Clothes might serve a practical purpose, but they’re so much more than that. The things we wear say so much about is, and clothing is a way to showcase your personal style and just have fun too. The only problem is that buying new outfits can be expensive, so how can you keep up with current trends, treat yourself to new Clothes and feel good about your appearance if you don’t have lots of money to spend? Here are a few ideas.
1. Create a Capsule Wardrobe For Autumn/ Winter and Spring/ Summer.
The great thing about a capsule wardrobe is that you get lots of different outfits and looks but without needing tons of clothes. This means you can buy less and save yourself money, without feeling like you’re constantly in the same things. For autumn and winter, go with a couple of pairs of jeans with a few long sleeve tops or jumpers and perhaps one or two dresses that you can wear with tights or leggings. You’ll need a winter coat, a cardigan and perhaps something smarter like a blazer. A good pair of winter boots is also essential, you could also add a pair of uggs or something similarly casual. This should cover your on all bases, mix and match outfits each day to stay looking stylish but without the need for hundreds of items in your winter wardrobe. The same applies for spring/ summer, a few different dresses which can be worn either casually with sandals or dressed up with heels for evening should get you buy. A skirt, a pair of shorts, some pastel jeans and a couple of tops is all you’ll likely need extra. Any outfit can be dressed up or down with the way you style your hair, do your makeup or the accessories you wear too.
Mix Designer and High End with more affordable pieces.
A good way to stay looking stylish but without breaking the bank is to learn how to mix Designer with high end. A simple budget outfit such as a pair of jeans and a plain top can be given instant glamour with the addition of something like designer shoes or a handbag, you could check out designer Michael Kors or other brands you enjoy and choose a couple of pieces to invest in. Buying budget for things like everyday outfits makes sense, it allows you to experiment with trends, have fun buying new clothes and styling different outfits without spending a fortune. From there, add a designer item or two but choose something that’s classic and won’t go out of style. That way you can enjoy it year in year out, and being a designer item it’s likely to stand the test of time. Accessories and shoes are good options as they can be worn with all kinds of outfits, and if your body shape changes over the years, they can still be worn.
3. Scour For Deals, Discounts and Second Hand Bargains.
There are so many great deals out there just waiting to be found. Make it a habit to check into your local second hand shop every now and again, a lot of the time you’ll probably find nothing at all but sometimes you can come across a real gem. I personally LOVE a good thrift shop. I would say half of my wardrobe comes from thrifted items. The jacket in the photo above is from London Fog and I got it for $15 at a thrift store. The turtleneck I’m wearing underneath is from Club Monaco and I got it from a thrift store for $4! Don’t underestimate how awesome thrift stores are!
Other options are to follow your favorite brands and stores on social media so you will be first to hear about any sales they’re having, it can be worth saving your money for when you know there will be sales on such as after Christmas. Always search for discount codes before you make purchases, and get into the habit of using cashback sites too, you’re essentially getting money for nothing, just a minute of your time to click through their site first. If you can get a perfectly good item that you were going to buy anyway at a reduced price, why wouldn’t you?
4. Have Swap Parties With Friends.
We’re all guilty of holding onto items we no longer need or wear, this is what can make looking for clothes in your wardrobe so frustrating. Despite the fact it’s brimming full, there are few items that you actually wear or like. Swap parties are a chance to have a declutter of things you don’t need while possibly getting yourself a few new items in the process. As everyone to bring a selection of good quality items from their wardrobe that they no longer wear, and then you can all get to look through the pile- glass of wine in hand! It means your unloved items will be put to good use, and you get to snag some new things that you’ll actually wear and save them from just being hoarded in your friend’s closet. Even if you don’t find anything yourself to take home, getting rid of old items you don’t wear any more is no bad thing, save the space for only pieces that you love. Getting dressed in the morning will be so much easier, and when you come to go clothes shopping it’s easy to see what you already have and what you need.
5. Sell Your Old Items.
Again going back to old items, if you can’t (or don’t want to) swap them, then how about raising some cash for them instead? Sites like Depop have really taken off and there’s a huge market for good quality second hand items. We’re all guilty of buying things and then not really wearing them, perhaps the fit wasn’t right but it was a good price, maybe our body shape changed or perhaps it was a true impulse purchase. The type where you get back home and think why did I buy THAT? Luckily for you, there’s someone out there who will love the item and be happy to take it off your hands. Boot fairs, ebay and Craigslist are all good places you can sell things like this too. If you don’t want to sell them individually, sell as a bulk buy.
