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Go ahead, paint it black.

Better yet, how about adding a little yellow, red, green, blue ...

Fashion has always been an art form. But this season, that fact is even more true as clothing from design houses such as Dolce and Gabbana, Chloe and Miu Miu feature bold patterns inspired by everything from Jackson Pollock's "drip period" works to comic book characters such as Batgirl.

Words, brush strokes and splashes transform bodies draped in these wears into moving canvases.

But like artwork hanging in galleries, these fashions often don't come cheap. So why not try it yourself or with your children or friends?

Try imitating a great work or freestyle, and do your own thing.

With varied results, a group of Dayton Daily News staffers — managing editor Jana Collier, ActiveDayton editor Michelle Fong, GO! editor Alexis Larsen, features editor Connie Post and I — decided to try our hand at "art wear."

We picked up some fabric paints ranging from about $2 to $5 at a fabric and craft store, then hit Valley Thrift Store on Woodman Drive in Kettering. We loaded up a shopping cart with A-line, floor length and sheath dresses, purses and shoes. Most of our garments and accessories cost $2 to $5.

Using a variety of paint, stencil and foam brushes, we went to town on the clothes, transforming them into personalized, wearable art.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2384 or arobinson@DaytonDailyNews.com.

What you'll need

Clothing: Find dresses, pants, other clothing articles and accessories on the cheap at your favorite thrift store or better yet, use items you already own and don't mind getting a little paint on.

Fabric paint: For the most part, we used Jacquard, Lumiere and Tulip. Find fabric paint at area hobby and arts supply stores. Once set, many of the paints are permanent, washable and dry cleanable.

Paper towels and rags: You'll need these on hand for accidental spills and to protect the opposite side of your garment from paint bleeding through. We recommend placing paper towels or rags between the two sides of a garment. Protect work surfaces with drop clothes or newspapers.

Paint brushes: You'll likely need a variety of sponges and brushes. We found a brush multipack at Jo-ann Fabrics in Trotwood for about $10.

Water: Use it to clean your brushes and, if you desire, to dilute your colors while painting.

An iron: You'll need this to set some brands of fabric paint after they have dried for 24 hours. Follow the instruction on your paint bottle or tube.

An imagination: Don't be afraid to "mess up." This is supposed to be fun. Besides, mistakes sometimes lead to the best designs.