How to Look Great on a Shoestring

Given the choice, many of us would love to be dressed head to toe in expensive designer clothes all the time. However, it is perfectly possible to look fantastic without breaking the bank, as long as you are smart with what you buy, where you buy it, and how to wear it.

Here are some handy hints and tips to help you do just that:

Ignore the trends. In the here today gone tomorrow world of fast fashion, today’s hot item is almost always guaranteed to be a total no-no in a week or two’s time. So, instead of throwing your money away on clothes that you will feel embarrassed about in a few months’ time; try to cultivate your own unique style. Pay heed to the mantra of Yves-Saint-Laurent: ‘Fashion fades, but style is eternal’.

Wear clothes that complement your body type. Just because something looks good on a fashion model doesn’t mean that it will look good on you. Try to be as honest as possible with yourself when you are trying things on in the shop, and look for clothes that accentuate your best features and mask what you perceive to be your imperfections.

Look for vintage bargains. You can find some absolutely amazing clothes in vintage stores and thrift stores if you are prepared to spend a bit of time looking. Sometimes you can find some really expensive designer items at a ridiculously low price. The best vintage shops and thrift stores are usually in university towns, where people tend to move on after just a few years, throwing out their old clothes in the process.

Get plenty of basics. Rather than buying clothes that will only go with one of your outfits, try to stock up on versatile basics such as jeans and white t-shirts that you can pair with other clothes and accessories to create a wide variety of outfits.

Don’t just buy clothes for the label. High street retailers such as New Look are a great place to look for affordable and stylish wardrobes. Check them out for some glamorous women’s dresses and other accessories to keep you in-trend. It could well be just as important to have clothes that really suit you than it is to have the most desirable, high-priced label on your clothes

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