According to research from VoucherCodes, Britons spend £16.2 billion a year on fashion. Whether you describe yourself as a High Street hoarder, a classic and preppy style, 90’s grunge, hipster, or activewear advocate, your signature style costs on average £572 a year.
The solution may be to embrace slow fashion and stop buying items. Yet, it can make it tricky to decide on the best outfit in the morning. Indeed, depending on what you’ve got planned for the day, the weather, or who you are going to meet, you may want to dress appropriately. Ultimately, your clothes express your identity. You want to feel good in them, which is why it is crucial to pick clothes that fit your vision.
Wearing clothes that match who you are is a lot more than a fashion statement. It is a real boost of self-confidence and self-love. So before we start exploring options to dress on a budget and to look and feel polished, you need to make sure that:
- You know your size
- You understand your body shape
- You wear the right underwear in the right size (it can completely transform your shape)
- You know which colours and cuts work for you
Are you ready for brilliant ideas to get dressed for less?
Try an outlet
There are plenty of quality outlet services, such as The DOM, which give you access to the latest brands at discounted costs. You may not be able to fill your entire wardrobe with designer items, but you can buy some selected pieces to brighten up your outfits. A fashion coat could transform a simple work dress, for example. Investing in a few pieces that will be long-lasting enables you to create a more sustainable fashion habit.
What should you buy from an outlet site? Ideally, you want to focus on statement pieces that can be worn again and again:
- Winter coat
- A dream pair of shoes
- Cocktail dress
- Little black dress
- Killer suit for important business meetings
It’s not the best spot for basics.
Find your brands for basics
Basic items range from everyday underwear to white and black t-shirts and shirts. They are called basics because they can make up the most significant part of your outfits even though you will pay more attention to the statement piece. The problem with basics is that poor-quality ones will likely ruin the outfit, increasing your fashion expenses. So, it’s important to find basics you can trust and wear without fear. Brands such as Zara have already introduced a unique section on their websites for basics. Zara basics include everyday seasonal items such as tops and shorts, affordable workwear, and shoes. It is worth investigating quality basics.
Look And Feel Polished – Embrace second-hand fashion
There’s a reason why everybody loves eBay. It is one of the best platforms for pre-loved fashion items. Second-hand items can be a nice way to grow your wardrobe without paying the full price.
Which used items are worth buying? You want to focus on long-lasting pieces that still have plenty of life in them. They include shoes, coats, denim pieces, and wool clothes.
It is best to avoid buying used basics, as they are likely to have been worn a lot already by the previous owner. This could affect how long you will be able to use them yourself.
Get familiar with the sewing machine
Knowing how to alter or adjust pieces, so they fit properly can make a huge difference to your wardrobe. Tailoring to your body shape will transform your outfit significantly and instantly boost your self-esteem. More importantly, you can enjoy wearing pieces that would otherwise feel awkward. So, being able to adjust the waistband and the length of some pieces can make them more valuable.
But you can also use sewing to repair existing pieces that are damaged or to personalise them.
It might be tempting to sew your own clothes. However, the process is time-consuming, and it is likely to be more expensive than buying clothes in shops. Sew for repair, alteration and personalisation to save costs.
Look And Feel Polished – Accessorise like a pro
You need a collection of smart and practical accessories to transform your outfits. What do you need in your accessories drawer?
- Waist belt
- Hip belt
- Brooches
- Scarves
- Socks and tights
- Jewellery of different sizes, styles, and colours
- Headwear and hats
- Different bags: handbags, clutches, etc.
- Nail varnish bottles
- Makeup
Accessories can help create a brand new vibe for your outfit. For example, you can change the shape of a dress with a belt. You can dress up a simple day outfit for a night out with jewellery, a different bag, and smokey eyes.
Are you ready to bring your fashion to the next level without going over budget? Smart fashion decisions can not only help you make the most of your wardrobe but also save money in the long run.
Leave a Reply