Do you ever feel like you don’t have anything to wear? When money is tight it’s hard to find the extra cash for a shopping trip. The good news is that you can stay stylish on a budget. Check out our 7 tips for how to dress well on a budget.
1. Clear Out Your Clutter
If your wardrobe is bulging but you still can’t find anything to wear, then it’s time to have a clear out. Go through every item and decide if you’re going to wear it again. If not, sell it. Websites like Depop, eBay and even social media make this super easy. And the best news is that the money you raise by selling clothes and shoes you don’t wear can go towards your shopping budget. Plus, it’ll free up space for the clothes you do wear!
2. Dress for Your Lifestyle
Which clothes do you really need? Before you hit the shops, think about how you spend your week. For example, do you work in the office or at home? Do you exercise, and how often do you go out in the evening?
Once you know what outfits you need, you’ll be able to see what’s missing. Sometimes just buying a new shirt or blouse to wear with an existing pair of trousers is enough. When you know what you need to buy, your shopping trip will be more focussed and more affordable.
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3. Buy Timeless Items
It can be worth splurging on a couple of show-stopping items that look good but won’t go out of fashion so quickly. For example, everyone needs a perfect pair of jeans. For guys wanting to dress well on a budget, you could add a pair of chinos too. A blazer will quickly dress up any outfit, and most women know the power of the perfect LBD (little black dress!). Classic styles can be worn through every fashion trend.
When you shop for these items, it’s worth buying quality. That way they’ll last for years, and you’ll always feel amazing when you wear them.
4. Mix and Match
Have you heard of capsule wardrobes? This term is used to describe the compilation of some basic pieces that never go out of style and can be easily worn together. So why not take look at what colours you have in your wardrobe and see if you can make sure the basics are plain coloured, not patterned. That way they’ll always be on-trend and easy to mix and match with each other or your statement pieces. Once you’ve got basic, plain coloured items, you can also layer them up with cheap fashionable additions.
Remember to think about what you’ve already got in your wardrobe when you’re shopping. What will the new item go with? If it only matches one thing, don’t buy it. Choose something else that goes with more of your existing clothes. That way, you’ll get more wear out of it.
Look in your wardrobe and see if there are things you can put together that you haven’t tried before. For example, wearing a vest top under an open shirt will give you another outfit.
This is also great for those of us who are eco-conscious as you’ll find yourself buying clothes less often. At Drafty, we want to make sure we are doing out bit for the planet and believe that sustainable fashion is the future!
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5. Shop the Sales, Get the Discounts
Fashion on a budget doesn’t have to mean less clothes. If you love going shopping regularly then sales and discounts are the way to do it. Waiting for the sales is a smart way to buy. And never go through the checkout without searching for any discounts, especially online. A lot of big chains have outlet stores where you can find end of season bargains.
Don’t worry if you’re buying summer sale clothes in September. Current fashion trends are always good for at least another year or two.
And don’t forget the charity shops – they’re so good for cheap and fun way to find bargains. As well as finding designer labels at rock bottom prices, they’re another way to make sure your wardrobe is more sustainable whilst supporting great causes.
6. Tailor Your Clothes to Fit You
If you’re wearing clothes that don’t quite fit your shape, then get them altered. Shortening the sleeve or leg lengths can stop them from looking like you’ve borrowed them. Nipping tops and dresses in at the waist can make a big difference to how you they look on you. When your clothes fit you better, you feel better wearing them.
If a tailor is too expensive, you could try some sewing yourself. If it’s just taking up a hem, give it a go! Even changing the buttons on a shirt, coat or cardigan can completely change the look.
7. Don’t Buy on Impulse
Whilst shopping for discounts is great, don’t buy things just because they’re on sale. If you’re undecided about how something looks on you, then don’t buy it. You’re bound to have bought clothes in the past that, months later, still have the tags on them. They’re a waste of money.
You know what makes you feel good when you wear it, so only buy what suits you. You’ll get much more wear out of clothes you love putting on.
If you’re looking for fashion on a budget, then follow these tips. Even when money’s short there are ways you can fill your wardrobe with a choice of outfits. By being smart with the way you shop and put outfits together, you can still look great and spend less.
Disclaimer: We are not providing financial advice, these are just tips for informational purposes. Also, we are not affiliated to any of the external parties, these links are provided for reference only.
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