Ten Tips for Being Fashionable on a Budget.

Image: renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

1. First, go window shopping (and online window shopping) at high-end stores.  I do this ALL. the. time.  These are the stores where trends and style originate and when you learn what quality, fashionable clothes are like you can spot GREAT finds at the less expensive store.  Don’t be intimidated or afraid of these stores just because you can’t afford to shop there.  That is my golden rule.

2. If you are going to shop at a higher-end store NEVER PAY FULL PRICE.  It’s honestly not necessary.  They put clothes on the floor way before the beginning of the season to make you drool over it and need it but that stuff always goes on sale before the season starts.  The majority of my designer stuff was bought at sales and presales.

3. BE YOUR OWN STYLIST.  Take yourself seriously and treat yourself like you are your client.  Decide what image your want to portray for whatever event you are styling yourself for.  Even if you think it’s not worth the time IT IS, I promise.  Do it once and you’ll be hooked

4. Buy simple chic (cheap) pieces and wear bold accessories. Try a black and white outfit with a colored accessory like red shoes, a green scarf, turquoise necklace (but not all of those at once).

5. It’s better to buy good discounted designer pieces than cheap things that won’t last.  Which is why outlet shopping, sample sales, and bargain stores are SO great

6. Buy multiples! As you all know if you’ve seen my fashion haul, when I find something I like (that also happens to be inexpensive) I buy at least two (or even one in every color).  Finding things that fit, look good, and are inexpensive is a blessing….so I like to keep those blessings coming.

7. DON’T BUY KNOCK-OFFS! I know it’s tempting but you’re so much better off buying a quality no-name purse than a cheap imitation.  I’ll just leave it at that.

8. Get creative. When you see great looks that are $$$, think think think about you can style that look for less.  I recently fell in love with an expensive romper and managed to get the same chic look with two less expensive, similarly textured/colored pieces and saved myself about $60.

9. DIY.  Search the web for tutorials on making great accessories like flower brooches/clips, statement necklaces, bracelets, whatever…..it’s out there, just find it and have fun sprucing up your frugal fashion with your homemade stuff!

10. Enjoy your limits.  While it may not seem fun to be on a budget, I enjoy the challenge.  We’d all look like celebrities if we had all that cash but think about how great it feels when you snag that perfect bargain piece….money just can’t buy that.

How do you stay fashionable on a budget?

For more tips, check out the discussion on Twittermoms.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Gap Outlet blogging program to be eligible to win a $20 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.