How to Dress Fashionably Without Breaking the Bank

Have you ever seen those women who walk into a room and have all eyes on them? They always seem to look so effortlessly fashionable, like they just threw on something from their closet yet wouldn’t look out of place on a red carpet.

Chances are, you’ve always wanted to be that girl, especially if you have a special occasion or event coming up.  We all want to be the most fashionable person in the room, even if it’s just a few times a year when it really counts.

After all, you should be the belle of the ball when it comes to events that celebrate your individuality such as your birthday, a shower for a big life event, or even just a dinner party you’re hosting for friends.  Everyone needs to have moments where they can shine and look their best.

But how do you get that look when many of the most stylish items seem to always be the most expensive ones, too?  The hottest items of the moment are not always very affordable even though they will guarantee to make a statement.

A level-headed woman knows not to spend her entire paycheck on an outfit, but it’s certainly tempting when you constantly open your closet and have nothing to wear.  Not to mention getting dressed every day but not feeling confident or shying away from taking pictures because your outfit isn’t flattering.

So how can you find the balance between looking great without breaking the bank?  Luckily, there are a few tricks we can borrow from classic fashion books to make you feel amazing and have everyone say “Wow!” when you enter the room.

In this article, you’ll learn some insider tips such as:

  • Make a Fashion Scrapbook
  • Complete the Looks
  • Get All the Essentials
  • Go to Resale Stores
  • Invest in Shoes
  • Get Signature and Trendy Jewelry
  • Never Shop for In-Trend Looks
  • Only Wear It If It’s Made For You
  • Purchase During the Off Season
  • Find a Great Tailor or Seamstress

By the end you’ll learn about the places where you should be investing your money and what pieces are really worth it.  Then you can save on other items which aren’t as important but will still allow you to enjoy shopping and add new things to fresh up your wardrobe.

Dressing fashionably without spending a fortune is all about making wise style choices and collecting the right apparel.  With a little bit of advance planning and strategizing, you’ll be armed with an action plan before you head to the mall.

You’ll be able to find out exactly what looks amazing on you, from colors that shine the spotlight on your hair and eyes, to cuts that flatter your figure.  Just because something looks good on a model doesn’t mean it will be perfect for the girl of average height.  So start shopping wisely and select only what you feel your best in.

This way you’ll ensure that you always feel wonderful enough to take on any challenge with the confidence that you look great while doing it.  Let’s get started looking fabulous while still having cash leftover for drinks or to splurge on a vacation!

We all want to be known as the most fashionable person in the room. But, how does one do that when all the most stylish items we see are the most expensive, too? Luckily for you, there are a few tricks in the old fashion book for looking amazing without breaking the bank.

Dressing fashionably without spending a fortune is all about making wise style choices and collecting the right apparel. And thankfully nowadays we have the opportunity to shop online while staying on budget, check out the best online clothing stores in that article!

Make a Fashion Scrapbook

To start your journey towards a fashionable wardrobe, you need to compile looks that appeal to you. For this, you can make a fashion scrapbook. When you gather style inspiration in the form of completed looks you would wear, you gain a clearer vision of what you need to buy.

Make a Fashion Scrapbook

You can get looks out of a fashion magazine or from online influencers’’ social media accounts. All these will help you get a sense of direction when shopping for clothes.

Complete the Looks

Once you compile a bunch of unique looks for different occasions, determine what pieces you already have in your wardrobe. Having a reference style sheet allows you to shop sensibly to make complete outfits, instead of buying mismatching pieces and having to start over.

For instance, if your scrapbook has a bunch of different looks calling for a pair of checked pants, you best believe it’s time to buy a pair of checked pants.

Complete the Looks

Get all the Essentials

During sale season and other big shopping festivals, it’s time to figure out what basic items need to be added to your wardrobe. Essential pieces include anything that can help you build a great new outfit, such as a white t-shirt, black pinstriped trousers, and a colorful skirt.

You don’t have to look for these at the next designer brand you see. So, keep reading to learn how you can add timeless classics in a way that’s affordable.

Get all the Essentials

Go to Resale Stores

For starters, look at resale stores to find used or almost new items that fit you and complement your style. Resale stores, thrift shops, and clearance racks are all the best places to get lucky and find affordable style-inspiration.

At resale and thrift shops, you can get amazing deals on chic fashion items, like blazers, evening dresses, and even classy blouses.

Go to Resale Stores

Invest in Shoes

When we say to be frugal and thrifty when it comes to clothes, it means that you should invest wisely in shoes. Since shoes wear out particularly easily, choosing comfortable and well-fitting options mean you can avoid spending more money on cheap versions.

Invest in Shoes

Similarly, fashionistas are careful to pick statement shoes that can go a long way to help them look stylish on different occasions. For instance, have a pair of casual sneakers, walking shoes, formal flats, black pumps, and party shoes. Having too many of one thing shows a lack of balance, so refrain from going crazy during sales.

Get Signature and Trendy Jewelry

We advise you to be thrifty when it comes to trendy jewelry but invest properly in signature jewelry. What does that mean? Signature jewelry includes a classy watch, handbag, and bracelet that complete every outfit by making you look like a million bucks.

On the other hand, trendy jewelry includes necklaces, earrings, and purses that have designs you can compromise on. For instance, choker necklaces and chunky acrylic earrings look the same, whether you buy designer versions or high-street brands. Hence, you can save on them by being thrifty.

Get Signature and Trendy Jewelry

Never Shop for In-Trend Looks

Never take all your style inspiration from the latest fashion shows and launches. Those have the wildest fashions and craziest trends. Remember, just because it’s fashion doesn’t mean you need to have it.

Not only do these ‘trends’ look eccentric and odd outside fashion districts of New York. However, there’s no way to pull them off without ripping a hole in your wallet. Instead, look up older fashion showcases from previous years to find a diverse range of looks you can pull off from a single wardrobe.

Never Shop for In-Trend Looks

Only Wear It If It’s Made For You (If You Look Gorgeous)

Have you ever seen a gorgeous dress at the mall and thought that absolutely you need to buy it? We know that feeling too, but what do you do when it doesn’t look as great on you as you expected it to?

The most important piece of advice is that you only buy a new piece of clothing if it looks great on you. Remember, if it doesn’t look good in the trial room, you probably can’t rock it anywhere else.

However, you need to draw a distinction between clothes you can’t pull off at all and pieces that can look amazing with a little alteration. Keep in mind that you cannot change issues about color, fabric, and cut. Therefore, only make a purchase if alterations are small, like adding extra buttons, removing shoulder pads, or improving the fit.

Only Wear It If It’s Made For You (If You Look Gorgeous)

Purchase during the Off Season

If you live in an area that gets all sorts of different temperature ranges, you’ll benefit from off-season sales. After all, clothes will be cheaper when demand is low. For example, buy winter wardrobe items when stores are putting up their spring and summer collections.

Similarly, summer clothes like shorts, swimwear, and cotton tops are cheaper when brands want to make space for winter launches.

Purchase during the Off Season

Find a Great Tailor or Seamstress

This part will be difficult, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Every fashionista needs a fairy godmother, i.e. a seamstress or tailor who can make alterations to almost perfect clothing items.

When you have a skilled tailor on speed-dial, you can take clothes to them directly after purchasing them. Hence, you don’t put off alterations. You also get the opportunity to wear new outfits as soon as possible.

These are our recommendations that you can use to look fashionable without spending a fortune on a new wardrobe. Nonetheless, attitude and confidence are the most important parts of an outfit, so remember to put on your best face no matter what you wear.

Find a Great Tailor or Seamstress