Please don't let that title fool you into thinking I'm a fashion expert, because I'm not. Far from it. I prefer classic, slightly retro (think 50s/60s/70s) looks. Today we are going to talk about how to dress for your style on any budget.
Implement a capsule wardrobe. They are all the rage on pinterest and the blogosphere, and for good reason. Not only does a capsule wardrobe help to define your style and cut down on decision fatigue, it also helps cut down on the laundry mountain. Typically, the fewer clothes you have, the more you'll feel free to spend on a particular item that you KNOW will fit, as opposed to spending the same amount on multiple pieces of cheap clothing that are only so-so.
Always buy the best quality you can afford. We will all go through seasons of life when money is tighter, and then other seasons when it's not so tight. In the not so tight seasons I've enjoyed the Stitch Fix service, as well as some of my favorite ethical brands - Brass and Everlane to name a few. These high quality staples have lasted long after my loose budget did, enhancing my wardrobe with high end finds.
Stick to the basics. Though your style may be different than mine, try to stick to clothing basics when purchasing. Add flair with your accessories; they're less expensive. Buying more classic pieces to mix and match in your own unique way means your closet won't look too dated. 1998 butterfly clips and bell bottom jeans, anyone?
Thrift stores. Man oh man do I love finding hidden gems at a thrift store. You can also go the slightly more expensive, yet more predictable route of consignment store shopping. And by all means, utilize them when you need to! But check thrift stores first. Go in with a general list, such as "jeans and a few neutral colored sweaters", and see what you can find. If you find too much, remember to narrow it down using the second tip - the best quality you can afford. If Goodwill has Wal-Mart jeans and Levi's for the same price, go for the Levi's. Be sure to try on the clothes before purchasing, and check well for holes or discoloration. Chances are, if an item at a thrift store still looks nearly new, it's likely going to hold up well for you too. Keep in mind that some flaws are easy fixes. I found a pair of Banana Republic shorts at my thrift store a few weeks ago, but on one side, the hem had come undone (so you could see about an inch of what should have been folded up on the inside). Knowing I own a needle, thread, and basic sewing skills, I purchased the shorts and fixed them myself. So easy, and now I own a $3 pair of nice, classic, high quality shorts that will last me for years to come.
Kids' clothes. I would be remiss if I didn't touch on how to dress your kids well on a budget. I prefer kidizen for baby's clothes, because here too I have a particular taste that is not typically found among hand-me-downs or small town thrift stores. I like for him to dress classic/slightly European, with a bit of hipster thrown in. Kidizen sellers tend to have high quality clothes their kids only wore a handful of times (more so than ThredUp, for example). It's also super user friendly. That's always my first stop when he needs clothes. Baby does happen to be very tall and very slim, so sometimes there's only one way to go when purchasing his long pants: H&M. I know it's fast fashion and not very ethical, and I'm totally up for suggestions! It's just the only place I know where I can find pants to fit him. Their hipster style means their pants fit slim anyway, plus they come with the elastic bands to further tighten them. So if your child has a certain fit that can't be found many places, by all means stick to what you know. Just fill in with less expensive options. And of course take advantage of the old standbys - hand me downs and gifts from grandparents.
I hope these ideas will help you realize it's very possible to dress stylishly even on a budget. For your capsule wardrobe, always buy the highest quality staples you can afford, and fill in with consignment and thrift stores when the budget is tighter. Do the same for your kids (and spouse, if you're allowed!).
Just curious: do you already have a capsule wardrobe? Are there any other tips you would add to dressing well for less?
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