One activity many of us aim to do before spring is organize, declutter and refresh our wardrobes, finding old gems such as that plaid vintage shirt from the 1990s or a long-forgotten Issey Miyake dress that was worn once, but is right on-trend for 2021. Going shopping in your own closet is even better when you’re recycling old looks to be more sustainable (after all, we need to do everything we can to help save the planet).
Many of us only wear a small portion of what we own—a 2018 study showed that people ignore at least 50 per cent of their wardrobe—especially during the pandemic, as we attend Zoom meetings and go on supermarket dashes in our favorite tracksuit bottoms and slides combo. But that means there’s no better time to give our closet a top-to-toe clear out, putting together new outfits from old staples and creatively styling what we’ve already bought.
One of the most common fashion concerns is how to update your wardrobe on a budget. I tend to go with trends and spend too much money on clothes, so I only wear them for one season. But if you’re on a tight budget, the thought of buying new clothes can be a little overwhelming.
But with creativity and planning, you can easily update your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Here are some tips for refreshing your wardrobe on a tight budget.
First, look in your own closet.
Shopping your own closet first is one of the finest methods to save money on clothing. Look at what you already have before visiting a store or shopping online. With a little imagination, you might be amazed by how many objects you can reuse.
Sort everything in your closet into three piles: items you love and frequently wear, items you don’t wear but would consider wearing in the future, and items you never wear and will never wear again. It’s time to start assembling some new outfits after you’ve sorted your clothing.
Invest
Invest on crucial pieces that will serve you for many seasons if you wish to make any purchases. Adding a few essential pieces will help you update your wardrobe. Look for pieces that may be combined with other items in your closet with ease. A timeless black jacket, eco-friendly tank tops, a pair of well-fitting trousers, and an adaptable little black dress are some essential purchases. You can style any of these products in various ways and wear them repeatedly. You may create a variety of outfits with only a few flexible pieces, which will keep your fashionable all year long. This manner, regardless of your space or financial restrictions, you’ll always have something new to wear.
Your best pals are the neutrals.
Try sorting all of your wardrobe’s neutral pieces into one location when you start browsing through your extensive collection; trust us, they’ll come in handy when it comes time to arrange an outfit in a novel approach. These hues serve as the “foundation” of your outfit and are excellent for bringing life to an all-black ensemble (taking a page from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s The Row, a minimalist New York brand). Simply add layers with your old red jacket from the ’50s or those cowboy boots you’ve had but never worn.
Find some inspiration for Instagram
The best place to find style inspiration is on Instagram; I recently learned how to wear a pair of white leather boots by simply scrolling through and admiring Dua Lipa’s outfit. I recommend @PelayoDiaz, @AnnaTrevelyan, and @MarcGoehring as accounts to follow. Also, make a folder where you can store your favorite photos. Follow nostalgia pages from the 1990s and 2000s for creative clothing inspiration, and you can upcycle any Y2K goods you haven’t touched in years (yes, Juicy Couture tracksuits included).
Visit the thrift shops
Thrift shops are constantly an excellent choice if you’re seeking for some affordable, in-style clothing. Although it could take you a while to locate anything you like, the rates are unbeatable. Additionally, you can frequently find certain exclusive items that are not available elsewhere.
Consignment stores, internet auctions, and even garage sales are fantastic places to get amazing prices. Make sure the clothing is in good condition by giving it a thorough inspection. You can also get some high quality designer replica handbags.
A basic shoe will get you everywhere.
In 2020, chunky sneakers became extremely popular and were worn by everyone and for all occasions. Look for the “dad” trainer, a sturdy black boot, a ballerina pump, and even a pair of Crocs when searching for the essential shoes you’ll need to get you through 2021; they’ll give you all the versatility you need. Try out a shoe-outfit combination you haven’t worn before when trying on clothes; the results might surprise you.
Conclusion
These are some excellent recommendations for updating your wardrobe on a limited budget. By starting with your closet, visiting secondhand shops, and watching for end-of-season sales, you can find fantastic bargains. Additionally, you can create new outfits with the clothing you already own by using your creativity. Therefore, don’t be hesitant to try new things and have fun with your outfit.
