Cheat Tips for Fashion Craze

A little creativity can help you look like a model on a fraction of her budget.

It is easy to look at the beauties on the runway in awe of what they are wearing. Fashion magazines, too, tout spreads of the latest trendy designs. For many people, however, affording these looks is difficult on already thin budgets. There are some cheat tips, however, to help you look trendy and fashionable at a cost almost anyone can afford.

Animal Print

Animal prints are in again, with zebra and leopard being especially popular. An animal print coat, jacket or silk blouse can be expensive, though. To follow the trend, cheat by using a single accessory or two. A business suit can be spiced up with a simple leopard print scarf. To a favorite Happy Hour outfit, add an inexpensive zebra print bracelet and earrings.

No More Matching

This bright blue hat can add a pop of color to an otherwise plain sundress or shorts set.

Colors are hot. Without having to purchase anything extra, scan your wardrobe for your brightest blouse that will look good with a black or gray suit. Add a bright red shoe to a conservative blue jeans outfit. If all else fails, and you don't know how to make a simple black and white dress trendy, a yellow, purple or turquoise bag will definitely attract some attention.

Accessorize

A bright, beaded necklace is a great contrast to that simple V-neck sweater.

Jewelry is part of the fashion craze, so use it to your advantage. A chunky necklace, a pair of unique earrings or even a studded belt can change mundane clothing into something worth talking about. Minimize your spending by rummaging through your parents' closets and jewelry boxes. What was once old is probably in again, and family heirlooms can be perfect accent pieces.

Don't Forget the Makeup

Makeup is the forgotten accessory and like clothing, its trends also change. Whether you want to stick with a classic smoky eye, or try the new trend of lining only your upper lid, scour fashion magazines to pick out what you think will look good on you. Bright red or pink lips are popular, but you don't want to spend a fortune on makeup just to discover you hate the intended look. Try stopping by a makeup counter in a department store where a salesperson will demonstrate the products for you. Better yet, host a makeup party (with Mary Kay Cosmetics, for example) and invite friends over right before a night out. Your consultant will help you achieve your look before you buy, and you get a free face for the evening.

Thrift Shopping

Fashion school graduate and fashion blogger Stacey Kay Thomas writes, "When the recession reared its ugly head, people had to get savvy." She's right. Don't hesitate to take a trip to Goodwill or another local thrift store. Sometimes, people get rid of things because they no longer fit, not because they are out of style. Name-brand clothing can be purchased for a few dollars, and it is a great way to find those scarves, jewelry pieces and even unopened makeup cases. Items are added to the shelves and racks daily, and sometimes you'll be lucky enough to find brand-new clothing with original tags for pennies on the dollar.

References

• "Thrifting Your Way to High Fashion Style"; Stacey Kay Thomas; Fashionably Cleveland/Spring 2011