There’s long been a perception that in order to be fashion-conscious or to care about your appearance, you’ve got to spend a lot of money. While it may be true that the highest fashion brands in the world can sometimes command eye-watering prices, you don’t have to dig too deep into your piggy bank if you want to work on your aesthetic. Provided that you go into the process with a clear understanding of what you want and a willingness to try new things, you’ll almost certainly find a way to succeed. Here’s how to look great without breaking the bank!
Pull together some cash
If you do want to splash some cash on some of the higher-end fashion pieces out there, then naturally, you’re going to need to earn some extra scratch. You could pick up a side hustle, for example; if you’re knowledgeable about fashion, why not try blogging for a little extra income? Alternatively, if you know you’re only going to buy a few extra pieces to complete your look, then you could try a loan. A £1500 loan could get you an entire wardrobe, so if you know you’ll be able to pay it back, that can be a good option too.
Style your own hair
Naturally, styling your own hair can only be done if you’ve already got a modicum of skill or talent as a hairdresser. However, if you’re dedicated enough to style on a budget, then you should be able to teach yourself these skills, and although it might take a little time, the experience you’ll gain and the benefit you’ll see from styling your own hair will be worth it. With a mirror and a little work, you can create hairstyles that even the most talented hairdressers would be envious of!
Look for discounts
Major clothing stores, makeup outlets, and other fashion shops regularly host sales wherein you can get a huge amount of stuff at a much lower price than usual. Make sure to be on the lookout for these sales, as they could make all the difference for your low-cost wardrobe. In fact, it’s a good idea to hit the high street during times when sales are more common; post-Christmas, Black Friday, and summer are all excellent times to go shopping if you’re planning a trip.
Shop at charity stores
If you’re in the UK, you’ll know these second-hand stores as “charity shops”, and elsewhere in the world, you may know them as “thrift stores”. Whatever you call them, they can be excellent places to go in order to pick up clothing. Did you know, for instance, that most wedding dresses are only worn once? The same goes for many other items of clothing; you might find an unwanted gift, for instance, that the recipient couldn’t return to the store at which it was bought.
Buy long-term
Fast fashion is more than just an ethical disaster. If you keep on buying pieces that you’re only going to wear once, then you’re doing more than damaging the planet; you’re also damaging your wallet. Buy a few pieces that are going to work for you all year round. Some items, like jeans, heels, and hats, can be worn whatever the season, so instead of going on a massive shopping spree, try buying just a few workhorse items that you can build as the core of every ensemble you wear.
Ditch the makeup
Around the world, many social media influencers and celebrities are embracing a no-makeup look. This is part of a movement intended to celebrate natural human beauty, not just without airbrushing or Photoshopping but also without additional beautifiers like makeup. This could have double benefits for you; not only will you look more natural and give your skin a break, but you’ll also save a potential fortune in costly makeup products. It’s win-win!
Accessorise smartly
Any fashionista will tell you that the true core of a look – what makes it special, and what makes people want to emulate it – is the way in which you accessorise. With the right approach to accessories, you can make any look seem expensive, even when it hasn’t cost you much at all. Bracelets, necklaces, rings, and sunglasses can all be great ways to complete a look, and you can usually find these items at outlets that won’t cost you the earth to shop at!
Go simple
It’s one thing assembling a fashion look that’s full of colour and life, and that certainly has its place, but the simple, dress-down look has its benefits as well. With a clean, straightforward look – we’re talking black shirt, blue jeans, and a sensible pair of heels – you can knock people out without needing to resort to swishy, flashy aesthetics. What’s more, those items can all be found without spending much money at all, meaning you’re sticking to your budget-conscious fashion initiative.
Buy clothes that fit well
Make extensive use of changing rooms and trying on clothing when you go shopping. Clothes that fit well – that is, clothes that look as though they were tailor-made for you – will go a long way towards helping you to build a look. When clothes are ill-fitting, they can look a little unflattering, even if they’ve cost you hundreds of pounds. However, finding a piece that adheres to the shape of your body, no matter how much it costs, will make everyone think that the look you’re sporting was simply made for you.
