Fashion can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. You can stay stylish without breaking the bank. With a little planning and creativity, you can be a style icon while being on a budget. 

1. Set a fashion budget

• Prioritise: Specify how much money you can realistically spend on your other spending. Financial experts often suggest keeping your discretionary spending for about 5-10% according to your priorities.
  
• Track your spending: Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to note down all your expenses to keep an eye on so that you won’t go over the board.

2. Shop smart

• Off-Season shopping: Buying clothes out of season is always a great way to shop and to get discounts as retailers put huge discounts to clear up the previous stock to make room for new inventory.
  
• Shop sales and discounts: Look for sales, coupon codes and discounts to save up! Many retailers offer their customers a discount on their first-time shopping. Shopping online? Use browser extensions or apps to find the coupons.
  
• Thrift stores and consignment Shops: These stores are fantastic for finding unique pieces at a fraction of the price. Thrift stores provide vintage, pre-loved items that make you look stylish as well as allow you to use items with sustainability. While consignment shops, in particular offer high-end designer brands with lesser prices. Shopping at these places can be a fun treasure hunt while being fashionable without stretching your budget.
  
• Online shopping: Compare prices across various online platforms and choose accordingly. Use price comparison tools like Honey or Rakuten to identify where it is cheapest and where are the best deals.

3. Invest in quality basics

• Quality over quantity: Investing in high-quality basics is always a smart choice to build your wardrobe long-lasting. Items like well-fitted jeans, classic T-shirts, neutral colours and versatile jackets never go out of style. With a good quality fabric, you don’t have to invest time and again in your shopping.
  
• Versatile pieces: Choosing versatile pieces allows you to mix and match different items so that you can never go out of style. Layering and accessorizing help make your wardrobe feel larger than how it is. You can create multiple outfits with a few key items, allowing you always to have something to wear.
  

4. Rent or borrow

• Rental services: Renting outfits for special occasions can be a cost-effective way to wear a high-end fashion rather than buying the outfit for a hefty price tag. It also ensures that you’re not stuck with an expensive item you may only wear once. This way, you can look fabulous without committing to the full price of designer clothing.
  
• Clothing swaps: Swapping clothes with friends and family is a fun and economical way to revitalise your wardrobe. Try to swap clothes with your close ones and try the clothes they no longer wear or trade for something new with them.
  

5. DIY fashion

• Upcycle your wardrobe: Repurpose your old clothes with DIY styling. With a bit of creativity and imagination, you can transform your worn outfit into a fresh one. With a bit of sewing and layering, you can create a masterpiece while saving you money and reducing textile waste.
  
• Learn basic sewing skills: Sewing and altering your clothes yourself gives you the freedom to make them fit with your imaginary vision. For example, you can turn your old jeans into a new trendy pair of shorts, crop an oversized t-shirt etc.
  
  7. Practice self-control
  
• Impulse buying: Stop impulse buying habits and implement the 24-hour rule before shopping. This way you have a good time to think whether you need the item or not. By this, you can avoid unnecessary spending and focus on items that can realistically add value to your closet.

By following these steps, you can create a stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank!