Looking Chic on a Limited Budget

Being a stylish dresser doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Not everyone can afford to fork over thousands of dollars for designer clothing, but by taking some time to sharpen your street-smart fashion senses, you too can look chic without blowing the bank. All it takes is an adventurous spirit and the smart girl’s secret to success: a systematic approach.

It begins with some basic research. Most women have a sense of what looks good in general, but few take the time to really consider what look would suit them best. Bear in mind your body shape, your day-to-day activities, and your own unique personality when mentally building up your wardrobe. Look through fashion magazines and websites for fresh ideas. A pen and paper will come in handy at this stage as you draft your to-buy list.

Stage two is inventory. Open your closet to review all the clothing you’ve accumulated. This is an important step, as you’re bound to find pieces to discard as well as some keepers you may have forgotten about. Not only does doing this free up space in your closets, but it can also land you some extra shopping cash. Sort out your clothes to determine which pieces can be sold at consignment or thrift shops, which can be donated to charity, and which would be better off in the rubbish bin. You can even hold a garage sale to get rid of unwanted items.
You now have lots of closet space, a list of items to buy, and money to burn. Next comes the exciting part: shopping for clothes. If you’re a veteran bargain hunter, you can start by looking through thrift shops where, with enough skill and common sense, you’ll be able to find some real gems for lower-than-retail prices. It’s best to go to thrift shops during early work hours to get first pick.

You have to prioritize which pieces to purchase first. Put quality investment pieces at the top of your list – clothing which, though more expensive, are classic, timeless, and can be incorporated into several different outfits. Do not blow your budget on trendy pieces, as most fashion trends change too quickly to make them worth the big bucks.

Do not shy away from online shopping, as this could be one means of grabbing those much-needed discounts, especially if you have a taste for designer clothing. Online sample sales are an easy way to get premium access to designer labels. Online auction sites are also a particular goldmine for fashionable footwear. Make sure that you choose sellers with great customer feedback when buying online.
Whenever possible, fit clothes before purchasing them. If alterations will be necessary, check the price tag and weigh the added cost of the alteration against the desirability of the piece. Another pro tip is to bring clothes you’d like to have matched whenever you go shopping.

When you shop is just as important as where you shop. If you’re friendly with store personnel, use that to your benefit. Inquire about sales, especially when final markdowns will be taken on the price tags of items you really want. End-of-season and special holiday sales are a particularly great time to take advantage of huge discounts. Shopping off-season is another popular money-saving technique. Buying winter coats in summer and bikinis in winter is a foolproof strategy when shopping for bargains.

Always remember that money does not buy style. With the right know-how and a systematic approach, anyone can be fashionable on a limited budget.