How Gen Z are turning a $5 Kmart buy into a high fashion piece: 'Insanely smart'

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

A $5 Kmart buy is giving designer fashion a serious run for its money.
The simple hair accessory is to thank for Gen Z's favourite clothing upgrade hack, and now everyone can do it too.
Fashion influencer Jess Bartol from Melbourne, has shared how to transform any basic tank top into a Kookai dupe using a three pack of Metal Heart Hair Ties ($5) from Kmart's hair aisle.
The hack gives serious Kookai Solene Top and London Top vibes - minus the hefty $90 price tag.
'Now, if you're anything like me you've been obsessed with Kookai and this style of gold buckle detail,' Jess explained in the clip.
'But they're quite expensive just for the dress itself, and I just feel like this is more of a sustainable, versatile option.'
In the now-viral video, which has clocked up nearly half a million views, the stylish creator showed how she simply loops one of the metal hair ties around the strap of her Zara tank top, instantly elevating it into a chic halter-neck look.
'I picked up these three hair ties from Kmart, they're literally $5, and this gold buckle right here is literally the same thing,' she said, holding up the pack.
'You get it, and you loop it around, and tie it like you would do a hair tie, and that's it. How easy is that?'
With zero sewing and less than two seconds of effort, the hack adds instant edge to basic tops and dresses, replicating the sleek buckle detailing Kookai is known for, and no designer label required.
'It just like elevates your basics and I love that so much,' Jess added. 'You could even add the other one on, or buy two packs because it's so cheap, and do one on each side [of your top].'
The Metal Heart Hair Ties includes two gold buckle styles and one metallic heart – giving users plenty of styling options for next to nothing.
'You can put it on anything… to get more wear out of it,' Jess says, calling it her favourite styling trick for updating her wardrobe without breaking the bank.
'Girl you're a genius. Def doing this,' wrote one fan.
'Omg watch these fly off the shelves,' another wrote.
'Girl you ARE SO GENIUSSSSS, I love the dresses too but I'm like goddamn the price.
'This is so iconic,' a third commented.
'This is insanely smart omg.'
The hack comes as more young Australians embrace sustainable, budget-savvy fashion, finding new ways to re-wear and reinvent what they already own, while still tapping into runway-inspired trends.
Kmart may have just (accidentally) created the most affordable 'it' accessory of the season.
And if the internet's reaction is anything to go by, these bargain ties won't be hanging around on shelves for long.