How To Look Fashionable on a Budget
Your bank statement may have more charges from Primark than Pucci, but that doesn’t mean that your wardrobe has to suffer. Many millennials formed their spending habits during a recession (myself included) which means we are programmed to be a little thrifty, and demand the best bang for our buck. The good news is that as long as you know where to look, our high street has many options that mean it is possible to put together a fabulous and fashionable outfit for less than the price of your weekly railcard, as long as you know where to look. Here are a few of my oh-so sneaky tips, from which types of shoes make your outfit look the most expensive, to how to upgrade your outerwear for just a few pounds. Read on!
Adjust your Accessories
IMO, accessories are the first thing to give the game away when you’re trying to look stylish on a shoestring. It’s best to opt for simple accessories without too much detail or embellishment, keeping the style classic and without too much hardware. If you’re going to invest in one particular aspect of your #ootd, then make it your accessories. I invest in one luxe accessory each season – last Spring it was this marble effect Rebecca Minkoff bag which adds a luxurious touch to my outfits.
Fabulous Fabrics
Tweed, Cotton & Linen almost always look expensive, even if they’re not. You can’t really go wrong with the more natural looking fabrics and as long as you care for them, they should continue to look fabulous even after you’ve worn and washed many times. Often, as with accessories, it’s the embellishment that gives the game away, so stay away from beading and too much detail.
Care for your Clothes
No matter what your budget, a wrinkled blouse is never going to look good, so invest a little time into caring for your clothes. A steamer works wonders on silky items and makes your garments look brand new every time you wear them, while a ‘bobble-off’ (like a little battery powered razor for your clothes) is a knitwear rescuer in the cooler months.
If In Doubt – Get It In Black
You’ve probably noticed from my #ootds that I don’t wear much black, but there’s no denying that it’s universally the most flattering shade. It’s incredible what you can get away with just by choosing a darker shade, even a poor fit can often be disguised in black.
Focus On Fit
It’s incredible what you can get away with when the clothing just fits you perfectly. Don’t be tempted to fill your wardrobe with frugal finds that don’t fit – a bunched up hem or loose shoulders will instantly give the game away.
Footwear Faux Pas
Inexpensive shoes will almost always look better in a faux suede finish than faux leather. In my opinion, it’s worth investing in your footwear but if your budget won’t stretch to higher end shoes, then opt for faux suede for a more luxe effect.
BE the Designer
Just because your new jacket comes with cheapish looking plastic buttons doesn’t mean you can’t change them! I’ve got a little sewing box filled with luxe buttons which I’ve picked up from various sewing shops and markets, and any time I pick up a bargain jacket, I simply snip off the plastic buttons and replace them.
My #OOTD
In this post, my outfit (minus accessories) was less than £50. Yes, really! By choosing neutral tones from the same colour palette, and quality fabrics, you’d never guess it. The lace detail on the t-shirt and stitched print of the jacket could easily be mistaken for designer details, while the fit of the jeans and on-trend colour make them a budget wardrobe essential. I mixed my frugal finds with my favourite accessories to add a luxe touch to my #ootd.
Blue & White Jacket by George
White T Shirt by George
Pale Blue Jeans by George
Sandals by Kurt Geiger
Bag by Rebecca Minkoff
Sunglasses by Quay
Watch by Caravelle
What are your style tips for a shoestring budget? Do you have any favourite budget stores?
Thank you to COMB for the photos – download the app here!
xoxo
