Dressing on a Budget? 5 Ways You Can Spend Less on More

Like most people, you want to look your best but don’t have much money to spend on clothes. That’s okay! There are plenty of ways to dress well without spending a lot of money. Dressing on a budget is all about knowing how to maximize your wardrobe, taking advantage of deals and sales, and wearing pieces that can be mixed and matched with clothes you already have. Here are five ways to spend less on more while still on a budget.

1. Spend More on Quality Pieces

Don’t skimp out when it comes to quality. There’s nothing more frustrating than spending money on an outfit that lasts a week or two before the fabric starts to pill, the hem gets crooked, or the pocket pulls away from the seam. It doesn’t have to be expensive pieces either. Make sure you’re shopping for quality fabrics and proper construction.

Also, consider buying clothes that you can transform into different styles. This is beneficial because you can rely on one piece to produce more than one look. An example would be buying an infinity dress, which can be worn as a wedding dress, to the beach, or even as a long skirt.

2. Shop Second Hand

Don’t think of shopping second-hand as a last resort. If you’re not the kind of person who would shop at a thrift store, it’s time to get over that mental block and start buying pre-loved items. Thrift stores are a gold mine for classic pieces, especially quality denim, which is expensive new. Just make sure you wash your clothes before wearing them (unless you plan on dry cleaning the item).

Second-hand clothes are also a great way to get your hands on unique pieces that may be out of your price range. People donate clothes when they upgrade their styles, so you might run across an awesome piece before anyone else has ever laid eyes on it.

3. Shop Out of Season

Buy items when you can get the best deals. If there’s a designer piece you’ve had your eye on, don’t wait until it goes on sale in July to purchase it. Think about what the seasons mean and shop accordingly. You can purchase pieces like waterproof jackets and heavy boots in January (or whenever they go on sale because who needs them in the summer?). Then you can save your money for summer sandals and lighter jackets (and the inevitable fall sale).

Shopping out of season also means great online deals. You can find great deals and free shipping on out-of-season clothing via Internet retailers that don’t have the overhead of physical stores.

4. Buy the Highest Quality You Can Afford

Don’t bother with ‘imposter’ items. If you’re committed to dressing well, you should buy the best quality your budget can afford. Once you’ve decided which pieces are key for building your wardrobe (like a classic camel coat or oxford shirt), go ahead and invest in them. With proper care, they’ll last a long time and be well worth the price.

You can also search for higher quality items at lower prices by looking for discounted designer clothing or vintage pieces from trusted retailers (designer labels don’t have to break the bank). It’s important to know how to spot quality when you shop second-hand: good seams, sturdy hems, and labels you recognize (don’t bother with unknown designer pieces).

5. Mix and Match

The easiest way to get the most mileage from your wardrobe is to mix and match your pieces whenever possible. If you’ve just got a white shirt in your closet, it doesn’t count as a shirt. However, if you’ve got a white shirt and denim skirt and a pair of ankle boots, you have three pieces instead of one. Learning to mix and match your clothing means never wearing the same outfit twice.

If you’re not already mixing and matching your clothes, try it out at least once a week. Wear all of your favorite pieces one day, then switch them up the next day by adding different tops and accessories. It will give you a chance to wear more items without getting bored with your look, plus save time in the mornings when you don’t have to think about what to wear.

Conclusion

There’s no such thing as a perfect style, but there is such a thing as a perfect fit. By investing in key pieces and mixing and matching your wardrobe, you’ll be able to build the wardrobe that works for you.