Just because you’re saving money on clothes doesn’t mean that you have to look frumpy. Here are a few tips to staying stylish, even in uncertain economic times. Even if you’re not absolutely strapped for cash, saving money by not buying so many new clothes can mean that you have extra money for other fun things.
The first rule in thrifty fashion is to sew your clothes. Invest in a good sewing machine and a few basic patterns. Most companies have easy sewing patterns that are only 3 or 4 dollars apiece, and each pattern comes with several different styles of the same item. Wal-Mart has really great cheap fabric, some for just one dollar per yard. Sewing is actually quite easy when you read the instructions of the pattern very carefully. There’s also “sewing 101” type articles on many pattern websites. Make as many variations of the same pattern as you can. Use different colors, different textured fabrics, and make every different variation that the packet shows. You don’t even have to buy fabric sometimes. If you have an old sheet that’s worn out, you might be able to use that as a piece of fabric (depending on its color and pattern).
Another tip is to shop at thrift stores. Truthfully, many of the clothes in thrift stores are ugly and outdated, which is why they’re there. However, don’t let those ugly items fool you. Behind them can be some really great finds. When you go thrift store shopping, make sure that you have a couple of hours to spend there. You need that time to sift through the ugly items to find cute clothes. The prices at thrift stores are great and, if you put the time into it that is needed, you can come out with some great things. A lot of stores, like Target, donate their overstock merchandise to thrift stores, so not all of the clothing there is used.
Invest in some great neutral items with which you can mix and match other things. A great pair of jeans and a white top can be accessorized so differently that you could wear it two days in a row and nobody would ever notice. Once you have those basic items, then you can focus on more colorful and different pieces.
While it’s okay to spend less money on certain clothing items, it’s not okay to skimp when it comes to some. For instance, with bras, you get what you pay for. Don’t buy a cheap bra, no matter what. Only the high end bras give you the support and shape that you need to feel comfortable and to look good. It doesn’t matter how cute that new top of yours is, if you’re not wearing a good bra, that’s all that people will notice.
Also, cheaper clothes tend to wear out more easily, so make sure the cheap clothes you buy are more trendy. That way, by the time they are worn out, they won’t be in style anymore anyway. Feel free to spend a little more on classic staple items that will never go out of style because those will last you a long time.
One final word of warning: beware of cheap make-up. Just like with bras, you get what you pay for when it comes to make-up. Cheap makeup runs, rubs off, and doesn’t stay put. It’s almost better to not ear any make-up at all. Good makeup, although expensive, will make you look your best, even while wearing a thrift store outfit.
