Keeping up with the latest fashion trends can be challenging for anyone, but it’s especially difficult for people with a smaller budget. In an increasingly digital world, the cost of clothing has actually gone up. Fortunately, several ways to keep your style game strong without breaking the bank. From shopping sales to buying dupes, here are four ways you can remain stylish on a budget.
Buy dupes
When a new trend or item comes out that you want to purchase, don’t immediately jump on the bandwagon. Instead, you can try to find a close “dupe” that you can buy for a lot cheaper. For example, when velvet was trending last year, many brands started to sell velvet clothing items. If you wanted to buy one of these items direct from a big name, you would have had to spend a lot of money.
Instead, many people bought velvet items from cheaper retailers and still retained that stylish aesthetic. Now, for instance, the trenchcoat is seeing a comeback. That doesn’t mean it has to be bought from an expensive brand.
This doesn’t end with clothing- style is about the entire package. Fragrances are notoriously expensive, with brands like Yves Saint Laurent charging high prices for their scents. You can find affordable alternatives from brands such as Dossier, however, who offer dupes. For example, their Yves Saint Laurent Mon Paris dupe costs a fraction of the regular retail price and is 100% cruelty-free at the same time.
Shop sales and clearance racks
Shopping for clothes is an art form and one that can actually be quite fun. By keeping an eye on when your favorite stores have sales, you can get a lot of great clothes at a fraction of the original price. This is especially true for items that are on clearance. While it might seem counterintuitive to buy items that are technically damaged, clearance stores often mark their items down even further if they have a small imperfection.
Similarly, it’s a good idea to check out clothing resale shops like Buffalo Exchange. There, you can find lots of designer clothes at discounted rates. You might have to dig through a few racks, but you’re sure to find some hidden gems. Often, people sell clothes they’ve barely worn because they’ve fallen out of fashion or they don’t have enough room in their closets. This means you can get brand-new items without spending a fortune.
Buy pieces that will last
This tip should really be in every fashion article ever. While it’s easy to get caught up in shopping and trying out new trends, it’s important to take a step back and think about what items you’re actually purchasing. When shopping for clothes, it’s best to aim for items that will last a long time. For example, instead of buying a shirt that will fall apart after a few washes, buy a shirt that’s made from a more durable material like cotton or linen.
Similarly, you should aim for shoes that are made from quality materials. While it’s tempting to get the latest pair of Gucci sneakers, those shoes won’t last very long. Instead, try to find a pair of cheaper sneakers made from durable materials that will last a lot longer.
Don’t be afraid to shop secondhand
Yes, shopping for clothes at resale shops and thrift stores is fashionable. A lot of people like to shop there because it’s cheaper than buying new clothes. It’s important to note that you don’t have to buy old and worn-out items. While it’s true that you have to be more careful with secondhand clothes, there are lots of items that are just like new.
If you are worried about buying secondhand clothes that are dirty, you can always wash them before wearing them. Just be sure to check the material before doing so. It’s also important to note that you can clean clothes with baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide, which are all super cheap.
Final Notes
Keeping up with the latest fashion trends can be challenging for anyone, but it’s especially difficult for people with a smaller budget. Fortunately, several ways to keep your style game strong without breaking the bank. From shopping sales to buying dupes, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be able to stay on top of the latest trends without going broke.