How to Look Great on a Budget
Ignore trends., Only wear what looks good on you - if you're long-waisted with a soft tummy, don't wear low-waisted pants., Go to the drugstore for beauty and hygiene products., Be thrifty with hair products., Check out thrift stores., Buy the basic...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Ignore trends.
They change almost by the hour so it will be costly.
Instead, focus on defining your own individual style.
Being unique is hotter than being a carbon copy of a fashion magazine. -
Step 2: Only wear what looks good on you - if you're long-waisted with a soft tummy
Instead, go for a pencil skirt
- classic, and thus always in fashion, plus (bonus!) you get the illusion of a perfectly proportioned figure.
A mix of trendy pieces and classics always looks classier and more elegant than an entire wardrobe of fashion-magazine items. , The options there are greater than that of most supermarkets, and cheaper than that of most specialty stores. , If you must splurge, do so on conditioner.
Never use any more shampoo or conditioner than a dime-sized amount unless you have long hair.
And be sure to also cut off split ends. , They can be a huge, mostly untapped resource.
Go to ones in college towns where young people move often and may get rid of clothing only a year or two old.
Also look for outlet stores.
Again, even though the clothing is cheap, look for things that look great on you, not just things that "fit ok."
Get some basic items like white t-shirts, skinny jeans, things that you can pair with other accessories and clothes to make them seem new and different every time you wear them.
Don't buy a shirt if it only goes with one outfit. , Check out the section here at LifeGuide Hub. , Others will never see a difference between a $25 pair and a $125 pair.
However, be aware that sometimes you do get what you pay for: at least some of the price of designer jeans reflects the quality of the cut, the stitching and the fabric. ,, Even low-priced bargain stores (even Walmart!) can accidentally make something good, so always have an eye out. , Look for end of the season clearance sales.
Also look for before and after Christmas sales but be aware that, even at a deep discount, some clothes may not be worth the price.
Know ahead of time how much you intend to spend on something and try to stick with it. , For example, look for a button down shirt that looks good open over a t-shirt or buttoned under a sweater.
Extra points if it also looks good tucked into dress pants or a skirt for fancy occasions! , Trips to the dry-cleaners can eat up money for gas and service, and no one likes doing their laundry by hand. , But for basics you'll wear every season (basic pumps, black boots that you can wear and look good in the winter, simple strappy sandals), buy good-to-excellent models that are seriously comfortable, in real leather rather than fake, and buy the oils and polishes too so you can keep them in good condition.
Try remnant department stores like TJ Maxx for good-quality shoes at discount prices. , Especially if you have problems with acne or dry skin, a good-quality foundation for sensitive skin (applied with a very light hand on the sponge) is a worthy place to splurge, and really contributes to a polished look.
Bad foundation makes the prettiest woman look trashy and tired, and good foundation lifts your whole look. , It's much cheaper than women's lotion and gels.
Shaving with shampoo or conditioner also does the trick. , -
Step 3: don't wear low-waisted pants.
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Step 4: Go to the drugstore for beauty and hygiene products.
-
Step 5: Be thrifty with hair products.
-
Step 6: Check out thrift stores.
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Step 7: Buy the basic things.
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Step 8: Be creative: altering and mending old clothes/clothes from the thrift store can be great fun.
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Step 9: Don't go for the super-expensive jeans.
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Step 10: Invest in good timeless pieces: splurging on your favorite jeans or boots can be an investment for years.
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Step 11: Don't worry about where you shop - the important thing is whether the item fits
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Step 12: is flattering and a good color.
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Step 13: Shop for off-season clothing.
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Step 14: Look for versatility.
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Step 15: Make sure your new clothes are machine washable.
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Step 16: Go to a discount chain for your trendy shoes - you can get cheap
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Step 17: fun stuff there
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Step 18: because you don't need it to last more than a season or two.
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Step 19: Stick with the basics for makeup: mascara
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Step 20: lip gloss
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Step 21: concealer
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Step 22: and maybe some liner and shadow.
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Step 23: Use men's shaving cream.
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Step 24: Have a black
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Step 25: a brown
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Step 26: and some summery shade (white is classic
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Step 27: but a pale gray or a subtle metallic can actually be more versatile) of purse - they don't need to match your shoes.
Detailed Guide
They change almost by the hour so it will be costly.
Instead, focus on defining your own individual style.
Being unique is hotter than being a carbon copy of a fashion magazine.
Instead, go for a pencil skirt
- classic, and thus always in fashion, plus (bonus!) you get the illusion of a perfectly proportioned figure.
A mix of trendy pieces and classics always looks classier and more elegant than an entire wardrobe of fashion-magazine items. , The options there are greater than that of most supermarkets, and cheaper than that of most specialty stores. , If you must splurge, do so on conditioner.
Never use any more shampoo or conditioner than a dime-sized amount unless you have long hair.
And be sure to also cut off split ends. , They can be a huge, mostly untapped resource.
Go to ones in college towns where young people move often and may get rid of clothing only a year or two old.
Also look for outlet stores.
Again, even though the clothing is cheap, look for things that look great on you, not just things that "fit ok."
Get some basic items like white t-shirts, skinny jeans, things that you can pair with other accessories and clothes to make them seem new and different every time you wear them.
Don't buy a shirt if it only goes with one outfit. , Check out the section here at LifeGuide Hub. , Others will never see a difference between a $25 pair and a $125 pair.
However, be aware that sometimes you do get what you pay for: at least some of the price of designer jeans reflects the quality of the cut, the stitching and the fabric. ,, Even low-priced bargain stores (even Walmart!) can accidentally make something good, so always have an eye out. , Look for end of the season clearance sales.
Also look for before and after Christmas sales but be aware that, even at a deep discount, some clothes may not be worth the price.
Know ahead of time how much you intend to spend on something and try to stick with it. , For example, look for a button down shirt that looks good open over a t-shirt or buttoned under a sweater.
Extra points if it also looks good tucked into dress pants or a skirt for fancy occasions! , Trips to the dry-cleaners can eat up money for gas and service, and no one likes doing their laundry by hand. , But for basics you'll wear every season (basic pumps, black boots that you can wear and look good in the winter, simple strappy sandals), buy good-to-excellent models that are seriously comfortable, in real leather rather than fake, and buy the oils and polishes too so you can keep them in good condition.
Try remnant department stores like TJ Maxx for good-quality shoes at discount prices. , Especially if you have problems with acne or dry skin, a good-quality foundation for sensitive skin (applied with a very light hand on the sponge) is a worthy place to splurge, and really contributes to a polished look.
Bad foundation makes the prettiest woman look trashy and tired, and good foundation lifts your whole look. , It's much cheaper than women's lotion and gels.
Shaving with shampoo or conditioner also does the trick. ,
About the Author
Amber Henderson
Experienced content creator specializing in cooking guides and tutorials.
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