braid to fasten it, and then sew back onto the collar.

Look #2 – The fringed crop-top

1. Cut off the bottom hem of your t-shirt.
2. Make vertical cuts all the way around to create a fringe.
3. Cut off your t-shirt’s sleeves and/or collar if desired.

Look #3 The knotted tank

1. Cut off your t-shirt’s sleeves.
2. Cut out the collar if a more open neckline is desired.
3. Flip the t-shirt over and cut straight across the hem at hip length (leave the front of the shirt long).
4. Make a cut straight up the middle of the front of the shirt, stopping again at hip length.
5. Cut into the front of the shirt from the sides so that you are left with two points, and tie into a knot.

Look #4 – Vintage soft

1. Fill a bucket with one litre of water and ½ cup of salt.
2. Soak your new, stiff t-shirt in the water for three days.
3. Machine wash your t-shirt with a dash of detergent.
4. Tumble dry.