Do you feel like the contents of your closet don’t really belong in the modern era, and would be better off in a museum? Are you looking for new ways to spice up your everyday look, but you’re not really eager to spend a lot on new clothes, shoes, or accessories? Do you look at yourself in the mirror and you feel like you’re staring back at someone who lived more than a decade ago? If these questions resonate with you, perhaps it’s time for you to update your wardrobe. And, don’t worry, there are ways to do this affordably.
Fast Fashion Finds
If you want an affordable way to update your wardrobe, your best bet is to check out fast fashion retailers. You’d easily recognize them in major cities: just look for stores with multiple floors full of clothes, footwear, and accessories, all sold at a discounted rate. This trend started as a way to offer the designs you usually in fashion shows quickly and affordably to mainstream consumers. It’s easy to pick up pieces at less than $50, and some are even offered at a markdown when newer styles and designs become available. What makes them affordable is the low cost of production, usually outsourced in another country, plus the use of cheaper materials. Stick to basics, though, that you can mix and match. Save up for some classic, good pieces that will go the distance. Remember, a few fast fashion items are useful for updating your look—but you’ll end up spending more in the long run, as this type of clothing does not last; moreover, fast fashion leaves a huge environmental impact.
Keep It Simple
If you’re working for five days a week and your only time to go out of the house aside from work is during the weekends, then spending too much on fashion trends could be wasteful. Still, if you’re keen on updating your wardrobe with the latest apparel, it’s best to go with something simple, something that you can use on multiple occasions. It’s all up to you if you want something branded and a bit expensive, as long as you’ll find time to use it. Shirts and jeans are a classic pairing, and it’s almost impossible for them to be out of style. If you find a trend ridiculous, it’s likely that you’ll only wear it a couple of times. Don’t be pressured by social media to keep up with these trends. Buy what you’ll wear.
Check Out Local Boutiques
If you’re shopping for clothes, your tendency is to go and check out malls for their newest offerings. You’ll probably fall for what’s in season, and you’ll end up wearing it for just a couple of months because of their seasonal appeal. You’ll try to store them, but surely after a year, you won’t even remember that those items are buried underneath you pile of unused clothes. It’s great if you could also check out online and local boutiques, whether you live in Phoenix, AZ or in Pittsburgh, PA and see if any of their offerings suit your taste. These can be a bit more expensive than your typical fast fashion find, but they have better quality overall, and will last longer than the affordable apparel you get from malls.
It’s hard to keep up with the latest fashion trends, especially if your budget is tight. Fortunately, the tips mentioned above can help you discover clothes, footwear, and even accessories that are not only stylish, but also cost effective.