Looking good on a budget can feel like an uphill struggle. You tend to end up wearing the same few clothes again and again while in actual fact you probably have more outfits than you realise.
How you look has a huge impact on how you feel on the inside so here are some tips to looking good on a budget.
Declutter your wardrobe
Most women only wear a fraction of the clothes they own. If you haven't worn something for over a year then get rid of it unless of course it has some sentimental value such as your wedding dress. With more space in your wardrobe you will see more easily how to mix and match the clothes you like.
Wear clothes that flatter your bodyshape
What you wear should enhance and improve your natural assets. Don't hide your body in baggy ill fitting clothes you will not only look shapeless but probably won't feel too good either.
Wear the right colours
Colour is such an important part of our lives. Think how miserable you feel when the sky is dull and grey day after day compared to when it is bright blue. The same can be said when it comes to the clothes you wear. For a colour chart of the best colours that suit you see my eBook.
Use accessories to add interest
You can give a top a different look by wearing a scarf or a necklace or change the buttons. When it comes to shoes buy the best you can afford. The better the quality the longer they will last. Polishing them regularly will also keep them in good shape.
Handbags can really make an outfit, you can pick up some really nice ones on eBay or try your local charity shop as many of the handbags that end up there have hardly been used.
Wear separates
Gok Wan says you only need 24 key pieces of clothing, personally I would struggle with this as our climate varies so much. But take 3 pairs of trousers and 3 tops and you have 9 different outfits. Add a couple of pairs of jeans and a skirt and you have 18 different outfits.
Buy less but buy better
Quality over quantity. It is no use having 5 tee shirts if they all look well worn, much better to have only 3 that look really good. You get what you pay for so a £4 tee shirt just will not wash as well as a £15 one unless of course you bought it in the sale. The more you pay the better the fit. You will find that a better quality piece of clothing not only feels better but also fits better. Become a saavy sales shopper.
Wear some make-up
You only have to watch some of the transformations on tv to see how by wearing just a little bit of make-up can transform the way you look. You don't need to plaster it on just a blusher and a lip gloss is enough if you prefer a natural look but it is a great morale booster. If wearing make-up frightens you go to one of the many cosmetic counters and ask for a make-over. Most assistants are very helpful and will show you how to apply their products and best of all it is free.
Have your hair cut regularly
Having a bad hair day can make you feel like screaming but it doesn't have to cost the earth to have it trimmed every 8 - 10 weeks. You don't have to have the works a dry trim will do. Most training schools are desperate for models for students to practise on and it is usually a fraction of the cost that you would pay at a salon. But if having a student let loose on your hair freaks you out go to a salon and just ask for a trim.
Colour your hair at home
Home hair dyes have improved enormously and there are plenty to choose from. Use a 1" paintbrush to apply and always do the roots first. I find it is also much easier if you get your husband, partner or a girlfriend to help you when it comes to the back of the head so that you don't miss any bits.
Last Updated: August 13, 2010
