Looking your best need not require huge effort and does not have to cost a fortune. There are many ways to look great on a budget. With a little thought, planning, and imagination you can create new looks.
These can be achieved by refreshing last year’s favourites through the skilful use of accessories, adding new life to current staples with the aid of good value investment pieces, and mixing and matching different styles and colour combinations to create winning looks.
The key to success is not to be bound by style rules. Be inventive, adventurous, and willing to take calculated risks. Your aim is to dress well for less.
Here are some tips to get your started:-
1. Shop thriftily. This may involve stepping out of your comfort zone and buying from different shops and indeed, in different sections of shops that you would normally visit such as the men’s or children’s areas. Look in men’s departments for wardrobe staples such as T-shirts and, if you are petite, you may find good buys in the children’s section. Visit charity shops for sometimes new and often pre-loved clothes that are on sale at a fraction of the normal cost. Charity shops play an integral role in the circular economy, promoting reuse and resource efficiency by extending the life of clothes and goods and reducing waste. They contribute to a more sustainable model by keeping clothes out of landfills and offering affordable options while supporting charitable causes. A win-win situation for everyone concerned.
2. Return your fashion mistakes. Many people get rid of brand new clothes because they do not fit or flatter their figures. They may have been bought impulsively or indeed, after much deliberation. However, when taken home and viewed in the cold light of day, they may be deemed unsuitable. Some people do not have the time or the inclination to return them to the shop in which they were bought (if the shop offers a returns facility ) so these unloved items clog up their wardrobes and haemorrhage cash. Aim to prioritise returning unwanted items within the stipulated dates and if you fail to do so, try to sell them, or at least donate them to a good cause.
3. Use sales to your advantage. Look for normally expensive fashion pieces that are greatly reduced. Before doing any online sales shopping, do some research and compare prices, size availability, and return policies. In-person sales shopping may be more of a hit and miss affair in terms of knowing what is going to be put on the sale racks and when it is going to be discounted further. Identify your wish-list items and try them on before the sales to save time.
4. Know your wardrobe. Do you know what clothes you have or is it difficult to even see individual items because everything is wedged so tightly together? If this is the case, you are probably wasting valuable money buying something you think you need when you already have a similar one hidden away in your overly congested wardrobe. Everything in your closet should be visible and uncovered so that you can find what you need quickly. Adequate hanging space is essential for a functioning wardrobe. That way, you will see at a glance what outfits you have.
You may need to prune your press to free up badly needed space. Go through your clothes and weed out items that you have not worn for a year maybe because they do not fit properly, are out-of-date, or were bad buys in the first place. If they cannot be given a new lease or life by easy alterations or the addition of new buttons, sell them or give them away to charity.
5. Shop off season. Try to avoid buying clothes at the start of the season unless it is absolutely necessary. Shop instead towards the end of seasons when the stores are trying to get rid of their excess stock and reduce the prices of garments accordingly. Buying summer clothes as we face into autumn or winter clothes when the sun is shining brightly usually guarantees that you will be able to buy items at the lowest clearance prices. Be conscious of the climate and the importance of investing in outerwear. A good winter coat is essential as is a heavy and a lightweight casual jacket and a winter and summer raincoat. Spend time making these decisions particularly if you intend to spend quite a bit of money on any of these purchases.
6. Set a monthly clothing budget and adhere to it. This is especially important if you are an impulse buyer, love retail therapy, or are cash-strapped and cannot afford to exceed your budget. Decide how much you are going to spend and then make a list of what you need. Bring this list with you when you visit the shops. It will help you stay focused and remain within your budget. Be sure to leave some room for bargain buys that catch your eye and cannot be left behind because they represent good value for money.
7. Think twice before buying something new. Is there anything in your wardrobe that you can re-purpose or dress up to give it a new lease of life? Inexpensive accessories such as fashion jewellery, scarves, belts, hats, or handbags can give an outfit fresh appeal and offer great scope for individuality. They can speak volumes and add the finishing touch to elegant ensembles. The good news for the frugal shopper is that these can be updated regularly without breaking the bank. Remember, to stay true to the mood of your outfit when you accessorise. This will result in a complete look.
8. Know the basics. These are the important fashion items which should form the backbone of your wardrobe. Clothing trends are by their nature transient but there are some wardrobe basics that are timeless and will help keep your clothing costs down. By selecting well-made pieces with classic lines, you will be able to build an extensive mix-and-match wardrobe that will work for any occasion and last for years. Examples include a great pair of jeans, a good quality jacket, a crisp white shirt, a little black dress, and a pencil skirt. Black trousers, a cropped jacket (this fashion mainstay made famous by Coco Chanel will work with most outfits ), a little black dress, metallic evening shoes, and basic black pumps are all good buys.
9. Do not overspend on trends. Some may be just one-season wonders and while they may sparkle and shine at first, their lure may soon fade. If you love a new trend, try to buy it at a discounted price. That way, you will not be overly out-of-pocket if its star dims.
10. Have an eye for the best. Look at the outfits in the top stores and popular boutiques even if they are way beyond your budget. You will learn how to spot similar merchandise characteristics in shops in which you can afford to spend your money. Look at how they layer separates, dress up one-pieces, use accessories to stunning effect, and harness the power of colour to add interest, pzazz, and style to outfits.
