When it comes to looking stylish for special occasions, casual outings, or even your everyday life, it’s only natural to want to buy some new clothes from your go-to online retailers. After all, who can resist some clothes shopping? (Guilty!) But whether you’re looking to do a no-spend month or simply hit refresh for the new year, you might reconsider buying that new outfit that’s sitting in your shopping cart. Dressing well without spending a lot of money may seem impossible, mostly because the fashion world constantly tells you to buy, buy, buy, but it’s more than possible to dress better while spending less – or even spending nothing at all! Here are 8 ways you can do just that for January – you may just decide to use these tips for longer.
1. Shop Your Closet: Wear Your Same Items in New Ways
cardigan | bag | coat (similar) | pants
Wearing what you already have might seem a little too obvious when it comes to saving money, but hear me out – because your bank account is going to love you for following this first tip!
I know that it’s tempting to splurge at your favorite stores (even clearance and sales), but if you want to spend less money on clothes, it’s important not to give in to these impulse purchases. (Or at least not all the time!)
Using what you already have in your wardrobe is the best way to give your bank account a break. Take a closet inventory and I’m confident you will find great pieces that you forgot about or haven’t worn since last year.
In a nutshell, a closet inventory is done by emptying all your closets and drawers and seeing what you have. Lay everything out to get a clear view to be ready to start experimenting. Once you do this, you then “shop your closet” by polishing off these oldies but goodies, and searching for new ways to wear these pieces to inspire your outfit-making.
You can get inspired by websites, blogs, movies, or influencers, to name a few. Searching “black blazer” on this website or Pinterest will already give you a plethora of ideas for new outfits to create! Finding new inspiration doesn’t have to mean a style overhaul either. It’s all in the little details. Maybe it’s the way someone pairs socks with loafers or layers a simple tee under a sweater…these subtle tweaks can make a significant impact and inspire you to do the same.
While you’re getting inspired, challenge yourself to come up with new outfits using what you already have. You may find that you have more options than you realized, making it easier to dress well without spending a dime. Rediscover a classic white t-shirt or that comfy pair of jeans you haven’t worn in a while – just pair it with something new this time!
For example, a white t-shirt can be worn over some dresses, turning the dress into a skirt. You can also wear your white t-shirt under some dresses for a cool layered look. Or you can mix casual and formal items, like a dress with sneakers. Don’t forget about layering too; a turtleneck under a sleeveless dress can be unexpectedly stylish.
By diving into your closet with a fresh perspective, you can find pieces that you may have been bored of, but when paired with different items, they feel fresh and exciting again!
Related:
15 White T-Shirt Outfit Ideas
14 Blazer Outfit Ideas
2. Sell Unused Clothes to Fund Wardrobe Staples
cardigan | jeans | turtleneck | bag
Is this cheating? I don’t think so. Because you’re using the funds to build a classic minimalist capsule wardrobe, and if you have classic items like jeans, a simple dress, cardigans, and white t-shirts, you’re in luck! You’ll be able to create many different looks with these wardrobe staples.
Start by sorting through your clothes and setting aside items you no longer wear or that no longer fit your body or your style (because both change). Platforms like Poshmark, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, local consignment stores, and even creating an account on Instagram can be good places to sell your gently used clothing.
Once you’ve made some sales, use the proceeds to invest in new or new-to-you pieces – whether that’s through thrift stores, sales, or even higher-quality clothing stores like Everlane or Madewell.
The key here is not to go buy that statement item you’ve been eyeing. It’s crucial that you take the money and put it back into timeless wardrobe staples. By doing that, not only are you cleaning out your closet and making sure each item has a purpose, but you’re setting yourself up for endless outfit ideas with these essential basics.
(Oh, and don’t go “shopaholic” on me and sell necessities to purchase something you don’t really need!)
3. Get Creative When Styling Your Clothes
jeans | shirt | cardigan (similar) | shoes (similar)
I get it…it’s hard not to make a new purchase each month. You scroll through Instagram and come across an influencer wearing a pair of shoes that you just know will complete your shoe collection. But if your goal is to save money and if you feel like you can’t afford them comfortably, the best thing to do is to keep them on your wishlist for now.
