If you're like me, you see the models and influencers on your For You Page and envy their clothing. Maybe you love one of their jackets so much that you look it up to buy it, only to find out that it's from Miu Miu and costs more than your monthly rent.
It's so easy to fall into the mindset that you can only be stylish if you have money, and that's just not true. There are so many ways to dress like these wealthy celebrities, without the wealth. I made a list of my favorite tips that might just help you out, especially with prices rising.
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It's a classic, and you knew it was coming. Thrift stores, charity shops, online platforms, flea markets, blah blah blah. You get the gist.
Without a doubt, these are the easiest ways to shop on a budget. The most recent issue with these, however, is that they've grown in popularity. While that's great for the planet, it's not as great for our pockets. A lot of people argue that thrift stores are matching prices with places like Urban Outfitters, and are just too much effort.
I won't lie and say that this isn't true, but it's definitely able to be worked around. Garage sales and car boot sales have consistently low prices. If you're in Europe, try Vinted instead of Depop.
If you're in a city, try flea markets. If you're in the middle of nowhere, your thrift stores might be cheaper than usual. You'll have to scope out to see what's around you, but find some go-to places.
When thrifting, don't be afraid to try things on. It's also important to have the right mindset. Paging through endless racks of clothes can be mind-numbing if you aren't in the mood, so maybe scroll on Pinterest beforehand and go in with some ideas.
I'm a secondhand shopping addict, so let me give you some tips:
Baby tees - instead of paying 20 dollars for a tiny t-shirt, look through the little boy's section. This has been one of my favorite ways to shop for years, and you can find really cute things (or ironic, depending on what you go for).
Handbags - handbags are totally underrated thrift finds. There are usually shelves filled with bags, and you can usually find pretty good quality leather or material. If you've read any of my articles, you know I love a chunky bag, so I always scan this section first.
Jackets/coats - secondhand stores are the best places to find good jackets. Leather, fur (faux or real), and canvas are usually incredibly expensive. However, you can find amazing pieces for wayyyy cheaper than their usual price tags. Jackets are great statement pieces, so look out for something unique.
Pairing very nicely with my last point, tailoring clothes can make them look so much more expensive. Get a cheap sewing machine (thrift stores!!), take your measurements, and go to town. The easiest thing to do is tailor a shirt to be more form-fitting. There are a million and one YouTube tutorials on altering clothes, so go down a rabbit hole.
Especially if you're a fan of street style and baggy pants, sewing can be a great way to take in the waist so they aren't constantly falling down.
Jewelry
I'm a huge jewelry fan, and I know what you're thinking, jewelry is expensive. However, making jewelry and charity shop jewelry is always cheap.
Figure out what style of jewelry you like, and how it pairs into your clothing aesthetics. Usually, people opt for a specific color scheme or metal (i.e. gold or silver). However, I think mixing metals is one of the best ways to accessorize and add something different to your outfits. Regardless of the metal, make sure that the jewelry you're buying is cohesive; pairing a Puka shell necklace with a heavy metal chain isn't always the look you think it is.
I think one of the best ways to add jewelry to your outfits is through piercings. If you have pierced ears, try figuring out stacks. This only gets better the more earrings you have.
Accessories
The small details are really the things that make up the whole look. I already talked about jewelry, but there are hats, scarves, belts, socks, and other items you can think of. Luckily for all of us, accessories are naturally pretty cheap. Maybe if you're opting for a premium leather belt, the price will rise, but generally, you can find things for quite a low price.
Find statement pieces that don't cost a lot of money. If you know you lean towards warmer tones, maybe buy a red belt or hat to pull an outfit together. Once again, you can find these on Vinted, charity shops, garage sales, or even normal stores.
Not spending too much money accessorizing is only buying things you know you'll wear. It's so easy to fall into the trap of buying ten $2 items you don't like, instead of that one scarf for $15. Quality over quantity is the game for accessories, but also, of course, keep the price in mind.
Makeup and Hair
This is probably the cheapest area of the whole article. Makeup and hair.
Your hair and makeup can help you give off your desired aesthetic, regardless of your clothes. If you want a more old-money style, think about growing out your hair and styling it in a more sleek fashion (loose curls, straight hair, etc.). If you like an edgier look, get choppy layers and maybe some box dye.
In terms of makeup, the world is your oyster. Experiment with eyeliner and blush placements for different looks. You can spend hours putting on different makeup and taking it off.
Find celebrities with makeup that you like and try to replicate it. There's no harm in trying, and don't be embarrassed wearing different styles out.
Inspiration
As much as I love to talk about these things, a visual representation is sometimes best. Here's a list of some YouTube tutorials you can find better detailing what I've already mentioned.
Overall, being stylish doesn't have to be overly expensive. You can spend as little or as much as you want in order to match your Pinterest boards. Hopefully, these tips gave you some ideas, and feel free to add more tips in the comments. Happy thrifting!
Nora Wagner is a 17-year-old student who grew up in the UK and is now based in Spain. At a young age, she developed a passion for music and fashion and, since then, has loved reading and writing about them. Nora enjoys playing instruments, reading, and shopping with her friends in her free time. She spends a lot of time traveling, and likes to study fashion trends in the different countries she visits.
