Sometimes we crave purchasing new wardrobe items but there are times when we are trying to limit our spending. As an image consultant and personal stylist, one of my goals is to share practical and affordable tips to upgrade your style. If you’re on a budget but still want a fresh look, I have some ideas for you.
Organise and Declutter Your Wardrobe
Before you start shopping, take stock of what you already have. Organising your wardrobe can help you see what items you truly need and what you can repurpose. Then make a plan of the gaps. Here’s how:
- Remove all your clothes and sort through. Divide them into three categories: keep, remove/donate, and repair. This will give you a clear idea of your existing wardrobe.
- Give your wardrobe a detailed clean out. Vacuum, dust, wipe down all surfaces. This step actually demonstrates respect for your clothes, which have a vital job to protect you and communicate your personality, purpose and preferences.
- Pinpoint the items you really LOVE and analyse why this is so. See if you can pick which type of colours, prints, styles, looks, features, fabrics, etc that you consistently gravitate towards. This teaches you what you really like. In my Style Consultation service, I go through several exercises like this to determine your “style personality” and “style recipe”.
- Organize items by category. Arrange clothes by type (e.g., tops, pants, dresses) and colour. This makes it easier to mix and match outfits. Are the remaining colours and prints cohesive and easy to mix & match? Or do you have a high percentage of “orphan” items that can only be worn a certain way?
- Add up how many items you have in each category for the season (tops, dresses, skirts, pants, blazers/jackets, jumpers/cardigans, shoes, bags. Does it match your needs and lifestyle?
- Draw up your plan of specific items that will resolve the gaps.
- Reorganise your wardrobe. When it’s time to put everything back in your wardrobe after your clean-out, make sure you organise in a way where you can see the majority of items. Organise first into category group and then into colourways.
If this exercise just feels overwhelming, call on professional support to navigate your wardrobe needs. I offer a Wardrobe Audit and Planning service that covers this and much more (including the option of doing sustainable removal for you).
Invest in Your Staples
Know the core items needed in your wardrobe. These items should be your most versatile pieces and in neutral colours that suit YOUR personal colour palette. They are the foundational backbone of your wardrobe and are generally more timeless, so worth the investment. Look for quality over quantity with these essentials.
Develop an understanding of what staple items are for you at this point in your life. These will be different from person-to-person. For example, my staples include:
- Block colour blazers/jackets. Perfect for a professional touch. Ideal for my body shape.
- Short-sleeve tops/blouses with necklines in v/scoop/square: Workhorse items that suit my face shape and jawline. Usually block colour, occasional prints/graphics for interest. Fabric chosen for versatility across multiple seasons.
- Dark shorts in straight or A-line cut (mid-thigh to Bermuda length). Ideal for my body shape and body variations. Necessary for Brisbane’s long Summers.
- Dark block colour straight trousers/jeans, full length (cotton/elastane blend fabric). Pairs with nice tops/blazers to keep look more casual. Cut works with my body shape.
- Knee-length dresses in block colours. Ideal for dressing up and down. Ideal for my body shape and body proportions.
I know what fabrics, styles and colours work for me and I stick to this formula for my staples. Yes, I have a play now and again, but serious investment goes towards the above tried-and-true items because they work for my body, preferences and lifestyle.
Accessorise Smartly
Accessories can transform an outfit without costing much. While it’s lovely to splurge on high-end luxury items, you really don’t have to and can still achieve an elevated look. Also it can be more sustainable to use accessories when trialling trends over a shorter timeframe, as opposed to full clothing items. Here are some ideas:
- Necklaces or earrings: These add both a “finish” and a pop of personality to simple outfits.
- Belts: Great for defining your waist and adding interest to dresses, tunics, trousers, shorts. Be beware, only for certain body shapes (A, X, 8).
- Scarves: Versatile and can be worn in numerous ways to freshen up your look. For warmer climates, choose a light-weight scarf. Another tip: if scarf is long enough, convert into a belt for a unique take.
- Hats: A flattering piece of headwear is a great inexpensive addition to change the look of a warm weather outfit. Bonus is the protection from sun damage and glare.
- Handbags: A new bag can change the vibe of your entire outfit.
Mix and Match
Creating different looks with what you already have is key to budget-friendly styling. Here are some tips:
- Layer and combine tops with different cardigans, blazers, or jackets to create new looks.
- Experiment with colours. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. Use a colour wheel for inspiration if needed.
- Start with your staples, then get creative. Use those versatile pieces to your advantage keeping them as the foundation and trialling a unique look individual to you. A dark trouser/top combo can be transformed with bright-coloured shoes and neon earrings!
Op/Vintage Shops and Consignment Shopping
Ops shops, vintage and consignment stores can be treasure troves. Be there are a few techniques to make the most of them:
- Set aside time to browse. Thrift shopping requires patience and time to dig through the wide-range of items. It’s impossible to
- Look for quality fabrics. Check the garment tags. Natural fibres like cotton, wool, and silk tend to look better for longer.
- Check for sales and discounts: Many thrift stores have regular sales days or offer discounts for students and seniors.
- Be realistic. Don’t buy something because it’s a bargain (even quality items). Be honest with yourself and confirm its match to your body/colours/preferences and versatility with current wardrobe. Otherwise it will become stuff cluttering your space. Remember your wardrobe plan!
DIY Upgrades
Get creative and breathe new life into your existing wardrobe with a few DIY upgrades:
- Dyeing natural fibre clothes. Use fabric dye to refresh faded items (especially black natural fabrics) or change their colour completely (good for light-coloured clothing).
- Alterations: Simple tailoring can make a huge difference if you have a little skill. Adding darts under the bustline, hemming lengths to suit your proportions or taking in a dress can turn an item into something you enjoy wearing.
- Add embellishments if this is your style. Ideas include sewing on beads, patches, or lace to update plain pieces.
Shop Off-Season
Buying clothes off-season or end-of-season can save you a lot of money, if you can find your size. This is when they are heavily discounted but of course means you likely wait until next season before getting the wear. Again, don’t fall into the trap of buying because it’s “such a bargain”.
Mind Your Footwear
Shoes can make or break an outfit. Here are budget-friendly tips for upgrading your footwear:
- Maintain your shoes. Don’t be sloppy, clean and polish your shoes regularly to keep them looking new.
- Basic, versatile shoes. Like for your clothing, focus investment in a fewer pairs of shoes that are versatile in both colour and style. Here are some suggestions: neutral colour flats, nude heels, Winter boots to match your hair colour, and comfortable sneakers.
Confidence
Finally, the best style upgrade doesn’t cost a thing: confidence. Wear your outfit with confidence and a smile, and you’ll always look fabulous! And if you don’t know where to start, book a brief chat with me.
