As if fashion and style didn't already have such an emphasis in people's lives, with the rise of social media it now has an even bigger impact.
What you wear is documented regularly to people so staying on trend and having multiple different outfits is a must. This can definitely be expensive so if you need to maximize your looks while staying within a budget, I'm here for you!
Below are some of my favorite tips to help maximize your styling without going b-r-o-k-e!
GO "CHEAP" WHEN YOU CAN- "Looks for Less"
Okay, yes we all want the nicest quality pieces and designer clothes but majority of us can't afford everything to be the best of the best. This is why it is important when you are making a purchasing decision to question- "Can I get the same quality for less?" Also, depending on what the item is sometimes quality is not the most important so you can sacrifice buying a cheaper version. Questioning these two things save me a lot of money. For example, if I'm buying a black cami to go under a sweater then I don't care if I get the $2.90 one from Forever 21 versus the $40 one from J-Crew. An even better example that I use a lot is with dresses. If I know that I am going to wear a dress once or twice which happens frequently depending on the occasion, I will look for a "knock off" of the dress I want. I start with finding the dress I normally would get EX: a dress on revolve for ~ $200 and I will opt to a similar one from a cheaper site for ~$40. Again there will probably be a clear quality difference here but for me the one time wear does not justify the difference I am saving.
Givenchy- $1,430 Pretty Little Thing-$45
NBD (Revolve) $238 ZARA- $49.50
SPLURGE vs. SAVE
Building off of the above, there are definitely pieces that you should not cheap out on. Once you identify which pieces should be of quality and which you can go without that will save you a lot. For example, pieces that I do not cheap out on- Shoes, bags, jackets, and workout clothes are items that I tend to repeat and therefore look for high quality inl. Most of my "going out" clothes and basic shirts/sweaters I try to look for more of a bargain because I know I won't be wearing as much. Make a little list to yourself on paper so you can start to decipher what you can start saving more on.
Jen's Splurge List- Bags, Shoes, Jackets, Workout Clothes
Jen's Save List- Plain tops, T-Shirts, Sweaters, Jeans (trendy ones that aren't timeless)
HOP ON THE RENT TRAIN
This is a new trend that I am totally here for. I don't thrift shop or vintage shop which are definitely good alternatives to saving as well but I definitely support rental subscriptions. There are SO many options out on the market now that are absolutely worth the money. The monthly prices of these subscriptions are generally less than what you would spend on one item if you were to buy it! Some people like to own their pieces which I definitely understand but there are so many things you would maybe wear just once that renting really does make sense financially so if you can I highly suggest trying!
Rental Subscriptions: Rent The Runway, Banana Republic Style Passport, My List @ Bloomingdale's , American Eagle Style Drop, Nuuly, FTF Closet, Express Style Trial, Armoire, Vince Unfold
..yes that's a lot and the list goes on.... so hop on if you haven't already..
SELL THE STUFF YOU DON'T NEED
This is another market that is blowing up! So many sites now take all of leg work out of trying to sell your clothes. Poshmark, tradesy, EBAY, are all ways you can monetize on on your old clothes you don't want any more and is straight upside to your income. Yes, this may be a pain and it sucks when you only get a small fraction of the value because it's used but sometime you fall out of love with an item that was just too expensive it's a waste for it to lay around or you realize you just made an impulse purchase!
DON"T IMPULSE BUY
^Says the one who can't take her own advice...
I know I know, easier said than done but take it from a girl who has learned MOSTLY from her own problems. Since I know I had a bad habit of impulse purchasing I rarely ever buy anything on my first time laying eyes on an it. There are certain occasions of course where I don't listen EX: if I am on vacation or if there is a really great deal. BUT I've learned that I think I need something but if I do not think of the item for the next few days then I realize I don't really need it after all. Now call me crazy but I may go back 2 or even 3 times to make sure that I like it just as much as I thought I did. Now you don't have to take it to this extreme but if you know it's a bad habit this is one way to help you push off the impulse and make a decision on if you really need it or not.
All of these are great ways to help you be the fashionista you want to be but may not be able to afford to be. Remember- we're all about looking and feeling your best so with that being financially responsible will help you be in your best mental state as well!
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