It can be easy to let fashion slide now that winter has arrived on our collective doorsteps. Staying warm is paramount, especially commuting to and from work in the dark. Dressing for warmth sometimes means that cute top you received for Christmas is hiding under a bulky sweater. Don’t let your desire to look your best suffer at the hands of Old Man Winter. Keep reading for suggestions to look your best for less money.
Tips on how to look your best for less money
Fashion
Get into the thrift-ing game. A number of great deals can be found at stores like Goodwill, consignment stores, and outlet malls. Spend less than full price for an item by finding it at a great discount:
- either on sale
- or, repurposed as new-to-you after shopping discount racks.
You have to be a a bargain hunter! You’ll come across amazing deals when you least expect it. If you prefer to purchase new clothes, keep in mind that big-name designers like Isaac Mizrahi sell some of their designs at major retailers like Target, enabling you to bring fashion and affordability together.
Bet on black. Load your wardrobe with a few ‘staple’ pieces:
- black blazer
- the infamous little black dress
- a pair of quality black dress slacks (to pair with a variety of other pieces)
A black blazer can be the finishing touch to a business outfit just as it can jazz up a pair of jeans, and a cute top. You can always switch out accessories to make each outfit feel and look new, making your wardrobe appear larger than it actually is.
Self-care
Going to a spa or salon for a manicure, pedicure, massage, or facial is a wonderful experience but not something that everyone can afford every week or even twice a month. Bring the spa into your home and do your own self-care treatment. You can do pedicures at home with products you can make yourself, such as sugar scrub. The same goes for facials and DIY manicures. Treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure in a nail salon every few months.
Be selective
You don’t have to make all your own beauty treatments or never buy anything new: Select something you would like to indulge in, whether that’s a designer bag, an expensive conditioner, or an eye cream and work your budget so you can have the item but otherwise live frugally. You want to save money. There’s no need to feel as if you’re punishing yourself.
Consider getting a makeover at a department store’s cosmetic counter. Choose one item to indulge in. Twenty bucks often gets you lipsticks, or moisturizers. Supplement your makeup bag with comparable items with much lower cost drugstore items.
If you aren’t sure where to start with your budget-conscious adventure, flip through fashion magazines and get ideas about what looks hot right now. You don’t need that $300 cardigan or $500 pair of boots when you can find something similar or even better at the retailer’s outlet store or at a thrift store, for a fraction of the cost. You can look your best without compromising too much.
About the Writer: Holly is a full-time student and TA studying towards her doctorate in literature and writing. She blogs on behalf of Sears and other brands but also loves making waffles and drawing a smiley face on her burger with ketchup.
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