In this day and age, name brand seems to be everything. And although I must admit that I start drooling like a little puppy whenever I see a Louis Vuitton hanging on the shoulder of a fabulous women, not all of us are able to afford that luxury.
Fashion was not always my thing. If I were to show you pictures of me when I was younger, you would probably die of laughter. But a big misconception about fashion is that you either have to be rich or talented to look like you walked off the runway. But the truth is fashion is not born upon you, it can be learned!
Just because you can’t afford to be walking around in Louboutin heels, doesn’t mean you can’t be glamorous in your everyday life. Today I wanted to share some of my tips on looking fabulous on a budget!
1. Save Your Pennies on Trendy Items
Every season there will be some print or style that seems to be the “next big thing.” For example, this Spring it seems that lace and neons are trending on the runways and making their ways into stores near you. But don’t go spending all your money on neon shoes if next summer they are no longer “in.” Splurge on classic pieces like a good pair of jeans, a black blazer, etc.
2. Don’t Forget the Details
When you look at a well dressed women, you see that she has not forgotten a single detail. Hair styled, makeup done, nails manicured, a fabulous bag, and a killer outfit. Don’t forget the small details in your ensemble such as wearing a bracelet, painting your toe nails, throwing some curls in your hair, etc. Adding a few small touches can take your outfit from good to great!
3. Accessorize!
You can take a super classic look such as a pair of jeans and white t shirt to a whole new level simply by adding a few great accessories. A bold bag, a striking pair of sunglasses, or a chunky necklace can really make you look pulled together. Don’t be afraid to get funky with it. But also beware of over accessorizing because that can do the opposite and make you look cheap!
4. Don’t Skip Makeup
Obviously it is okay to have makeup free days. But when you are making an effort to look like a totally babe from head to toe, you can’t skip out on the makeup. Investing in a few great lipsticks is a great way to refresh your look. It also is great “pop” in a neutral outfit.
5. Take Care of Your Clothes
Minimize the times you wash and dry your clothes. If it doesn’t look dirty, then hang it back up! Wrinkly clothes are not cute, so make ironing a top priority. If you wear black a lot, make sure to have a lint roller handy to make the item seem as black as possible.
6. Be Patient
Some of my most fabulous fashion finds have been by searching the clearance rack of some of my favorite stores. Don’t be afraid to hit a few thrift shops to find some diamonds in the rough as well! Keep a list of the items you need and want on your phone. Then when you are browsing the clearance racks you can check your list for pieces you still need in your wardrobe.
7. Mix Expensive with Cheap
One of my favorite tricks is to pair more expensive pieces with cheap items. For example, the white pencil skirt is a classic piece and might be worth spending a little more money on, however, I actually found this blazer on the clearance rack at H&M for only $15! When you combine higher end items with lower end items, it becomes more difficult for people to tell that your whole outfit isn’t designer!
I hope you all found these tips helpful! Leave a comment below telling me your favorite secrets on how to look expensive on your budget!