Looking good on a budget

Most of us want to look our best and express our style, but although there is more exposure to great fashion than ever before, thanks to the internet, when you’re on a budget or struggling financially, it can often feel as though looking good is something that you can’t share in.

However, that need not be the case. There are lots of things that you can do to look good without spending money you haven’t got. Here is a quick guide to how you can get the fashion wardrobe you desire and get a hairstyle that suits you without spending a fortune

Great hair on a budget

There are many ways to get more from your budget when you get your hair styled. One tip is to ask your hair stylist to give you a ‘framing’. This involves the stylish painting on a few strands around your face, which can give you a completely new look and help to brighten your face and works out much cheaper than going for a complete highlight. Another option is to get a bang trim, which can also dramatically freshen up your look for very little cost.

Why not try visiting a blow bar, a salon that focuses purely on styling? You can get a blow out for as little as $40, and this can give you a really stylish look. There are also a range of hair products and treatments that you can use at home, such as the Viabrance haircare system – these hair ideas from Viabrance can reproduce much of the hair-health benefits of the salon.

Choosing your fashion

Whether you are on a budget or have hundreds of dollars a month to spend on clothes, it is a good idea to ask yourself what kind of fashion are you looking for? What is your style? Too many people let money dictate what they buy, but this is the wrong way around. Work out what type of look suits you, what style works for you and start from there. That way you will be looking out for clothes you like that you can afford, and not simply buying the first thing you see that fits your budget.

Review your wardrobe

Most of us end up with wardrobes that are a mix of clothes and styles, including things that we are never likely to wear. So, start by taking an overview of what you have in your wardrobe. Is it dominated by one colour? Do you have piles of casual clothes but few good social outfits? If you’ve already decided what your style is and how you would like to look, then you will have a template to work with. Go through your wardrobe item by item and throw out everything that doesn’t fit with your vision.

Sell and trade

When you’ve finished your clear-out, don’t just throw out all your clothes. There may be items that you’ve hardly used that could be worth selling. Hardly-worn dresses, shoes and jackets can often make money either through online sites like Ebay or local sale groups, and purses can often be a profitable item to sell. When you’ve sold what you can, make sure that you donate the rest to charitable organisations (assuming that they are in relatively good condition).

Quality over quantity

When you don’t have a lot of money to work with, it is better to focus on putting together a core collection of items that are well-made, that suit your style and that will make you look good. A good place to start is with classic looks. For example, a stunning black dress is an essential in most wardrobes, and you can then accessorise or embellish with contemporary flourishes such as scarfs or jewellery. A pair of high-quality skinny jeans is another good option. Classic clothes look good and are well made enough to last for many years, forming the core of your wardrobe.

Balance online with offline

Online shopping can be incredibly convenient, but it isn’t always as cheap as you think, particularly once you factor in the costs associated with delivery and then the inevitable returns. A good approach to online shopping is to use it for accessories such as purses, or for brands that you have bought before, minimising the expense of returns. For the rest of your wardrobe, check out mid-range stores for common items, and for specialised fashion, seek out sales. By expending a little shoe leather, you may be able to save yourself a lot of money and find the clothes you’re looking for.

Being fashionable on a budget is hard, but it can be done. With a little organisation and a clear idea of the look you want to achieve, you can look good and feel great without spending a fortune.