So, how does taking a break from spending help you dress better? It forces you to get creative using what you have! Think about it. If you’re constantly pumping new clothes into your wardrobe, you tend to stop exercising the part of your brain that tries styling different clothes.
Think back to your teenage years when you were getting ready to go out with friends and you wanted to look cool but didn’t have any extra money to do so. What did you do? Maybe you wore a dress over your jeans (it’s actually coming back in style!) or slung a big belt around your waist. Maybe you loved the outfits, maybe you didn’t, but the point is that you got creative using what you had.
The quote, “Necessity is the mother of invention”, is a good reminder that you can invent new outfits when you feel like you need to. Keyword: need. If you’re constantly buying new things, that feeling of “need” doesn’t arise.
If your closet is already bursting with plenty of accessories, shoes, and tops, then there is a high chance that your collection already has some good clothes. Spend time getting creative by wearing these items in different ways. To get started, mix and match styles, prints, or textures.
Try a button-down shirt under a strapless dress, a chunky knit sweater with a silk skirt, or a floral top with striped pants. Wear your scarf as a belt or headband. That long maxi skirt? Wear it as a strapless dress. Experiment with tucking in shirts differently to give old pieces a fresh look. Maybe that oversized cardigan can double as a cozy dress with the right belt, or perhaps those wide-leg pants would look amazing with a fitted crop top.
By thinking outside the box and being open to trying new things, you can create standout looks without spending any extra money.
And, of course, the key to having a successful no-spend month is to limit your virtual window shopping and scrolling. Continuing to look when you can’t buy is simply torture! The more you are unaware of the latest sales and new arrivals, the fewer impulse buys you will make.
Related: 15 Style Tips to Make Old Outfits Feel New Again
4. Take Good Care of Your Clothes
turtleneck | skirt (similar) | shoes
A no-fail way to look good without spending a dime is by taking good care of your existing clothes first. Every little thing matters! Using a sweater shaver can give your sweaters a whole new look. Sewing back on a missing button will make your cardigan look complete. Do your clothes have nail polish stains on them? (Do you paint your nails in the car too? No? Just me?) Try to renew them by using rubbing alcohol and cotton balls.
And don’t forget to preserve your good quality clothes by following the washing instructions. I used to never pay attention to these until I started noticing that my clothes looked worse after washing them – not better. Whoops. Though it may sound cumbersome, if the clothing tag instructs you to handwash your delicate clothes with cold water or not to take them to the dry cleaner, it’s best not to ignore the instructions. Here’s How To Take Care of Your Clothes Like an Expert.
I know it may seem like an obvious thing to do, but sometimes we are all guilty of not following the washing instructions. (And if some materials are too finicky for you, then it may be time to donate the item – it’s not worth the headache.)
It’s also important to preserve the quality of your tops by not choosing hangers that overpass the width of the shoulders. If you do, your shirts may get stretched out. For sweaters, it’s usually best to fold them to avoid that pesky shoulder bump.
5. Repurpose What You Already Have
A popular belief that most people follow is that once their clothes start looking old, they think they need to throw them away and replace them with newer styles. And though I don’t recommend wearing clothes that look stained or like they’re falling apart (it downgrades your whole look), some of your old clothes might have the potential to be something new again!
Just as treating stains and taking care of your clothes is important, it’s also important to see if your old clothes can be repurposed into a new look without spending anything extra.
Think: What existing pieces of yours have seen better days that can be repurposed into something new? Your favorite pair of jeans can get renewed by either turning them into cut-off shorts or by using RIT dye to give them a new look. Why not add patches or embroidery to a ripped jacket?
Did you know that your sweaters can get revamped too? Before you donate them to second-hand shops, try to re-size them. To give a flattering shape, an old boxy sweater can be transformed. In a nutshell, you can turn it into a fitting silhouette by doing the following: turn your sweater inside out, try it on, pin the extra fabric, take it off, and sew the areas you pinned.
On the flip side, you can take older sweaters and cut them to give them a boxier shape. A cropped, boxy sweater looks trendy and can give it a new look. YouTube will be your best friend for finding sewing videos so you can do DIY!
