How to Look Stylish on a Budget

You don’t need to spend a fortune to look like a million dollars! You don’t have to dress from head to toes in high fashion clothes to look trendy. You just have to know a few simple tips and tricks that will help you to look stylish and, most importantly, unique. 

Trendy is untrendy

As said by Oscar Wilde, fashion is a form of ugliness so intolerable that we have to alter it every six months. Would you agree that once something becomes fashionable, it almost instantly goes out of fashion? If you can’t afford to dress straight from the runway, better don’t try to copy the latest trends. The moment they become highly recognizable, they get untrendy and even distasteful. Do you remember the trend of ugly sneakers? It seems that the same faith is waiting for fuzzy slippers and “Dad” sandals presented by “Chanel” in 2019. Our verdict is: don’t try to be like “Vogue”, better be someone unique.     

Buy fast fashion wisely

We all know about the negative impact of the fast fashion industry on our planet, but we still buy clothes from “Zara”, “H&M” or “Top Shop” simply because they are affordable. Unfortunately, low prices in most cases mean poor quality, so choose high street fashion products wisely. Read the labels to know fabric composition and care instruction and don’t choose designs that are highly recognizable. A dress from “Zara” which reminds the latest “Dolce and Gabbana” design will never look unique and will go out of fashion soon. Moreover, it’s more likely that you’ll meet a good few ladies wearing the same dress. Better go with classic style garments that will be trendy forever, such as simple silhouette dresses and skirts, trousers or skirt suits, coats. Combine them with different accessories and look unique every time.

Choose quality fabrics

Always buy clothes made from good quality materials. Even in fast fashion shops, it is possible to find pieces sewn from natural fabrics. Of course, they are more expensive but more durable and pleasant to wear. For example, if you’re looking to buy a coat, watch out for wool instead of synthetic fibers. Blouses are best if made from silk, shirts – from cotton, linen. Choose organic cotton, if possible. Also, avoid clothes that can be dry cleaned only. The only exception is outerwear that doesn’t need to be cleaned often. 

Buy vintage and second-hand 

If you want to look original combine high street garments with vintage and pre-loved clothes. Don’t expect to find the whole outfit at once in the second-hand shop. Going there is more like a gamble – you never know what will catch your eye. Have a small tradition to pop into your favourite second-hand shop once or twice a week. Pay attention to fabric composition and imagine how you’re going to incorporate it into your existing wardrobe.  

Upcycle and Upstyle

Do wardrobe revision from time to time and put away clothes that you no longer wear. Think this way: if you haven’t worn this item for over a year, it’s more likely that you don’t need it anymore. Pass it to your relative or friend, donate it to a second-hand shop or give it the second life by transforming it into something unique. Sometimes even a small modification can change the garment completely. For example, change the buttons in your old coat or dye your faded colour dress into any vibrant shade. Before giving something away or throwing always ask yourself, why you don’t wear it anymore. Maybe it’s just too long or too wide and it can be altered. If you have no experience in sewing, find a seamstress who’ll do it for you. It’s a great way to save your money and the environment. 

Good shoes are a must

If you want to look like a million dollars good shoes are a must! You can wear the cheapest dress, but if you’ll pair it with great quality shoes, you’ll look expensive. Always choose genuine leather for comfort and durability, unless you’re vegan and prefer to buy eco-leather products. Buy shoes online from big fashion retailers that offer big discounts. You can find amazing quality shoes for less than a hundred euros. Also, browse for seasonal shoes well in advance when they are often on sale. 

Simplicity is the key 

Your image is in your own hands, so enjoy building it like a true artist. Mixing and matching expensive branded clothes with high street, vintage, and second-hand products will help you to create a unique and well-balanced look, which can’t be repeated by anyone else. Also, remember that less is more. Coco Chanel once said that simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance and she was so damn right!