Got nothing to wear? Want to update your closet? It can be tempting to give away your entire wardrobe and to buy a new one. But if you’re on a tight budget, then you can’t afford to give away all of your clothing. Here are nine nifty tips I’ve put together for updating your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
1 – Shop Through Your Wardrobe
You don’t necessarily have to go shopping in order to update your wardrobe. All you need to do is look through your closet. When you go through your closet, you’ll find things that you’ve forgotten all about and haven’t worn in ages. Maybe you didn’t realize that you own that tweed blazer or embroidered blouse before.
Get a pen and paper and write down the items that you own. You’ll be surprised to find out what you own. This can help you realize what items to look for when shopping. You should also consider updating your wardrobe every season so you always have fresh looks to wear.
2 – Layer as Much as Possible
The best way to update a look is to layer and layer again. Layering is one of the best ways to put a new twist an on old look. This is ideal if you have a limited wardrobe. For example, you can wear an emerald green shirt over brown opaque leggings or a graphic T-shirt under a yellow raincoat.
Other options include trouser pants and a silk top that’s worn underneath a blazer. There’s nothing wrong with wearing skinny jeans under a trench coat. You have more options than you may think.
3 – Try on Something You’ve Never Worn Before
It’s time to wear that one item you’ve never worn before. When you have a limited wardrobe, you have to work with what you have already. Choose an item that you’ve never worn for whatever reason. Maybe you felt it didn’t fit you right or it wasn’t the right moment to wear it.
Chances are, it looks great on you as long as it’s not ill-fitting or uncomfortable. Anything that doesn’t look good on you should be donated or sold. Take all of the items that you’ve never worn before and put them into a pile. Or, hang them in your closet so they’re in direct view every time you look into your closet.
4 – Get a New Look
Sometimes a dramatically new look can make a bold statement.
This is a good time to get a mini makeover. Getting a makeover is one of the best ways to update your closet while on a budget. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, time or effort. Maybe it’s trying out a new makeup look at the cosmetics counter at the retail store.
Or, you can get a new haircut or hair color. There’s so much more to updating your look than buying a new wardrobe. Your overall look is just as much of an accessory as the handbags, jewelry and shoes that you wear. Experiment with your look and have fun. You’ll soon notice how different the same dress looks with a completely new look.
5 – Tailor Items that Don’t Fit
Tailoring is another sneaky way to update your wardrobe. This involves sifting through your clothes and seeing which ones don’t fit quite right anymore. Maybe it’s that wide blouse or long pair of trousers that you own. Take the ill-fitted pieces to the tailor to have them fixed. You can also get your jeans tailored to perfection and appear as though they were custom made for you.
The great thing about tailoring is that it’s for more than just evening gowns. You can get blouses, jackets and other tight-fitted pieces altered as well. It only costs a few bucks to look good and to get a new look.
6 – Seek Style Inspiration
Seek style inspiration from unlikely colors and designers.
Still stuck on what to wear? You need to pull yourself out of a style rut. One way to do this is to look through your favorite fashion magazine. The fashion industry is the best source for finding style inspiration. Follow the top publications and supermodels on social media, so you can stay up to date on the trends, some of which change daily.
The internet has plenty of style inspiration as well. You have access to fashion blogs, style blogs, Tumblr pages, Pinterest boards and more. There are free online wardrobe capsules that allow you to create outfits and pull together different looks that fit your style and budget.
The internet can provide a creative guide for planning your outfits. You can even start your own blog and post your “Outfit of the Day.” Follow your favorite celebrity on social media and keep up with what they’re wearing, but it’s important to stay true to yourself and your sense of style.
7 – Choose Quality Over Quantity
Another key to look trendy on a budget is to choose high-quality pieces. Who needs a closet filled with cheap and tacky pieces? No one. Spending money on high-quality brands and fashions can go a long way. They’ll last longer than fast fashion brands, which will save you more money. You should invest in two or three high-quality pieces, such as blazers, blouses, dresses, jackets, jeans and more.
8 – Shop at Thrift Stores & Consignment Shops
These places aren’t just for donating your used clothing. They’re also the perfect places for finding new looks. You can even find designer clothes and accessories in almost new condition at low prices.
9 – Stop Tucking in Your Clothing
Are you someone who loves to tuck in their clothing? It’s time to try something new: the French tuck. This fashion secret is the key to pulling your outfits together. It will make a boring T-shirt and jeans look chicer and more sophisticated. Plus, it elongates your torso. This new trendy twist is ideal for those who love to tuck their shirts in.
This guide should help you see your wardrobe with fresh eyes. I also suggest playing around with different accessories to create a new look. Even the most basic outfit can look interesting with the right accessories. Update your closet with some budget-friendly items such as chain necklaces, a cross body handbag, tassel earrings, a statement watch, and a wide belt.