How to Get the Cool Look in Clothes

If you always want to stay on top of the latest fashions, your parents may be reluctant to buy them for you since styles change so quickly. Use these tips to get the cool look without asking your parents to buy you a thing.

Instructions

1. Keep your basic styles of clothes (like jeans, white t-shirts and plain sweaters) and update your look with a few inexpensive accessories. Even your allowance will cover a scarf or belt in the season's hottest colors, bold jewelry or a cool purse when you find it at a dollar or discount store.

2. Take advantage of "buy one, get one free" shoe and accessory sales with a friend. You'll each get a brand new item for your wardrobe for only half the price. Wait until the season is almost over and you'll also be able to get the one item you do pay for on clearance.

3. Learn how to alter old clothes to give them a new spin. For example, change the length and style of a pair of pants with scissors and roll of iron-on hem tape. Cover out-of-date designs on shirts by layering other items over them. Add cool, decorative touches to plain shirts and shoes with embellishments from the craft store. (See Resources)

4. Swap and borrow items from your friends so you can pool your money to create a stylish wardrobe. Browse at consignment shops or designer outlets (where you can find designer "irregulars" that have flaws that the other kids won't notice) and chip in for several key pieces that you can rotate each week.

5. Consider renting items like designer purses if you want the look but can't afford to buy one on your own.

6. Create your own style. Combine interesting colors, use an accessory in an unexpected way or even salute a retro style by finding cool clothes in your parents' closets. Just because you're not wearing what's trendy today doesn't mean you don't have a sense of fashion.

Resources

• Use hem tape to do your own alterations.
• Rent designer bags rather than buying them.