Shopping on a small budget doesn’t have to limit your sense of style. In fact, it can even open your eyes to new possibilities you might never have considered if you didn’t get a little bit creative with where and how you’re shopping. For example, the thrift stores are full of unique pieces made of high-quality materials that are just waiting to be discovered – and the best part is, they’re probably not pieces that everybody else has. There can be so many other positives of shopping with a small budget, too. And if you’re looking for ways to refine your chic fashion style with a small clothing budget, we’re here to help you!
1. Check out your local thrift shops
This might seem like an obvious one, but thrift stores and other secondhand shops can be your best friend if you want to up your style game on a budget. In fact, this is a great way to find high-quality pieces at a very reasonable price. The key here is patience. It might take a little while to find your dream finds, but eventually you might end up scoring your dream items at a way more affordable cost than retail. Some older pieces are even higher-quality than new ones, so pay attention to fabric content when you’re shopping!
Pro Tip: Make a “shopping list” of wishlist items before you head to the store to make your browsing a little more targeted. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when shopping overflowing racks of pieces that aren’t necessarily organized, so it helps to go in with a plan. You might stumble upon pieces that weren’t originally on your list, but a list at least helps you to seek out the specific items that your closet is missing, or that you dream of finding. This strategy helps you stay on budget, too!
2. Shop secondhand online
If your area is limited on secondhand stores or you want to expand your search, it’s always worth checking out secondhand options online! Poshmark, ThredUp, Vinted, eBay, The Real Real… these all have a pretty good reputation for having a wide variety of items. And if you’re looking to swap out some pieces in your closet, you can sell on these sites too and use the profits to pay for your new pieces for a little wardrobe refresh.
Once again, these secondhand sites can be a little overwhelming with how many options they have! So it always helps to go in with a plan of what you’re looking for. In fact, the more specific you are with what you’re shopping for, the more luck you’ll probably have finding what you need. This is one of my favorite ways to score high-end pieces for a much lower price point!
3. Focus on building a capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe can be your best friend if you’re working with a small shopping budget. That’s because capsule wardrobe pieces are intended to be timeless, versatile, and interchangeable. The point of having a capsule wardrobe is to fill your closet with pieces that are easy to mix and match, while also not having to worry about getting tired of them after a trend cycle is here and gone. This style of wardrobe will give you the perfect foundation for building a chic look with limited pieces.
4. Prioritize quality over quantity
Quality fabrics will always look more expensive – whether you actually spent more on them or not! That’s why it’s always a good idea to check the fabric contents when you’re shopping, whether that’s new or secondhand. Luxurious fabrics like wool, cashmere, silk, etc., can last a really long time with the right care, and can elevate all of your favorite outfits. These types of fabrics give your look a smart elegance that’s timeless. High-quality fabrics are always worth spending a little more on, as they’ll save you money down the road. Instead of having to replace them every few years, they can last for decades!
5. Take care of your current pieces
Along those same lines, taking care of your current pieces is an essentially free way to instantly make your outfits look more put-together. No matter your budget, clothes that are clean, ironed, and polished will instantly upgrade your entire look. When it looks like your pieces are taken care of, your outfits look more thought-out. Clean lines go a long way in giving you that sophisticated look you’re going for, with essentially no added costs involved.
6. Go for neutral colors
Just like a capsule wardrobe gives you a versatile set of pieces to mix and match, neutral colors do the same! For modern chic style, neutral colors will give you that classic look at no added cost. They can even save you money, as one neutral piece can usually be easier to style in a number of additional ways than a colorful item.
7. Visit online outlet shops
We love an online outlet shop at MCO – Banana Republic Factory is one of our favorite retailers! And whether you’re shopping at Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, J.Crew, etc., outlet stores are a great solution to find pieces by the retailers you love at a much lower price point.
The same goes for designer pieces, too – if you’re willing to wait a little bit longer for pieces to make their way to an outlet, you can save a lot of money by shopping outlets online (or in person). Whenever I’m headed somewhere on vacation, I like to check out what outlets are in town that I might not ordinarily be able to shop in my own city.
8. Mix high and low pieces
Mix high and low pieces to make the most out of your whole closet. Balancing your look with your higher-cost and lower-cost items will elevate the look of your more affordable pieces. For example, if you tend to spend a little bit more on jackets, you can pair them with less-expensive items underneath! The jacket will act as your first impression, so the rest of your look takes a backseat, anyway. In the summertime, pair a nicer linen shirt with denim shorts to apply the same strategy. Shirts that are 100% might cost a little more, but you can always find affordable denim that looks nice.
9. Define your style
Defining your style can help you to eliminate any wardrobe “clutter” taking up space in your closet, and prevent you from buying things that don’t really align with your dream vibe. Creating a style definition is a form of self-expression that encourages you to embrace what you truly love, rather than just what’s popular at the moment. Once you have your style nailed down, you can focus on finding pieces that harmonize with what you already own and the outfits that you dream of wearing.
Whether you love a bit of Boho Style or prefer a look with subtle sophistication, defining your style will help you to curate a look that’s all your own, and stays true to your personal brand (and your budget).
10. Shop out of season
Shopping out of season is another no-cost tip to getting chic fashion style on a budget! When you have an eye on a piece, it pays to wait until the end of the season to buy it. There is always the risk of it selling out, but if you can hold out until the end-of-season sales when it’s really marked down, that’s when you’ll get the most bang for your buck on pieces you love.
Beyond waiting for end-of-season clearance, try seeing what’s out there in the off-season! Think ahead, and you can save so much money by shopping for winter coats in the winter, or for breezier pieces in the wintertime.
Chic, Classic Style on a Budget
Shopping on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t look just as chic and classic as someone with an unlimited one. All it takes is a little creativity and patience, and you can get your dream style at a fraction of the price. And the best part is, it’s even more satisfying knowing that you can devote the rest of your hard-earned funds to other parts of your budget, like your home, your family, or hobbies!
Want to make the most of your existing wardrobe pieces, with a few under $100 additions? Up Next: 11 Little Things Under $100 That Make Regular Outfits Look Expensive
Thank you for the great ideas. I buy most of my clothing at resale or consignment shops. I agree with you that the fabric and quality is much better than what you will find in the store.
They don’t make them like they used to!
Most of my wardrobe comes from Poshmark. I’m on a weight loss journey and have changed sizes several times. I can’t afford to buy a new wardrobe every time I change sizes. I can definitely get jeans, sweaters, tees, etc. from Poshmark and ThredUp.
Sounds like a very smart strategy!
Thank you for the tips! I love mixing high and low. Another tip I would like to add is… learn to sew or find a great seamstress. One of my favorite things to do is recreate high fashion or couture pieces with my own spin for a fraction of the original”s cost.
Thank you for sharing that!