With summer soon coming to an end, you’re probably looking to get ready for fall by swapping your sundresses for sweaters. Before you get into the swing of the upcoming season, you want to determine what type of funds you have to splurge on new pieces. You also want to think of ways to freshen up your current wardrobe without going over budget.
Take Inventory
While you may want to find ways to look fashionable every season by incorporating the hottest trends into your wardrobe, it can be costly to stay current. You may be tempted to shop the retail markets to see what’s in. But before you spend any money, it’s important to take inventory of what you already have in stock. With the right blend of skirts, jackets, tops, and slacks, you may be able to work around at what you already have. This is also a good time to clean and organize. If the item hasn’t been worn within the past year or two, it’s probably time to donate the pieces to charity. Take the 8 Week Challenge to clean up your closet and home! The 8-Week Challenge starts September 17th! The group will focus on one area of the home per week and you will be provided with worksheets, videos, and lots of community support. Don’t forget to take before and after photos!
Enlist the Help of Online Retailers
Online shopping retail sites offer modest fashionable clothing at reasonable prices. Through regular flash sales and easy online boutique shopping, you can be mindful of your purchases without going over your budget. If you find it challenging piecing outfits together, there are online retail sites where you can pay a stylist a minimal fee to help you dress for success. Simply put in your preferences, and you’ll have several outfits that can be mixed and matched. While wedding, prom and fancy gala merchandise can cost a fortune, it just sits in your closet after a single wearing. Another option for those looking for a dress for a special day is rental wear. With the required sizing, measurements, color and other specifications, you can wear a designer outfit without breaking the bank.
Mix and Match
After you’ve organized your closet you may be able to find some treasured pieces that were hidden in the back. Although you may not have thought about the pieces or worn them in quite some time, they could hold hidden potential for the upcoming season. You can even liven up last season’s look with inexpensive accessories such as a patterned scarf, classic shoes or chunky jewelry. Staples of fall and winter can look brand new when you pair them with trendy items you’ve recently purchased. If you have a solid wool skirt, a patterned top and colorful tights can bring the outfit together. If you have a standard dress, a colorful shawl or scarf can brighten your look.
Hire a Tailor
An inexpensive way to make a less costly wardrobe look brand new is by hiring a tailor. Find a professional who is within your budget and can fit and mold the material to your desired specifications. An experienced tailor may be able to shorten or lengthen the hem of your skirt or pants to meet the trends of the season. The right person may also be able to take a pencil skirt and change it into an A-line.
Shop Vintage
Sweaters and other winter wear can be more costly than a summer wardrobe. If you don’t have the funds to revamp your look, you may want to shop vintage. If you’ve never shopped a consignment or thrift store, you’re missing out on some classic and name brand pieces to add to your wardrobe. They also cost far less than what you would find at a department store. While you may have to peruse the racks closely in search of amazing finds, the modernized staples can complete your fall ensembles. If you have unwanted merchandise such as shoes, clothes and outerwear, you can place the goods in a consignment shop. When the pieces are sold, you get the money for what you sell. Whatever you make on the sale can be put toward your clothing budget.
Host a Clothes Swapping Party
It’s easy to grow tired of wearing the same outfit over and over. If you and your best friends are similar in size, you can host a clothes swapping party. Instead of getting rid of your wardrobe, each of your friends can bring the unwanted goodies. Sort in piles based on sweaters, dresses, skirts, blouses, and shoes and have everyone try on what they like most. If you have anything leftover at the end of the night, donate the clothing to a favorite charity.
The season of sweaters, jackets, and mittens will soon be upon us. While the change of season can be welcoming, especially for those in the fashion industry, it can be a costly burden to update your wardrobe when you don’t have the funds. Thankfully you can score some of this season’s favorites like embroidered tunics, infinity scarves, statement necklaces and much more and still stay in budget. Shop Stella & Dot’s Sale Items Here!
The above are unique ideas on how to revamp your closet and not spend a lot of money. Tell us below in the comments how YOU save money on your wardrobe!
