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?
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You do definitely do look super cute girl! These are great tips
Well thank you!
This is what's up, girlfriend! I love budget shopping and finding deals on pieces I love. I use Honey and watch price drops on my favorite items so I can buy them on sale, which is awesome. I also try to repurpose as many pieces as I can. Trying to learn how to be more creative with my outfits from your posts! You always inspire me to try new things.
Oo thanks for sharing that Honey tip. Genius!
Such great tips and I love your style! I also agree it’s about how you wear things not what you wear.
Dani x - https://Themamamiablog.com
That's what it comes down to I think!
Really great tips! I find that I am really not a "trendy" person, but luckily I find that my clothes can carry over year to year pretty easily - assuming I don't wear them until there are holes (it happens). When I do buy trendy items I love shopping at less expensive places - i love you list of budget-friendly places too!
I only buy trendy items at "cheaper" places. It would be crazy to me to spend $100+ on something I'd only wear a couple of times!
Such wonderful tips! I feel like there is such a misconception that you can't dress chic while on a budget. But that's SO not true, like you said, it all comes down to how you wear the item!! Makes a huge difference!
-Madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
I agree! I think you can look chic no matter where you dress!
That is a the only way I get any clothes is on sale. Sometimes it can be hard but it is fun searching for it.
I agree! There's a thrill in the hunt!
I love all of these suggestions! Budget-shopping is the only shopping I do, and you're right, patience is definitely key! I love all your budget outfits and how chic they all are!
Way to put together some great looks, they all look amazing. The $23 outfit is amazingly budget friendly and cute.
That was definitely a win for me!
Love these tips! Always trying to look cute on a budget!
Kasey Ma
http://www.TheStyleWright.com
Who isn't??
You're my kinda girl. I love finding a killer outfit and not breaking the budget. I think more need to know you don't need to go broke trying to look good. TJMaxx is one of my favorites places to shop!
And I gotta say you always look amazing!
I love your hair. I also like each piece that you styled. All of the outfits look rather comfortable and very relaxed.
Happy you like it 🙂
Target is always my go-to for affordable fashion!
Such a good go-to!
YAS! The belted blazer look never fails! This is such a well put together post and some of the stores you listed are so underrated! For example, Old Navy! Love them and they always have such awesome deals.
xoxo Bryanna
These stores should definitely get some more credit!