How to be Fashionable on a Budget: Trendy and Stylish for Less [2023 Guide]

Here are several tips to look fashionable on a low budget all while remaining stylish and chic.

Being stylish can be stressful and challenging, especially when you look at celebrities and models.

The expensive outfits and fads that are constantly changing may cause you to be wary of making such purchases.

Especially when you look at the price tag of some of those outfits. Clothing tastes and fashions change very year.

No one likes to feel outdated or unfashionable.

Trying to stay up to date on fashion can be exhausting. Good news is we can fix this on a tight affordable budget.

We don’t have endless amounts of money and we would rather spend that on other necessities. I’m sure you could too.

Evaluate your current wardrobe and fashion

Look over everything you currently have in your dresser, closet, or floor (it happens) and see what you like and what you don’t.

See what colors you like, their combinations, and what you really should get rid of.

Assess your fashion style and organize your clothes. Affordable budget-friendly fashion can create a very sustainable and economic style.

What colors look good with your eyes or hair, what shirts compliment your body type.

What dress contours to your body, etc.

Look at the staples and fashion essentials

If you have selected or kept the top performers you like and look good in, evaluate their combinations.

You will want to aim to keep pieces that you can combine multiple combinations with.

The goal here in establishing your staple look is to have a wide variety of looks using minimal and repeating pieces of clothing.

This will stretch every bang for your buck.

Try looking at neutral colors, with minimal or no patterns and can easily be used with your other clothing.

Mixing white, black, beige, or grey that can compliment other portions of your outfit.

Invest in timeless luxury and fashionable pieces

Every once in a while, you may see something that just looks good and stands out.

If you love it and you know you can wear it often, splurge a little and buy it.

You want to make sure that it can go with multiple outfits on multiple occasions.

Pieces of expensive luxurious items may include: a handbag, earrings, bracelet, boots, jacket, or scarf.

These little accent pieces contribute to you looking sophisticated and no one will know you bought them on an affordable budget!

You know you have that favorite brand that is your go-to for classic, timeless apparel.

Go ahead, buy something you love once in a while.

Who knows, it may be what you can use over and over again.

Browse sales from online stores

Clothing stores have sales every week and almost every day it seems like.

Go online, see what is on sale that day, and if it is the perfect missing piece for those matching high heel shoes of yours.

There are always clothes that prices have been dropped because it is out of season.

A fantastic strategy to acquire stylish clothing at a lower cost is to shop off-season.

For instance, spring is a popular time for sales on winter jackets, and fall is a popular time for sales on summer outfits.

You can get excellent prices on items that you can wear in the future by buying outside of the season.

This just means you get something cheaper now for next season and you get to look good with high fashion all while on an affordable budget.

That’s a win!

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Check out resale outlet or thrift stores

Thrifty fashion can be an incredibly affordable fashion choice. 

There are many alternatives out there, such as Poshmark, which can provide great value for items that would normally be double the cost in-stores.

Outlets like Nordstrom Rack can offer great prices for good quality pieces which would make your ensemble look impeccable.

I know what you’re thinking but thrift stores are not bad, and you can get good quality clothes at a much cheaper rate.

Who knows, you may find that new classy clothes look.

Exchange or sell your clothes with friends

If you have a good, close-knit group of friends, do a clothes exchange.

Get everyone together and swap pieces of clothes for one another.

This can be a fun, free way to keep your wardrobe options fresh and circulating.

When you look in the mirror, it will seem like you just got back from a full shopping spree – at no cost to you or your friends!

Of course, you can always try selling pieces of your wardrobe and reinvest that money into new outfits for you.

Your friends will love the deals they get and their new outfit they get to show off and you get a little extra $$ on the side.

Plus, you can each give one another fashion tips!

DIY Clothing Fashion

Your clothing can benefit from DIY ideas to add some creativity and save money.

By putting iron-on patches to a simple t-shirt or adding your own buttons to a plain cardigan, you can simply dress up a basic t-shirt.

You can find a ton of instructions online that will teach you how to make your own hats, scarves, and jewelry.

Making your own goods allows you to not only save money but also to create something special that no one else has.

Search for online coupons

Before you buy anything online, always use search engines online, like Google and Bing, to see if there are coupons available.

You could find discount codes available (Enter Save40 at check out and take 40% off!, etc).

Or you may be able to find cheaper options for those stylish boots you want.

Using something like Rakuten can also help with the cash back options!

Take good care of your clothes

If you want your clothing to last a long time, you must take care of it.

Be sure to adhere to the label’s care directions and refrain from washing with hot water or abrasive detergents.

Hang or fold your garments neatly to eliminate wrinkles, and store them in a cool, dry area.

You can use your clothing for longer by taking care of it, which can ultimately save you money.

How to be fashionable on a budget Conclusion

Be creative!

You have a lot of different options for staying in style on an affordable budget.

Don’t spend a fortune to look good or even have the newest item off the shelf.

Look at what you have, play with those different combos, and shop smart and sparingly.

Lastly, don’t forget about your friends and their feedback.

They may come up with some pretty great ideas on using what you already have in your closet.

Watch this video for additional affordable fashion tips.

By incorporating these tips into your fashion routine, you can achieve an affordable style along with looking fashionable and trendy without spending a fortune and going over your budget.