There is much to be said for retail therapy. And since we all have to wear clothes, why not find new ways to look great without breaking the bank?
Here are seven tips for staying fashionable while sticking to your budget.
1. Ignore the trends
Few things drain a bank account faster than trying to keep up with what’s in vogue. Thankfully, as you get older, fashion trends become less important and you begin to focus more on honing your own individual style. Being comfortable in your own clothes goes a long way in helping you look great.
2. Buy the basics
Basic clothing items are valuable when they are versatile and can be incorporated into several different outfits. You can do a lot when you have a white shirt, black trousers, quality leather boots, slip dresses and scarves in your cupboard.
3. Be a little crafty
This is where being handy with a needle and thread really pays off. We all have old clothes in our cupboards or those special finds from op shops that need a little tweaking to fit ‘just right’. A little nip of a hem here and tuck of a sleeve there can turn a piece of clothing to your advantage.
4. Invest in timeless pieces
Sometimes, splurging can pay off in the long run. The trick is to make sure you spend on the right items; a coat, leather shoes or boots and a good pair of trendy trousers can see you through countless seasons.
5. Buy machine-washable clothes
For some items, such as coats and silk dresses, trips to the dry cleaner are unavoidable. But if you buy mostly items that are machine washable (or that at least can be washed by hand), you’ll save on dry cleaning bills.
6. Get your makeup from chemists
Retail chains such as Priceline and Chemist Warehouse have big brand cosmetics at more affordable prices than most other speciality retailers.
7. Buy men’s shaving products
Pink products are one of the largest retail scams ever invented. Instead of buying more expensive women’s razors and shaving creams, pop over to the men’s section. Don’t be fooled by packaging either; the products are almost identical, except for their scents.
What are your tips on looking great on a budget?
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