How to Look Stylish on a Budget
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been doing a ton of online shopping? Even though I’m not new to the online shopping world, and I’d much rather be shopping in stores, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t enjoying it. In a time of uncertainty, there’s something extremely gratifying about receiving some new fashion pieces in the mail. I guess it gives me something to look forward to and helps take my mind off the pandemic. Since we could all use some money saving tips right now, I thought I’d share a few ways on how to look chic and stylish on a budget.
As exciting as it is to buy things pre-season, those often come with a higher price tag and are usually full price. While I’m not opposed to paying full price for certain items, or pieces I know will sell out quickly, shopping out of season is a sure way to save money. Since retailors are offering major sales right now, take advantage of them. They didn’t get to unload their spring collection in stores, which means all those pieces are discount now. Stores are always a few seasons ahead, and they don’t want to run the risk of holding onto those items until next year, so now’s your chance to score a great deal. Sure, it might feel weird buying a sweater at the end of May, but remember we still have plenty of chilly nights ahead of us, and those will be a perfect addition to your winter wardrobe.
Keeping with the online shopping theme, it can be so easy to get swept up with all these sales and savings happening right now. Remember, it’s only a deal if you actually need those items. Since we’re all spending more time online, and brands are tossing coupon codes at us 24/7, your shopping cart can get pretty full fairly quickly. We start tossing in items that we would never purchase in store or online if it wasn’t on major sale. The savings are huge, so we start to think we need those items. Although it may feel like brands are giving the items away, it’s a slippery slope if you don’t know what you actually need. I suggest making a list of items you want to add to your summer wardrobe and plan out pieces you’re looking to incorporate into your current closet. Having a game plan before you go online will help stop the impulse buy. After you’ve figured out what type of clothing you need, expand on that list. If you need loungewear, what type of pieces do you need, tees, yoga pants, sweats? Be as specific as you can.
Stop holding onto those fancy accessories for special events. We all have those pieces that we’ve bought for a wedding, bridal shower or cocktail party, that we’ve worn once or twice, and now saving them for future occasions. It’s time to make your basic wardrobe feel more exciting with a statement accessory. Maybe you have a designer clutch that will instantly dress up a pair of skinny jeans and plain white tee or maybe it’s even a sparkly necklace sure to amp up a basic sundress. Stop holding onto those fancy pieces for events that may never come. Try incorporating those special pieces into your everyday life and make an otherwise boring outfit a little more fun and unique.
Although this concept isn’t new, I think we often forget about selling or trading items we no longer enjoy. You’d be surprised at what you can sell online to make a few extra bucks. Especially right now, everyone is eager to revamp and update their wardrobe, but with limited stores to shop at, so many people (myself included) are turning to eBay and Facebook marketplace for hidden gems. You can also download apps like Depop and Poshmark to find great fashionable pieces for less. Both these apps are amazing for finding second-hand designer pieces that can really elevate your look without breaking the bank. Trends come and go, so I highly suggest looking for timeless pieces that can take you from season to season. Sometimes a smaller closet filled with high quality pieces will make more sense than a huge closet filled with trendy, cheap items.
What I Wore- Care Bears Tee- c/o Unique Vintage, Cardi- c/o Unique Vintage, Jeans- Seven of all Mankind, Headband- c/o Victoria Emerson, Belt- Gucci, Heels- Aldo
