How to Spice up Your Wardrobe While on a Budget

Many people get bored with their current wardrobe and want to change, however their budget doesn’t always allow for a total wardrobe overhaul. You don’t necessarily need thousands of dollars to give your current wardrobe some kick. Here is how to update your look for less.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine what budget you have to update your wardrobe. Adding some spice to your current wardrobe does require doing a bit of shopping but not necessarily a lot. Figure out how much you can currently spare.

2. Organize your wardrobe. Go through your current wardrobe and take inventory. If necessary, write everything down. Determine how many shirts, blouses, pants, skirts and jeans you own. Then categorize them by color to get an idea of what color is the base of your wardrobe.

3. Go shopping; this is the fun part. Take a weekend and visit a few stores. Discount stores like Target, Wal-Mart and Kmart are great places to pick up low-cost items. Also, thrift stores are great places to find low-cost wardrobe pieces. If necessary, map out the weekend. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

4. Focus on small pieces like accessories and simple shirts. Since you are on a budget, you don’t want to try to purchase whole outfits. Depending on your color base, find accessories that best compliment your wardrobe as a whole. Orange and yellow colors look great mixed in with different browns. Greens and reds look great with a black based wardrobe. Look for jewelry in different metallic colors. If you typically wear gold, go for the bronze and copper pieces. If you prefer silver, look for clear and black pieces but don’t be afraid of mix it up.

5. Make sure you stick to your initial budget. When you do decide to purchase something, make sure it is something that can be worn with a lot of different outfits. Your main goal for this shopping trip is to find a few great accessories that will compliment your entire wardrobe, not just one outfit. You want universal pieces.

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t get set on one color palette. Be willing to experiment with splashes of color and prints, however be realistic with yourself. Don’t buy colors that obviously wash you out or make you look dowdy. When it doubt, take a friend.
• If at all possible stay away from the malls and boutiques. These places are usually full of wonderful pieces that may be priced outside of the budget you set for yourself and could lead to overspending.

Resources

• Clueless Fashionista

[mskris]

on 9/1/2009 Thanks for the advice!

[DiscountTickets]

on 8/31/2009 Great ideas, save plenty of money this way.

[heathcotecomm]

on 4/20/2009 Clothes swapping is also a great way to refresh your wardrobe try www.posh-swaps.com

[heathcotecomm]

on 4/20/2009 Clothes swapping is also a great way to refresh your wardrobe try www.posh-swaps.com