Friday, February 14, 2014

Elegant Clothing For Less: Dressing Well On A Budget

By Serena Price


Whether you are at work, on a date, or hanging out with friends, it is always a good idea to dress well. Some people have a hard time learning how to dress for their bodies, but for others, the problem is purely financial. Once you have learned how to dress yourself, it can still be a pain to afford elegant clothing. Below are a few tips on dressing well for less.

1. Discount stores are your best friend. There are plenty of stores that offer designer clothing at a price discounted from the original. Try outlet malls and stores such as T. J. Maxx and Marshalls. You may have to spend some time looking through the racks, as clothing in these stores is not organized and presented the way it is in the expensive shops, but if you have the patience you can find many gems.

2. Thrift Shops. Second-hand stores are similar to discount stores in that you have to spend time sorting through a lot of junk to get to the good stuff. But this can be fun, and it is definitely worthwhile when you find a great vintage or designer item for ten dollars. Be sure not to get carried away by the great prices. Purchase only things that you really love.

3. Mix and match. Be creative with the clothing you already have. When you switch things up, you give new life to items that you may be tired of. Pairing an old dress with a jacket or some different boots can make it feel like a whole new outfit.

4. Buy versatile items. When you do spend money on something, make sure it is a flexible item. You want things that you can mix and match. Spending a lot of money on a scarf that only goes with one outfit is unwise. Instead, buy a scarf that you will feel comfortable wearing with several different things. Neutral colors work very well for this purpose.

5. Buy a nice coat. In the winter (and even in late fall and early spring), people see you in your coat more often than they see what you're wearing underneath. This is why it's important to have a coat that is stylish as well as functional. That way you can make a good impression any time you're walking around outside, even if you're wearing pajamas underneath!

6. Invest in nice shoes. The nicest of outfits can be ruined if worn with frumpy or torn up shoes. Likewise, an outfit can go from just okay to very stylish when paired with the right shoes. Invest in shoes that are both cute and comfortable, so that you can wear them often and always look put together.

Although elegant clothing can be pricey, it is not something that a tight budget has to rule out. It simply requires planning and creativity to dress well for less. When you learn how to do this, it is very satisfying- especially when you get to make people jealous by telling them how little you paid for your cute outfits!




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