Clothing tastes change throughout the year, and keeping up with the latest fashion trends can be expensive – and wasteful. The good news is, you can look stylish and save money. Here are some top tips to help you stay fashionable on a budget.

Set a reasonable clothing budget

It is a good idea to set a clothing budget so that you know how much you can afford to spend on clothes. Having a budget will also help you track your spending and become more aware of how much money you are spending on clothes and accessories.

According to financialbestlife.com, “most financial experts recommend spending approximately 5% of your income on clothes.” So, if your monthly salary is $3,000 after-tax, you should try not to spend more than $150 a month or $1,800 a year on clothes. Sticking to this rule should help you become more budget-conscious and avoid overspending on clothes.

Find discount codes online

There is a huge selection of discount codes available online if you take the time to hunt around. For instance, you can use The Halara Promo Code to get a discount on tops, dresses, activewear, shoes, accessories, and more.

You should always check whether there are any coupons or promo codes available before you make a purchase. This could save you significant amounts of money on clothes in the long run. Sign up to a coupon site if you want to receive the best deals and discounts straight to your inbox.

Buy versatile pieces

Choosing versatile pieces is another simple way to look fashionable for less. Versatile clothing can be mixed and matched and worn on many different occasions. Some examples of versatile pieces include a little black dress, high-quality denim jeans, and a leather jacket.

Try to avoid spending lots of money on trendy pieces as these are likely to go out of style quickly, meaning you won’t get much wear out of them. It is fine to treat yourself to a few trendy pieces that you love, but make sure that the majority of your wardrobe is versatile pieces that will look great year-round and give you lots of wear.

Shop pre-loved fashion

Shopping for pre-loved fashion is one of the easiest ways to save money on clothes. You can browse your local thrift stores to look for vintage pieces or shop for pre-owned clothing online. You should be able to find premium and luxury brands for a fraction of the price of buying new. Buying pre-loved fashion is also much more sustainable and eco-friendly than shopping for new items in mainstream stores.

If you buy high-end designer clothes or accessories online, it’s best to purchase from sites like The Real Real that guarantee authenticity and offer buyer protection.

Look for online sales

Retailers offer sales all year round to attract new customers. The best clothing sales tend to be at the end of summer (August to September) and the end of the year (December to January). Retailers are forced to get rid of their old merchandise during these periods because the seasons are changing, which means prices are slashed.

Try to plan your shopping trips so you can take advantage of clothing sales and clearances. If you don’t fancy hitting crowded stores, then shop in the online sales instead. Most retailers offer free returns and free delivery if you spend over a certain amount.

Buy the right accessories

Accessories can drastically change your style and upgrade even the most basic outfits. For instance, a statement necklace and designer handbag can instantly ‘dress up’ jeans and a plain top. It is worth investing in high-quality accessories that will give you many years of wear.

There are plenty of accessories to choose from, such as jewelry, handbags, sunglasses, scarves, and hair accessories. Invest in a range of accessories and try to choose versatile pieces that will go with lots of different outfits. Check out this guide by MasterClass for tips on choosing the right accessories.

Swap clothes with friends

If you’ve got clothes that you no longer wear, then chances are your friends have some too. Rather than just donating your old clothes or throwing them away, see if you can swap any pieces with your friends. Clothes swapping is an eco-friendly and affordable way to update your wardrobe.

Host a clothes swapping party with your friends and ask everyone to bring along a few clothing or accessories that they don’t wear. Swapping clothes with your friends will give new life to your unwanted pieces, and you can get some great new items for your wardrobe at the same time.

Summary

Staying fashionable can seem like an impossible task, especially if you have a small clothes budget. Fortunately, you can look stylish for less by making smart purchases and being savvy when you shop.

These tips will help you stay looking fashionable whatever your budget!