Dressing on a budget is about more than fast fashion. It's about finding classic, quality pieces that will carry you through seasons to come.
Dressing on a budget doesn't have to mean scrimping on style. It means zeroing in on key pieces that take you through multiple seasons without being tied down to a single trend. We look at ways to save money in the short and long term to keep you looking fresh and put together.
Whether you're a work-from-home parent or a professional hitting the office daily, there's a capsule wardrobe for you. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of key items you can combine in several ways to create new looks. Using this trick gives you several outfits for less.
Investing in classic pieces is key to keeping your capsule wardrobe looking fresh and expensive on a budget. Start with some of these must-have clothing items that stand the test of time:
You can add trendier pieces or accessories to switch things up when you have the basics.
The dilemma with buying inexpensive clothing is that it's usually not made with the best materials, which can affect the longevity of an item. Shoes are a good example. How often do you buy discount sandals or sneakers, only to throw them out within one season?
Styling on a budget doesn't always mean buying cheap. Good blazers, shoes, and jeans are good places to start if you want to increase the lifespan of your clothes and save in the long run. Think of it as replacing ten $10 items with one $100 that will last several years.
One of the best ways to create style on a budget is by ensuring your clothes fit well. It's important to know that clothes off the rack are meant to fit only some bodies, not all. A poor-fitting jacket or pair of pants doesn't look good, whether you found them in a $5 sale or on Rodeo Drive. Tailoring can make a huge difference in how clothes fit, making them look more expensive overall.
Tailoring can also breathe new life into old stuff. Turn your favorite ripped jeans into cute shorts, convert dresses into skirts, or take the bell out of the bell bottom for a new-to-you pair of pants.
Seasonal sales are the best time to shop if you're sticking to a classic, timeless look. At the end of each season, stores tend to have a clearance sale to get rid of old stock. This is a great time to get critical items for next year's wardrobe update.
For more ways to save, check out to see if Save's coupon book finder is available near you and come back to save.com often for fresh savings tips and tricks.
