Draping and adorning yourself in the colors, textures and latest looks that make you feel amazing doesn’t have to be an experience that sees you spending more money than you actually have. Being a fashionista on a budget is a reasonable goal that can quickly become a reality. All it takes is familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of making your dollar stretch and letting prices work for you, not against you, without sacrificing one iota of your personal style.
Plan a Mix-And-Match Wardrobe
Source: The Martini Chronicles
When you’re looking to maximize your dollar, investing in outfits that can only be worn once a month and that don’t play well with the rest of your wardrobe is super limiting! Do yourself a favor and greatly increase the versatility of your wardrobe by stocking up on a ton of basics and solid colors with a few memorable prints and special pieces thrown into the mix. A white blouse, black trousers, pair of skinny blue jeans, dark blazer and black or camel colored trench act as an amazing base to a full, highly functional closet.
Let Accessories Work Their Magic
One of the easiest ways to maintain a very now wardrobe without receiving a major dent in your wallet is accessorizing. Consider some very significant options that can turn an otherwise “just okay” outfit into an on-trend dream ensemble:
Source: Atlantic-Pacific
- Hair and Nails: These accessories stay with you everywhere you go, so make the most of them. An of-the-moment hairstyle and manicure will freshen up your look immediately.
- Sunglasses: Pop on some on-trend shades, like 2013’s pastel flower-bedecked specs.
- Jewelry: Heirloom pieces are classic and simply offer an effortlessly chic look. For a modern vibe, throw on one piece of statement jewelry, from a necklace to a ring. It’s that simple.
- Scarves: Add dimension and print to your wardrobe. From cheetah prints to florals, throwing on a scarf over an outfit full of solid colors adds such versatility.
- Belts: Add a pop of color. Wear a chain. Opt for a sprinkling of metal studs. Play around with a hint of animal print.
- Shoes: A black turtleneck and skinny jeans worn with nude flats perform double duty for date night when you pop your feet into a pair of cobalt blue stilettos. Pretty powerful stuff.
- Handbags: A clutch with a chain-and-leather strap dresses up a button-down shirt and jeans while a slouchy hobo or structured messenger gives your look a casual weekend vibe. The sky’s the limit.
Keep Up With Fashion Blogs
Source: Amazon (Fashion Blogs by Kirstin Hanssen)
Read blogs that focus on budget for amazing deals you may never have come across. A few great steals from websites and stores you’ve never heard of increase your pool of budget-friendly fashion resources and … before you know it … shopping on a budget is much easier than you once thought possible.
Discount Tips and Tricks
Never ever purchase something the second you see it (unless, of course, it’s a one-of-a-kind must-have or on major sale). Whether you’re shopping at the Gap, a department store or an online boutique, there are often savings to be had. Consider some tips and tricks for extra savings.
- Shop Trend-Focused (Wallet-Friendly) Stores
Focus on what makes trends what they are: silhouette and color go a long way. Shop stores that pay close attention to trends, such as Forever21 and H&M for the look you want without the guilt.
- Use Promo Codes: Promo codes might show up with a purchase for your next buy, they may appear on a website’s banner or in a current paper catalog. Sometimes you can even register your email with online stores that offer discounts via email. Those full price jeans become affordable with a 30 percent off promo code!
- Use Online Coupon Sites: Sites like RetailMeNot.com can be accessed from your computer or cell phone and offer discounts for both online and brick-and-mortar stores. It might sound too good to be true at first, but you won’t believe how much you can save with a quick search.
- Check eBay: Don’t underestimate eBay’s powers. Just know what you’re looking at. You can bid on, make offers or buy immediately items that are new with tags (NWT), new without tags (NWOT) or pre-owned. When there’s a J.Crew coat you must have with an out of control price tag, an “I wore this once” coat for half the price can make your day.
Thrift It Up
Source: New York City Opera Thrift Shop
When you have the time, check out local thrift stores for some amazing finds. Some days are golden while others are duds. But if you put the time in, you can find some vintage treasures as well as items people decided to donate with tags still attached. Ask any thrifter and she’ll tell you about the Christian Dior blazer she found for 8 dollars or the DVF bag that looked brand new.
Maintaining a luxe wardrobe worthy of a fashionista can feel like a bit of a challenge when you’re keeping a tight hold on your purse strings. Fortunately, with a keen eye and a few tips and tricks under your (probably adorable) belt, shopping to fit your lifestyle is completely possible and becomes just as fun as wearing your amazing finds.
About Tarah Damask
Tarah Damask holds an MA in English and Creative Writing and recently launched her blog The Squeaky Spoon where she shares her passion (and easy steps) for a plant-based, oil- and-gluten-free lifestyle. You can follow her on Twitter and check out some of her other writing here. For those in need of a master wordsmith, blogger and editor, she would love to write for you.