How to Be Stylish on a Budget
We’ve talked about how to dress your kids without breaking the bank; now let’s talk about you! If you’re on a tight budget, you may think that you have to sacrifice your style altogether. Well, we’re here to pass on Katy Keene’s motto of not having to be rich to be stylish. Before we get into the main subject, though, we want to briefly mention a few things that will keep you out of financial trouble in the long run.
First, we advise against contributing to the debt and bankruptcy by avoiding using your credit cards or taking out a payday loan for your wardrobe. Before you end up owing money with high-interest rates, know that not every lender operates that way. For example, a company called Possible Finance offers low-interest alternatives to payday loans if you need help between paychecks. Companies like this help you rebuild and repair your credit by slowly repaying your loan.
We’re not trying to scare you, we’re just saying that you will likely need to make compromises if you’re on a budget. That means you probably won’t be able to get everything you want, at least not in one round.
Building Your Style on a Budget
The first thing we want to suggest is that you go over your wardrobe, decide what you want to get rid of and what you want to keep. If you absolutely want something new, or at least new to you, focus on that only. See if it’s available on a discount anywhere or check a low-priced site like Amazon or Etsy. Or even the smallest accessory, such as jewelry or a cardigan can make a world of difference.
Real fashion is not about being a Madonna and reinventing the wheel every time. Instead, it’s about being an Audrey Hepburn, knowing what looks good on you, and knowing how to make the best of it. Hepburn is best known for setting the trend for the little black dress. Besides casual clothes, that was basically what she stuck to throughout most of her career. Yet she shined in everything she wore.
Here are some other tips for renovating your wardrobe on a budget. Do the Friends & Family Swap
If any of your loved ones are close to the same size as you are and/or like the same kinds of accessories that you do, you can arrange to do a swap. Especially if you don’t like the idea of your old stuff going to complete strangers, this is a good alternative.
Cover the Basics
Once your wardrobe is cleared, make sure you have enough basics to shine and vary your outfits. This includes at least two pairs of blue jeans in your favorite cut, white or neutral-colored t-shirts, at least one pair of flat shoes, at least one pair of black pants, and/or at least one black dress.
Discount Stores
Outlet and resale stores, such as Half of Half, are good alternatives to the brand-new stuff. Many great pieces in good condition end up in those places due to not selling well and the stores needing to clear up space. However, many of the pieces at Half and Half often have tears or stains. So if you’re going to shop there, have a sewing kit and a strong stain treatment handy. Almost needless to say, it’s also a good place to go if you like to make your own clothes.
If you’re into dresses, many outlets, such as Nordstrom Rack and Ross, have an online platform for those that are now out-of-season and discounted. You can also try giants like Amazon, Etsy, or Wish.
Thrift and Used Clothing Stores
More people swear by thrift stores these days because of the lower prices and because they help to cut your carbon footprint in half. There’s never any guarantee of what you’ll find, but quite a few gems often end up there. Prom dresses tend to be the newest things that end up in stores like Goodwill or Savers. They’re usually worn once or twice before they’re donated.
While they target customers in their teens or 20’s, Plato’s Closet re-sells stuff that’s still in style for lower prices. The majority of their clothes have been worn for less than a year before they’re donated. However, they tend not to be plus-size friendly, sell
anything that’s out of style or anything that they think looks too adult. If you have any items that you think might be a hit for the teens to 20’s range, Plato’s Closet will give you a little cash if they accept it.