Unless your last name starts with G and ends with ates, you’re probably on a budget. With that comes trying to look cute without spending a lot of money. Well try no more, just do (is that a Star Wars line?), because here are some top tips on to how to look cute on a budget!

How to Look Cute on a Budget

It may seem obvious but the first step to looking cute on a budget is to…

Shop at budget-friendly places

Here are places that have cute clothes that aren’t too expensive and some are ones that I shop at a lot myself:

Target
Tjmaxx
Uniqlo
Old Navy
Forever 21
H&M
Asos
Amazon
Walmart

Related: How Dress Chic From Walmart

I totally get it if right now you’re thinking quality over quantity, so find your higher end and slow fashion brands for cheaper at places like ThredUP, Poshmark, eBay, Amazon (again), and thrift stores.

Related: 10 Tips On How to Score it Big at a Thrift Store

 
(blazer from Target, belts from H&M, jeans from American Eagle)

Shop the sales

There’s always a sale going on for something, so wait for that day to come and take advantage of it to pick up some cute discounted items!

Continually check clearance

No matter the store, I always check out the clearance rack. I’ve gotten some pretty cool things from the most random places. Don’t buy something just because it’s cheap, but you’ll never know what you’ll find!

And not only that, but so many times I’ve had my eye on something and really wanted it, only to pass and check back regularly to find it half off or more! Sometimes patience is key.

Shop offseason

When the seasons are changing and inventory is getting marked down, you can score some great deals. You might just have to be a bit more strategic and plan ahead though, such as getting your new winter coat as stores start to introduce spring and summer pieces.

Play with trends wisely

Maybe you love trends, maybe you hate them, but it doesn’t change the fact that if you’re wearing what’s trendy at that time, you’re going to look cute in people’s eyes. That’s just the way it is! But no matter what’s trendy, only wear what you like and what looks good on you! Related: I Tried Out Two of the Controversial Trends

*THE BIGGEST TIP* It’s not what you wear, but how you wear it

At the end of the day sometimes it doesn’t even matter what the clothes are that you are wearing, but how you choose to style and accessorize them.

I gather inspiration from places like JCrew because their layering game is on point and their models always look elevated. You can do these same tricks with your own clothes!

Don’t just wear a t-shirt, but knot it, tuck it in, belt it, etc. Related: How to Elevate a Simple Tee and Jeans Outfit

Don’t just wear shorts, but cuff them.

Don’t just wear a jacket, but layer it over an open button down and a basic tee.

Taking that extra step from “just wearing something” to doing something cool and unique with it is KEY for you to look cute on a budget!

(necklace used as a chain belt)

(faux fur scarf belted over a blazer)

Here are some outfits I like and roughly how much they were and where I got them from, so you can see looking cute doesn’t have to cost a lot or require only shopping from super duper fancy places!

LOOK CUTE ON A BUDGET RECAP!

• Shop at places that sell cute clothes that are inexpensive (refer back to list of shopping places), especially if you’re not confident in your thrifting ability
• Wait for the sales to save $$
• Don’t buy just to buy. If you don’t love it in the store, don’t buy it
• When in doubt, keep it simple
• If it doesn’t fit quite right or is missing buttons, etc, PASS
• Always check the clearance rack. It requires digging, but there will be some goodies in there
• Shop regularly, but don’t buy regularly. Meaning you’re always keeping an eye out on stuff but you don’t always have to buy something!

You can also swap clothes with friends (you may have a new way to wear it that they didn’t!) or borrow from your mom or grandma’s closet (vintage is in!).

Any secret tips you have that you’d like to share?

Related Posts:

• How to Look Expensive 
• 2 Timeless Looks You Can’t Go Wrong With
• Parisian Chic Outfit