Start with simple tasks, like hemming pants or taking in a seam, and gradually build your confidence. How empowering would it be to be able to fix that loose hem or replace a missing button without having to visit a tailor? If you’re looking to save money, and generally keep your wardrobe in the best shape, acquiring basic sewing skills can be a game-changer.
6. Keep Your Purses and Accessories Organized (and in Good Shape)
blazer (similar) | purse | tights | shoes
Another step to dressing well without spending extra money is to make sure that your precious accessories still look good. Sorry to say it, but walking around with a purse that’s falling apart is not a good look!
Whether you have a designer piece or a Target purse in your collection (both great options), do your best to keep them in tip-top shape.
A pro tip is to store them away properly. Put your expensive and precious accessories in satin, flannel, or cotton dustbags. Dustbags help keep your high-quality bags from getting scratched and from being faded by the sun.
Secondly, if your purses always fall over on your closet shelf, invest in acrylic purse dividers. Not only will the dividers make your bedroom look aesthetically pleasing, but they keep your bags from getting lost.
A slouchy purse (that’s not meant to be slouchy) can downgrade your whole outfit. To avoid this, you can preserve the shape of your handbag with purse inserts. These inserts are a great way to stop your bags from creasing and keep things more organized!
For my taller boots, I always make sure they’re stored with boot inserts. Not only does it make my closet space look nicer, but it preserves their shape and keeps them from getting unsightly creases.
You’ve heard this before, but accessories can make or break a look. By keeping your jewelry clean, polished, and tarnish-free, you can elevate your outfit in subtle ways – without having to purchase anything new.
7. Elevate Your Outfit With Accessories
As you probably know by now, dressing well doesn’t mean that you have to buy new clothes. Sometimes, well, a lot of the time, it’s just styling your existing clothes in ways you haven’t before. One way to do this is by completing your outfit with an accessory that you tend to never pair with a specific look. Accessories have the magical ability to breathe new life into your existing wardrobe, so start by taking a look at the jewelry you already own.
The same outfit you always wear can look extra stylish by pairing some different accessories with it. For example, if your favorite outfit is a simple sweater and jeans, try tying a scarf or bandana around your neck next time you wear it to add some oomph. Scarves can also be tied around your neck, draped over your shoulders, or used as a headband.
If a basic t-shirt is on your body 24/7, try layering a pile of gold or silver necklaces with it next time. Whenever you layer accessories, such as stacking bracelets or wearing multiple necklaces of varying lengths, it can make your outfit feel new by adding depth and texture to even the most basic outfits.
Belts are another versatile accessory that can redefine your look. Use a wide belt to cinch in the waist of a loose dress, giving it a more tailored appearance, or add a skinny belt to your favorite jeans for a polished finish. If you have multiple belts, try combining them to see what new combinations you can create, because hey, why not!
Lastly, consider repurposing some accessories in unconventional ways. A brooch can look just as stunning pinned to a hat or handbag as it does on a lapel. By thoughtfully incorporating accessories, you can elevate your style without spending a cent!
Related: 7 Chic Ways to Wear a Brooch (That Aren’t Old-Fashioned)
8. Swap or Borrow Clothes With Friends or Family
You know the saying: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. And though I’m not calling your stuff trash, swapping clothes with friends or family can be a fantastic way to breathe new life into your wardrobe.
Not only does this approach help you get your hands on new styles, but it also supports sustainable fashion. Consider hosting a clothing swap party where everyone brings items they no longer wear. It’s a fun, social event and you get to take home some new pieces without spending a dime.
If your friend isn’t ready to part with a favorite item and there’s something you’ve been admiring, don’t be shy about asking to borrow it. I have loaned clothes and borrowed clothes (I’ll give your scarf back, Mom, promise), and it’s a win-win for everybody.
Whether it’s a dress you need for a special occasion or a skirt you need for family photos, borrowing clothes allows you to enjoy fresh looks while keeping your budget intact.
Elevate Your Style On a Budget
A new year is the perfect time to refresh your style and your bank account. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose between the two! With these 8 ideas, you can still get the desired stylish look you want without breaking the bank.
For more budget-friendly ways to upgrade your look, check out 11 Ways to Look Expensive on a Budget (& What to Avoid)
