We all know that looking good and dressing well isn’t cheap. Or is it? Trends are constantly changing faster than our brains and bank accounts can keep up. With the cost of living also rising, it can become super draining on our pocket to try to stay up to date. But there are ways to shop smartly and on a budget, while still looking trendy.
Create a capsule wardrobe
You’ve probably heard this phrase thrown around a lot and, although it seems obvious or boring, it can help with styling and budgeting.
A capsule wardrobe essentially has a few key, basic pieces that are staple items in your wardrobe, such as a pair of black jeans, a couple of basic t-shirts, neutral skirts and trousers, and some thicker jumpers. These are items you can pair with anything else you buy and will rarely go out of fashion.
They don’t necessarily have to be investment pieces, but sometimes putting a decent amount towards something that will last you years will pay off in the long run, especially if it’s a timeless item.
Read more on creating a capsule wardrobe here.
Charity shops
It goes without saying that you can find some hidden gems in charity shops with a bit of patience. Sifting through the rails can seem a waste of time, but the reward is great!
I always seem to brag more about a nice top I found in a charity shop than if I got it brand new. It’s also a good place to find unique items that nobody else owns or affordable designer gear.
Shop off-season
I never thought of this until recently, but shopping off-season is another excellent way to save some money if you have the space to keep things until the time comes to wear them.
Buy your coats and boots in the summer sales, and your shorts and t-shirts in the winter sales. I have found some great summer finds in the January sales!
It feels wrong to buy shorts when you’re wrapped up in a coat, hat and gloves, but when the summer comes and you’ve already built up a great summer wardrobe, it makes life easier!
Buying second-hand online
Online clothing websites and apps are great options for finding cheap clothing. I have bought loads from Vinted and Depop, there are some great clothes on there. Sellers are usually open to negotiating prices and can send photos, measurements, and details of the items. The only catch is you can’t return the items if they don’t fit, but I have had this issue and just created accounts on the apps (both of which are free to use) and sold them on. It’s cheaper, more sustainable and, once again, you can find some one-of-a-kind pieces.
Re-work your own clothes
I know this sounds like a bit of a faff, but it can have a huge payoff if you have the time. If you’re a dab hand with the sewing machine, try tailoring your own clothes.
I got into embroidery in lockdown and added little flowers to old jeans and denim jackets to add something different and inspire me to wear them again.
You can also buy pods of dye that you chuck in the washing machine with clothes or shoes to give them a new lease of life. It’s great for spicing up an old top, and handy to recolour something that has become stained.
These are just a handful of ideas you can try to style yourself on a budget. All of them are better for the planet and our purses than buying new clothes.