If you like to stay on top of the latest trends but balk at those designer price tags, rest assured that you don’t have to sacrifice style for savings. There are plenty of ways to add luxury to your wardrobe while avoiding financial strain; try these budget-friendly shopping and styling tips!
Invest in Classic Pieces
When the time comes to shop for new clothes, allocate a portion of your budget for a few classic tops, bottoms, and dresses that you can wear for several seasons. Paying a little extra for high-quality sweaters and jeans may seem counterintuitive at first. However, it’s more financially savvy than buying heaps of cheap, trendy pieces that will wear out within months.
Scour Resale Shops
Are there any high-end thrift stores or consignment shops near you? Spend your weekends perusing the racks at secondhand stores that carry designer items; plenty of well-off folks regularly donate expensive designer pieces to make room in their closets. You can find cashmere sweaters, cocktail dresses, and luxurious winter coats for a fraction of their original price if you’re diligent about searching.
Thrifting Pro Tip:
Secondhand designer clothes aren’t limited to brick-and-mortar locations. Try resale sites like Vinted, Depop, and eBay if you prefer to shop online.
Choose High-End Accessories
Outfit add-ons like jewelry, bags, and hair accessories are a perfect opportunity to incorporate luxury pieces on a budget. Take inspiration from preppy, old-money styles by putting on a pearl necklace or a simple pair of diamond stud earrings—even if they’re glass pearls or cubic zirconia. Top off your look with a luxe hair accessory like a velvet bow or a sparkly headband.
Focus On the Look, Not the Price Tag
If you’re a fashion enthusiast—or if you’ve watched The Devil Wears Prada—you’re probably familiar with the seasonal cycle. Couture styles debut on the runway, then trickle their way down to department stores and budget boutiques throughout the season. You don’t have to spend a bundle to achieve a luxurious look; identify the trends you want to follow, and find those pieces at shops within your price range.
Having a luxurious wardrobe is not a privilege reserved for the wealthy. If you’re on a budget, you just have to be creative about how and where you shop. Build a luxe wardrobe on a foundation of well-made, classic clothing pieces and accessorize with decadent-looking fabrics and jewelry.