You really can have great style and not spend heaps of money. It’s all about being intentional and having some sort of plan. Lots of my clients tell me:
“I really want to look stylish but my budget doesn’t allow me to spend money on a ton of new clothes. I do have a clothing budget for myself but it feels too small to really make any progress. Am I a lost cause?”
Of course you’re not a lost cause!
A budget is subjective, but everyone works within some financial parameters. Where one person’s “save” might be another person’s “splurge”.
Today, I’m sharing some of my best tips to have great style on any budget.
Creating a classic wardrobe that feels stylish yet comfortable is about keeping it simple and intentional. It’s also ever-changing. You will forever be editing and updating your wardrobe. If that sounds daunting stay with me, it’s not as hard as you might think.
Most of us aren’t looking for crazy trends or head to toe designer looks. We just want simple, classic, yet stylish looks with an occasional trendy look thrown in and most of all, easy to pull together.
Looking fabulous and still being smart with your money is more about understanding your style and being more intentional about what you buy rather than just bringing more into your closet.
Here are my top tips to look stylish on a budget.
Out with the old.
“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.” – Joshua Becker
I know, I know. Most of us have some items in our closet that are oldies but goodies and you can keep those. These are the exceptions though, not the norm. What I’m suggesting is that you purge your closet from all the items you DON’T wear regularly, things that don’t fit, aren’t your current size, or aren’t in your style type.
– An astonishing number of women try to keep stained and damaged pieces because they could just “put something over it.”
– Even more women have loads of clothes that are the wrong size and will be physically uncomfortable in clothes that are too small because they refuse to buy the next size up.
– Another common reason women are stuck when it comes to style, is because they don’t know when the pieces in their closet are becoming outdated.
For Great Style on a Budget Remove Your Dated Pieces
Styles and fashions evolve. Don’t worry, that pair of jeans you loved in the 80’s will be back with a new improved look, you can pick it back up then.
So go ahead and do your closet reset now.
Define Your Personal Style
If you want to have a great style on a budget, knowing what you like, what looks good on you and enhances your personality will save you so much time and money and help you make better choices when shopping. The best way to maximize your budget is to create a framework for your style. Check out this post if you want to know your personal style type.
It’s very helpful to create style inspiration boards on Pinterest. Having something visual of what you like and that is on style, will serve as a guide when you are shopping and allow you to use the most of your budget.
When you get clear on what you like, you start to see those things in other places.
Match Your Metals
“Metals” on a belt or shoe buckle, buttons, zippers, chains on a bag should match. By coordinating your correct on style metal color, you create a cohesive look. It’s subtle but has a significant impact.
Depending on what style type you are will determine what kinds of metals will compliment your outfit. If you are a Style 1 you will wear shiny gold metals that are light and animated. If you are a Style 3 heavy, chunky statement pieces will look great on you.
Work with Solids, Textures, and Basics in your Style Type
For a stylish look on a budget, pair solids and textures with some simple basics in your style type. Not every style type looks great in black but each style type has its own neutrals. For Style 1’s it’s Navy Blue and White, Style 2 is Gray, Burgundy and Cream, For Style 3 is Brown, Sage Green and Cream, Style 4 is black and White.
Be sure to have basics (pants, shirts, belts etc) in these colors to pair with patterns and textures for your Style Type.
Don’t forget your shoes!
Nothing throws off an outfit like the wrong shoes. I get it, you want to be comfortable but comfort doesn’t need to be sacrificed for style. There are some really stylish shoes that are uber comfortable, you just have to put the effort in to find them. Knowing your style type will help you tremendously with finding on style shoes that are comfortable too. Don’t take the time & energy to put a rockin outfit together and then put on any old shoe.
“Creating the wardrobe you love takes a little bit of time upfront. What I know for sure, after years of helping others get dressed and feel great in their clothes is that you don’t need to spend a fortune. You just need discipline and an awareness of changing styles and trends to stay modern, current and classic.”- The Well Dressed Life.
The reason we spend too much on clothes
79% of women said the #1 reason they go on a shopping spree, and spend too much, is “to cheer myself up”.
Whether you’re just having an all around bad day or you’re dealing with hard things in life, emotions are involved. It’s a natural thing to do, to want to cheer yourself up during these times.
Shopping is a common activity to feel better for lots of women. For most of my clients it’s not a planned shopping spree, it’s in the moment. If you find yourself doing this you’ll know you are experiencing some emotions you want to get away from and are using shopping to feel better.
Let’s Recap.
- Purge your closet of old, ill-fitting, damaged, off style pieces and make room for updated, classic and on style.
- Clearly discover your personal style. It’s a lot easier to shop and create outfits that reflect you best.
- Match your metals. Keep silver with silver and gold with gold, don’t mix & match.
- Solids, textures, and basics will be your friends. Investing in these will allow you to layer more expensive or trendy pieces without breaking the bank.
- Get some great shoes that are comfortable and go with multiple outfits. Don’t give up when it comes to your little piggies, they need styled too.
- Take notice of how you are feeling when you want to over shop. It could just be a reaction to negative emotions and is easily redirected.