East-coasters, west-coasters, and even those of you in between have probably been feeling the heat these last few weeks. But as every music lover knows, the heat is not a good enough excuse to miss out on summer concerts or outdoor excursions! This easy DIY, Free People look-a-like headband will keep you cool and fashionable for all of your outdoor activities (sunscreen and water bottles not included).

Materials: 3 to 5 pieces of fabric, string, leather, or chain; one piece of black elastic that is about an inch wide and an inch and ½ long; needle and (preferably) black thread

Step 1: Measure the strands of your materials, and make sure they reach comfortably around your head. There should be a gap for the elastic at the nape of your neck.

Step 2: Arrange all of your strands in the order you would like them to be on your head, and make sure they’re the same length.

NOTE: If you braid some of the string or fabric, make sure it’s extra long, as the braid will be much shorter than the original strand.

Photo courtesy of Sincerly, Kinsey 

Step 3: Roll the edges of the elastic over and sew them flat to make a clean edge.

NOTE: Do not fold too much of the elastic over. You don’t want the headband to be too tight around your head.

Step 4: Sew the end of each strand on the folded edge of the elastic.

Step 5: Wear your headband! How easy was that?

Photo courtesy of Opening Ceremony

* Feature image courtesy of Free People