If you’re like most women these days, knowing how to be stylish on a budget will be helpful when you go clothes shopping. A dollar just doesn’t buy what it used to, and the average Joe lives from paycheck to paycheck. But that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice style over budget! You can do both. Keep on reading to learn how to be stylish on a budget, no matter what your income!
Selling your unused clothes is the first step to learning how to be stylish on a budget. This accomplishes three things! First, you make room for things you really want or need. Second, you make a little pocket money to spend on new clothes! And third, you are helping out others who want to be stylish on a budget but can’t afford to pay full price.
Classic pieces are important to your closet, since they build the foundation of your wardrobe. Classic pieces are items that never go out of style, so think of dark skinny jeans, a basic white button-down shirt, a pencil skirt, a neutral blazer, etc. Once you have a few classic pieces, you can change up your look easily with the help of shoes and accessories, and still look stylish without spending a wad!
Remember this: layering is your friend. Layering looks stylish no matter the occasion! And it’s definitely a way to wear the same pieces over and over without making it obvious. Try to be creative and daring, but when in doubt if something looks good, ask a trusted friend for their opinion. Don’t be afraid to mix textures or patterns!
Accessories are perfect for the girl on a budget because they don’t cost very much at all! And accessories can really change up or add something to your overall look. Keep an eye out for sales on jewelry, scarves, bags, shoes, and hats or hairpins. Stock up when you find amazing deals!
Your makeup and hair say a lot about you, and keeping up with current trends is a great way to look stylish on a budget. You don’t have to buy a bunch of new makeup, but do try to keep your look current. A smoky or neutral eye is always safe, and nude nail polish can really finish off a look. Trendy hairstyles are great, but keeping something that’s a little more classic will help you avoid spending too much money on upkeep when your trendy haircut is no longer in style.
Being on a budget doesn’t mean you have to swear off any and all shopping! Just learn how to shop the budget-wise way. Sale racks are your newfound friends. Thrift stores, garage sales, and outlet places are a few other hot spots to find really inexpensive prices. Just be selective about what you buy. Inspect for wear and tear or flaws, and make sure it’s something you know you will get use out of.
You can easily transform or reinvent a garment you already own if you know the basics of sewing! For example, a maxi dress can become a maxi skirt! All you need to do is cut off at the waist and add some elastic. If you’re really handy with a needle and thread, you can make a whole new outfit without spending more than the cost of material!
When it comes to being stylish on a budget, don’t forget special occasions. It can be very difficult to find formal dress wear on a budget, especially when you only have a short amount of time to do so. When this happens, don’t panic! Just borrow from a friend. But do make sure you return her dress in the condition she lent it to you!
When all else fails… have a go-to outfit. Usually, neutral basics with a few pops of color are good fallbacks. These outfits work for any occasion and you probably have all the pieces just sitting in your closet! Casual or dressy, this is one fail-proof technique for being stylish on a budget.
Figuring out ways to be stylish on a budget may not be your ideal pastime, but you have to admit it’s a lot of fun going on bargain hunts! Trying to put together new outfits from your limited closet sparks creativity, so try to think outside the box. Are you a fashion diva on a budget? Do share your tips and successes below, and thanks for reading!