Fashion can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank in order to keep up with the latest trends. The Fashion Budget Challenge is here to help save the day! Whether you’re on a tight budget or just looking to save some extra cash, here are our top tips for stretching your fashion dollars and staying on trend.
1. Befriend the Thrift Store: Making Your Fashion Budget Go Further
Chances are that you already have a few thrift stores in your neighbourhood. Don’t be afraid to dig through the racks and find great gems that will add a unique touch to your wardrobe. Here’s how you can make your fashion budget go further by befriending thrift stores.
- Research. Before you visit, research the stores in your area. Look online for customer reviews and see what the popular items are. Find out what day of the week is best to visit for new stock arrivals.
- Window shop. Keep an eye out for window displays as they often showcase the latest arrivals. Most stores will also have a weekly circular with specials and discounts.
- Be selective. Instead of browsing aimlessly, go into the store armed with a list of items that you want to find. This list should only include items that you know would fit into your wardrobe, so that you don’t get distracted by things you don’t need.
- Try it on. Thrift stores often allow you to try on clothes, so make sure to take advantage of this. Don’t be afraid to try on items that are a size too big or too small. It’s worth a shot, as you may be able to take it to a tailor and get it fixed for a fraction of the retail cost.
Don’t forget about accessories. Befriending a thrift store can also help you accessorize in a more affordable fashion. Hats, jewelry, scarves, and bags can all be found for a fraction of the cost. Make sure to look through pay-by-the-pound bins for bags and small items.
Once you get comfortable shopping at thrift stores, you’ll find that you can make your fashion budget go much further. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to find great items and save a lot of money in the process.
2. Start Shopping Strategically: Budget-Friendly Basics
Are you looking to update your wardrobe, but don’t want to blow your budget? Start shopping strategically! Building a wardrobe of staples and basics can help you get the most out of your money and your wardrobe. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Think in terms of Quality, Not Quantity. Instead of trying to grab a dozen items, focus on fewer items of higher quality. Even if it costs more, it’ll be worth it when the item lasts longer.
- Start with Essential Pieces. There are a few pieces in every wardrobe that are essential, like a black blazer, a good pair of jeans, T-shirts, etc. Start by shopping for these, and you’ll be able to build on them over time.
- Look for Versatile Pieces. Invest in items that can be easily dressed up or dressed down. Items like skirts, trousers, and even outerwear, can easily take you from day to night.
Take Your Time. Don’t rush about trying to buy all the latest trends. Take your time to find the right pieces that fit you well and can be incorporated into your wardrobe for the long haul. You’ll be glad you did.
3. Look for High-Quality, Timeless Pieces: Investing in Luxury on a Budget
Buying luxury items can be a lot of fun but also make a big dent in your budget. Fortunately, there are some great ways to invest in luxury on a budget. Here are our top tips:
- Look for high-quality, timeless pieces – You know when you buy something for a lower price but it’s really low quality and falls apart after a few wears? Not worth your money. Invest in pieces that have high-quality materials that you can wear time and time again.
- Get creative with second-hand shops – The greatest thing about thrift stores is that you can find amazing, one-off vintage pieces that are completely unique. Once you unlock the potential of the thrift store, you can find some incredibly luxurious items without paying luxury prices.
- The added bonus of second-hand stores – By shopping at second-hand stores you can also do some good for the environment. By reducing your contribution to the fast-fashion industry, you be helping reduce waste in the environment.
By following these tips, you can have incredible luxury items in your possession without breaking the bank. Just remember that the best luxury investments are those which are timeless, high-quality and unique!
4. Creative Reuse: Repurposing Your Existing Wardrobe
So you already have a wardrobe full of clothes that you barely wear. Not to worry – there’s still a lot that can be done to repurpose your existing wardrobe! With the following ideas, you can get creative with your looks while still saving money.
- Mix and match. Don’t settle for feeling blah in the same outfit every day – mix and match pieces of clothing from different outfits to create new looks that will invigorate your style. Try to experiment with different shades, textures, and colors.
- Accessorize. If you’re bored of wearing the same clothes with no extra flair, adding accessories can be a great way to spice up your existing wardrobe. Statement jewelry, patterned scarves, and stylish hats can instantly level up any look.
- Shop secondhand. You don’t necessarily have to buy the latest and trendiest clothes to find pieces for your wardrobe. Hit up thrift stores and secondhand shops to find unique garments that no one else will have. Who knows – you might find a new wardrobe favorite without spending a lot of money.
- Upcycle. When you’re feeling crafty, you can also try reworking your clothes into something new and fashionable. Make a mini dress out of an oversized shirt, or create shorts out of an old pair of jeans – the possibilities are endless.
5. How to Make Your Clothes Last: Simple Tips for an Affordable Wardrobe
Everyone eventually faces the age-old dilemma of how to extend the life of their wardrobe. We all know the struggle of having to purchase new clothes regularly because old ones become worn and frayed. But not to worry — there are some simple tips that can help your clothes last longer, saving you the time, money, and stress of heading to the store. Here are a few practical tips for an affordable wardrobe:
- Wash less. Yes, you heard that right. Many times, clothes don’t necessarily need to be washed after every wear. Over-washing, especially on delicate items, will shorten their lifespan. Instead, air them out between washes and spot wash if needed.
- Machine wash on delicate. A delicate setting on a washing machine moves items around more slowly and is gentler on fabrics. Even items labeled as “machine washable” should still be set on a delicate cycle.
- Turn up the temperature. While machine washing is typically best for most clothes, hand-washing can significantly extend the lifespan of the item. Make sure the temperature you use hovers around the highest recommended setting on the care label — 120-160° Fahrenheit should do the trick for most items.
- Dry quick. Generally speaking, air-drying is better for most clothing. But also make sure you aren’t leaving them on the line too long, as this can weaken materials and make them less durable.
Following these tips can help preserve your wardrobe, giving it extra longevity. Though there are plenty of expensive tricks and hacks out there, it’s important to understand that there isn’t a single solution to make clothing last forever. Ultimately, the best guiding principle is to be mindful of the way care for your clothes.
If you love to keep up with the latest trends but are on a tight budget, a Fashion Budget Challenge could be the perfect way to stay stylish without breaking the bank. With just a little bit of creativity and determination, you can have fun constructing stylish looks that make you feel fashionable and confident, and save money in the process!
