Often times, I hear talks like ‘oh she’s a rich kid so she can afford all the good stuffs and look good’ but
looking good is not rocket science neither do you require a fortune to achieve a classy look. In many cases, looking good could be about knowing what outfits to buy and combine and choosing outfits that fits. Looking good sometimes can be perceived as luxury but it doesn’t have to be. Having and working on a budget is important. With your budget in mind, you can explore clothing and accessory deals that are within your budget range and improve your wardrobe without breaking a bank. Looking good also doesn’t mean you have to continuously buy new clothes.
Here are a few tips on looking good on your terms with no pressure of requiring a large purse.
SHOP AT THRIFT STORES
You can get quality items for the fraction of the price at thrift stores. Buy clothes from less expensive retailers from discount brands. Also, explore charity shops and dress agencies as these are great places to find some great stuff at very friendly prices. Remember the goal is getting equally great and quality outfits on your budget.
STOCK UP ON BASICS
For every basic piece you buy, you get a lot to wear at all times. When shopping, buy basic wears like t-shirts, trousers, blouses, jeans, dresses, jackets, coats etc. just basically have a bit of every kind of piece in your wardrobe. Once you have these basics, you can build your styles around them. Your basics might depend on your personal style. Most importantly, buy and choose clothes you love and feel good in. if you enjoy wearing a piece of cloth, chances are you look good in it. Do well to spend your money on buying clothes you feel good in. If you are not confident about that look in the mirror, don’t buy it.
GO FOR SOLID COLOURS AND PRINTS
Solid colours and prints are always in style and they are easy to mix and match. Update your wardrobe with plaid, checkered, hounds tooth prints etc. Go for neutrals, blacks, browns, whites, creams and grays as these pair well with almost anything.
MIX AND MATCH THE PIECES YOU HAVE
You can create a lot of different outfits and looks with a few simple pieces you own. Combine fabrics and fit tops, bottoms and dresses to expand your wardrobe. Be bold to try out new looks, matching different outfits you have never tried before. For instance,
You can turn a dress into a skirt and wear a top over it.
Turn a skirt into a camisole and throw on a jacket
Make a silk scarf into a top
Tying your t-shirt with a band for an edgy chic look
HAVE A FEW PAIRS OF QUALITY SHOES
Foot wears are very important in overall look. What you wear on your feet can either make or break your outfit. For guys, grab a pair of sneakers, boots, dress shoes, loafers, boat shoes and casual slides. For ladies, a pair of flats, sandals, booties, comfortable heels, open-toed heels, a pair of sneakers. A pair of every kind of shoes makes it easier to add a beautiful finishing to any look. While picking out shoes, go for neutral shades over bright colours so they match with all the pieces in your wardrobe. Look out for quality shoes that will last a long time. Leather, suede etc. are great ones to choose from.
ADD COLOUR AND STYLE TO YOUR LOOK WITH ACCESSORIES
You can find affordable accessories in many colours to style up your look. Stock on a few bright coloured scarves, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and watches to add a bold accent to any outfit. Gold and silver jewelry goes well with almost anything while the bright colours are fun to have for pops of colour. You can get vintage antique jewelry at thrift stores. Remember, the goal is to look good without breaking a bank. A budget friendly accessory can simply turn an ordinary outfit into something polished.
INVEST IN A STRUCTURED HANDBAG
Handbags are must have as you will probably carry a handbag every other day. Pick out ones that are large enough to fit in your essentials in a neutral colour that matches everything. Black, brown and gray colours are perfect colours for everyday use.
CREATE A CO-ORDINATED LOOK
Often times, people look good if they look coordinated and everything looks put together. Having a colour theme can be a great way to achieve this. Choose one or two colour theme and wear everything that has same colour shade or a mix of both colours. Accessories are also a great way to achieve a colour blended put together look. Try to avoid mixing up different shades in one look; you don’t want to look like a clown.
BUILD YOUR WARDROBE OVERTIME
You don’t have to own clothing all at once. Creating a wardrobe that you feel comfortable in can take a while but that’s okay if you are working on a budget. You can save up slowly and purchase a few items gradually. Prioritizing items you need is very important based on where and how you spend your day and time. It is worth spending the most money on things you wear most often. If you spend more time at work or school, prioritize finding pieces you can wear to those places. Before you decide to buy any more clothes, take a look at what you have already and think about how you can pull what you have together. Invest on items you can mix and match to form multiple outfit options.
SELL OFF OLD PIECES OR HOLD A SWAP PARTY
You can create a self-sustaining cycle for your outfits. When you decide you don’t like an item anymore, take it to a consignment store or try selling it online. Make sure the pieces are still in good condition. Money from the sales can be put back into buying new pieces. Also, you can simply get your friends together over a glass of wine and swap clothes. This is so much fun as everyone gets to go away with new things.
However, amidst all of these tips, looking good is all about the finishing touches as well. Make sure you
have on a great haircut and hairdo, polished shoes and bags, accessories, beautiful moderate makeup and of course a dress that fits and flatter your figure. In all, looking good is not about how much you have to spend on clothes but how you can put it all together and shine through.