One of the biggest myths in fashion is that you need to spend boatloads of money in order to look stylish. You can’t blame people for thinking this way, though, because most fashion magazines, blogs and advertisements will almost always feature clothes and accessories from high end brands.
With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, fashion doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some clever ways to stay stylish without breaking the bank.
Invest in Timeless Pieces
You might be tempted to splurge on that new bag, shoe or hat that fashion bloggers, celebrities and even your friends are gushing about. If you give in and make a habit out of buying every new fashion item that comes out, you’ll certainly find yourself broke in no time. Invest in timeless pieces that stay fashionable in any season instead. That rainbow-colored jumpsuit may have been all the rage at this year’s Coachella but can you really see yourself wearing it regularly in the next couple of months?
Some fashion essentials that never go out of style include the iconic little black dress that you can wear to any posh night out, a pair of jeans that flatters your figure, a classy blazer that can instantly upgrade any outfit and a multifunctional basic white t-shirt.
Organize Your Closet
If you are a full-fledged fashionista then you’ve probably accumulated many pieces of clothes, accessories, bags and hats over the years. This can be a nightmare if your closet isn’t properly organized. So before your next shopping spree, take time to sort your wardrobe. With this tip you will be able to keep track of the items you already own and what you need to buy. Also, an organized closet will save you a considerable amount of time when you dress up for work, dates or night-outs.
Here are some clever organizing tips:
- If you have a small closet, install extender rods to double your space
- Put up hooks so you can hang bags, belts, scarves and hats
- Organize your shoes on racks or clear shoe boxes so you can spot them quickly
- Hang an accessories rack on your closet door to maximize space and make it easy for you to find necklaces, scarves, earrings and bracelets
Sell or donate old clothes
If you’ve successfully organized your closet then there’s a good chance you now have a pile of old clothes you are ready to get rid of. There are several things you can do to turn these items into currency that you can use to update your wardrobe. You could open your own online store to sell used clothes, bags, shoes and accessories that are still in good condition. Shopify and Woocommerce are great platforms for online sellers because they easy to use even for first-timers. You can then use your profits to fund your next shopping spree. Another option would be to donate your old stuff in exchange for discount coupons. Shops like H&M offer vouchers for customers who bring in bags of recyclable old clothes.
Go Thrifting in Strategic Areas
Thrift stores are a treasure trove of wonderful and cheap fashion finds. However, thrifting can be a hit or miss activity. You could spend hours rummaging through piles of preloved clothes and not find anything worth buying. Make the most out of your time by frequenting thrift boutiques in posh places around the city. Stores near high end neighborhoods and fashionable areas could be well stocked with designer pieces at unbelievably low prices. Make friends with the shop attendants and ask them if they could update you whenever new items arrive.