Style Tips For Those On A Shoestring Budget
You have gazed adoringly at the models wearing the latest fashions on the catwalk. You have browsed through the latest clothing magazines and websites. You have walked past the high-end boutiques on the high street. You have done all of these things, and there is one nagging thought running through your mind. I CAN’T AFFORD IT! With frustration, you return to your dated wardrobe collection and sigh. If only you had the money to replenish your tired old wardrobe with something different to the clothes that have now become your (unwanted) trademark. If only you had the money to reinvent your look, instead of wearing the same outfits day in and day out. If only…
Thankfully, it’s not impossible. You don’t need to rob a bank or start a new career in modeling just to give you the opportunity to jazz up your style. It’s possible to do it within your limited budget, and we are here to tell you how with our creative and thrifty ideas.
You can find designer steals online, those hidden recesses of the internet where buying into the latest fashion doesn’t have to eat into your rent money. From flash sales to retail outlets who markdown popular brands, check out our tips here to treat yourself to something new today.
Visit a professional tailor, those special people on your high street who can turn a cheap or used garment into something that more closely resembles the fashion you are looking for. Using pictures from your favorite magazine or website, give the tailor an idea of what it is you’re looking for, and with a few quick stitches here and there, you may just get something fashionable without having to pay out a small fortune to achieve that desired look.
Don’t overlook thrift stores, as you may find something that looks good at dirt-cheap prices. Don’t worry about the slightly-used look either, as any damages can easily be rectified. A dry cleaner will deal with any stains, the tailor can repair loose stitching, and you may be able to replace such things as zips and buttons (read more here for some useful advice) yourself. Before long, you will have something that will look brand new to the people you are trying to impress, even though you know it isn’t. Cheeky!
Set up a clothes swap evening with your friends (especially if you have any rich mates), and model each other’s outfits before swapping them with each other. It doesn’t have to be a permanent swap, either, as you could continually exchange clothes with each other during the year so you all have something different to wear at the extravagant soirees that are part of your social calendar.
Clean out your tired wardrobe, and sell anything that you no longer intend on wearing. These fashion apps feature daily-curated showrooms where you can not only sell your outfits but where you can also pick up a few new garments as well. After all, you’re not the only person in town trying to change up your style and fashion.
Accessorize your look, rather than always going for a brand new outfit to keep you in line with current fashion trends. A signature ribbon in your hair can complement an existing item of clothing, as can a bold new handbag, a pair of cool sunglasses, or a statement necklace. These accessories can bring life to boring old garments, without you having to break the bank to refresh your tired wardrobe. Check out these ideas for other ways you can accessorize previously dull and worn outfits, glamming up your style on your limited budget.
Don’t follow fashion, as you can guarantee there will be a brand new look before the year is out. Instead, form your own signature style, buying those clothes that are stylish, but not necessarily part of the latest trend. It doesn’t matter what other people think; as long as you like the way the clothing looks and feels, that counts more than the snobbish perception of others. Who knows, you may become a trendsetter yourself, mixing and matching a look that soon becomes the talk of the town.
Don’t be lured into buying something you are rarely going to wear. Even those designer items on sale are pointless if you are only going to wear them once and then never touch them again. As we mentioned above, don’t be a follower of fashion, especially if it’s for the sake of keeping up with trends rather than actually liking them. Always buy outfits you know you are going to make use of, and you will save yourself money by curbing that temptation to buy something in line with what everybody else is currently wearing.
Head to the men’s department at your local clothing store. In this gender-neutral age, you will be able to pick something up cheaply because of one simple fact: men (in general) are less inclined to shop for clothes on a regular basis, so stores will lure them in with more affordable clothing. Head over to Stylecaster for an idea of what to buy, giving yourself a completely new look, as well as picking up a few tips for dressing the man in your life as well.
Sign up for a rewards program at your favorite online or high-street store. Provided you bless them with your custom at some point during your membership, they will regularly offer you discounts on other items for sale, by emailing or texting you with news of their special offers. Be sure to sign up for their email distribution list anyway, as even if there is no reward program available, you will still be kept up to date with the latest offers and sales as they happen.
As you can see, it is possible to dress stylishly regardless of budget, whether you care about fashion or couldn’t give two hoots about the latest trends. Be yourself, enjoy what you wear, and continue saving money when you’re looking to refresh your look. Let us know if you have any further tips for our readers. Thanks for reading!