While there may be some people that can afford to spend thousands on their wardrobe, the truth is that most of us have to stick to a budget for clothing that might simply not stretch to every piece we love. Although there are some things that are worth spending a little extra on if you can, there are also plenty of ways to create an expensive look on a much more realistic budget.
Good grooming
Even with an unlimited budget, an outfit can only look as good as the person wearing it, so invest in some self-care to give your whole look an instant lift. A good haircut will work wonders to give you confidence and give you a polished look and choosing a style that you can manage easily will help avoid the temptation to always wear your hair in a ponytail or messy bun.
A manicure and pedicure will always make you look and feel great, but you don’t have to spend a lot on either. Keeping your nails neat and clean is an easy way to avoid looking unkempt and if you will be wearing open-toed shoes then a little attention to your feet will go a long way as well.
Take care of your clothes
The concept of looking after yourself should also extend to your clothes as they will always look better if you take a little care over keeping them in good condition. One easy, but often overlooked way to do this is to read the care labels inside your clothes to check that you are laundering them in a way that brings out their best.
Some fabrics need to be dried flat to avoid creases and wrinkles whereas others can survive being washed and tumble-dried with no ill effects. If you are hanging up items, choose padded hangers to avoid misshapen shoulders and use clothes bags to protect infrequently worn items from everything from dust to mold.
Those with pets should keep a lint roller handy, particularly by the door for use as you leave the house, as pet hair is usually an unwelcome addition to any outfit. Put aside items that are stained or damaged and do whatever is needed to clean or fix them to ensure that you don’t end up wearing them until they’re perfect again.
Stick with your style
Trends will come and go, but true style isn’t easily swayed by fashion, so don’t feel as though you need to keep up with the next ‘big thing’ unless it actually suits you. You can stay current by adopting aspects of the latest trends and incorporating them into your look, so look for ways to update your style rather than change it completely.
You can always adapt pieces you already own to ensure that you keep up with the latest looks without having to spend heaps on new items. Choose shoes or accessories in the season’s latest color palette, opt for a piece inspired by a hot designer or adapt a thrift store bargain to fit with the prevailing trends.
Don’t be afraid to be bold
Nothing screams ‘confidence’ like wearing what you want without fear, and a bold piece can be a great way to give your look a lift. This is particularly true with basic staples such as jeans which can make even the most casual outfit look really put together.
A statement piece is a great way to add something truly special to your look without having to break the budget on multiple items. Whatever you wear most, whether that’s jeans and sneakers or a suit, then one well-chosen piece can make your outfit look special.
This doesn’t even have to be an item of clothing – anything from a statement necklace to a classy watch and if you can wear it with a range of different items then you will be able to give any outfit an eye-catching look with a single piece.
You don’t need an unlimited budget when you can make any outfit look classy with a little effort. Maintaining high standards of wardrobe maintenance will go a long way to ensuring that you look well put together whatever you wear.
