We’d all like to be able to afford those big name, designer brands, but reality is that most of us are barely paying the bills, let alone able to splash out on a pair of £100 shoes. With most having been laid off because of company closures, there’s just a lot of other important things to spend on. It doesn’t mean though that we can’t look good or presentable with what we have. If in the future you find yourself in a job interview, it is always wise to look your best.
That being said, having a modest clothing budget doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to lose out on stylish pieces; with a smarter retail plan, you can look fantastic for a fraction of the price. Here are some budget fashion tips that might come in handy for you.
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Be Sales Smart
We don’t think that abstinence is the best policy; however, you can become a wiser shopper by working the sales. It’s quite simple: always buy clothes out of season and do your shopping on week days. Thursday is the golden shopping day, as you have much more of a selection at your fingertips than at weekends. Saturday shopping, in particular, leaves you with all the slim-pickings.
Spot a dress that you just have to buy, but it’s a bit out of budget? Wait between 6-8 weeks after it arrives in the shops to snap it up at a discount price.
Know Your Surroundings
The motto of every survival fashionista is “know your surroundings.” Not all the best clothes have big price tags. Keep your eyes open for killer outfits in other stores and venture out into the retail wild. Consumer psychology has studied us as buyers, so we easily get lured to buy what attracts on the market…To not fall in the money trap, we need to not put so much value on branded clothing, it’s always the way we carry ourselves that matter.
You can for example, stop by in cheaper stores, vintage shops, and even charity shops – even if you don’t find a new t-shirt, you might find yourself some gorgeous costume jewellery necklaces, or you might find those gorgeous chains you saw on an online shop that you want to gift the hubby. You never know what you might unearth on the sales rails.
Shop Online
Speaking of online shops, it’s really easier nowadays to shop. Thank goodness for the internet. Trawling around the shops may be great for burning calories, but after the first hour, it starts to get tedious. Fortunately, you can compare prices of outfits more effectively online, and some stores even offer online discounts – if you sign up with them, they’ll often contact you via email with the latest offers. There are even websites that show designer discounted items.
You can also compare prices of a piece you like from one shop to another. Most of the time, online fashion stores goes on sale, while the brands’ online shop prices remain the same. If you’re looking for hip hop jewelry, a cuban link, and other statement jewellery – online is also a good option, online shops have return and exchange and cancellation policy as physical stores would. They have a wide selection too.
Stuff For Free
If your disposable income has really evaporated, you can always dig out some old items from the back of your wardrobe or scavenge off your friends for their unwanted tidbits. Clothes swaps are gaining popularity and it’s a great way to keep your wardrobe varied and interesting without spending a penny.
To make a little cash, sell off the items that you’ll never use again – especially the stuff that is worth a few bucks. Facebook marketplace is great for this; you may be surprised by how much money you can make off unwanted items…which you can then spend! Guilt-free (kind of).
Wear it Well
You can work a pair of jeans and a couple of plain shirts in many ways, as long as you have the right accessories. Accessories are fortunately pretty cheap, especially if you find some gems in charity shops, so stock up and get that extra mileage out of your clothes.
For clothing, make sure you have the basics first, as staple items in a similar colour palette can mix and match. Some items, like jeans, can last you a lifetime.
For more information relating to fashion accessories, visit Helloice and keep up to date with the latest trends and must have accessories.
Be sales smart…lol…that’s something i’m good at.
Great! And don’t be a compulsive buyer, be a wise one.
Really? Shop on Thursdays? tsk tsk.. Hope to do that here but my financier has work! Hahaha! But I have to agree with you on buying clothes that are out of season. Just pray that by next year, it could still fit you. Hahaha!
Buying winter clothes on a summer season can save you a lot of money. Great tips!
to stay up with fashion does not necessarily mean that we have to buy everything that is in fashion if it will not suit us, we can still look stylish by buying and wearing clothes that fit our personality, weather and surroundings and doing it occasionally, i buy only when there is a sale and i have enough budget for it 🙂
And to add, there are DIY type of clothing that can make you and anyone be in style and fashion. This also allows anyone to become a fashion trend setter.
I so agree with being sales smart 🙂 but I shy away from online shopping
I know why you shy away from online shopping (I think). The fear of uncontrolled online purchasing is what really stopping you right? Hehe.
Being fashionable doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy expensive clothes and accessories. Sure there are a few items that we have no choice but to buy despite the price but we can also find an alternative for a budget-friendly price.
Plus one for your comment Gene! Being fashionable doesn’t have to be expensive.
Nice that you have included online shopping…shopping has never been this accessible and time-saving 🙂
Yes it is indeed! Online shopping make life easier for some. But nothing beats the real shopping experience right?
I don’t really buy that much to look more fashionable. I just tend to wear what is available and complement it with accessories. Thanks for your fashion tips in a budget!