10 Ways To Looking Your Best On A Budget

Keeping up with the latest styles doesn’t have to break the bank. I’ve put together 10 money saving tips to updating your wardrobe with key pieces that will take you from season to season on a budget.

Let’s face it, we feel our best when we look our best, am I right? And while exercise and a healthy diet is a huge proponent to feeling good, the way we look on the outside is largely important as well.

1. Wait for the item(s) to go on sale. I never purchase anything full price unless its something that a. never goes on sale or b. an item that is timeless and will NEVER go out of style.

2. Sign up for email alerts from your favorite stores. I know the last thing we want are more emails but you want to know when the sale is before the rest of the world does, that way, you get first dibs. The worst is when you fall in love an item, go to purchase it and its sold out or no longer in your size. So sad.

3. If you must splurge…splurge on key items such as a designer bag, a really good pair of jeans or a timeless coat (like this or this). When I look at my wardrobe, its mostly low cost items with sprinkles of designer luxury items (like my Chanel boy bag, my other baby).

4. Set  a budget. If you can, set aside a monthly shopping budget and stick to it. This will force you to ONLY purchase the items you really want. In the past, I would go shopping with no budget in mind and would literally come home with stuff that I would never wear. I’d have stuff in my closet with tags on them for years! Such a waste of money.

5. Check your closet first. When putting together an outfit, don’t be so quick to run to the store (or your computer). Take a look in your closet first and you may be surprised at what you find. I have found so many (old) articles of clothing that I’ve had for years but never wore and now are staples in my wardrobe.

6. Only purchase items that look good for your body type and fit you NOW. I used to be guilty of buying clothes that didn’t fit me because it was such a good deal and then promise myself that I would lose weight and fit into them. Did it happen? No. I would end up giving them away or donating them because realistically, most people don’t lose weight just to fit into a pair of jeans. The desire and motivation has to come from something much deeper than that.

7. Don’t worry so much about where you shop.  Instead, focus on the quality of the clothes and how it looks on you and makes you feel. I buy a lot of items from Old Navy for my entire family and have always been happy with how versatile and affordable their clothes are. Loft is another favorite of mine and often times, their items go on sale for 60% off!

8. Shop off season for key pieces. At the end of the season, stores will usually have a major sale in order to make way for the new season styles. Hit the sale rack and look for items that are classic pieces such as a white button down shirt, black dress pants, or a knit blazer.

9. Invest in good shoes. Good quality shoes goes a long way. If you think about it, if you’re constantly purchasing cheap quality shoes you’re only able to wear a handful of times, its really not a good deal. A good pair of shoes that will last for years pays for itself. I’ve had these Sam Edelman boots for 3 years now and  they are still going strong. Oh and did I mention how much I LOVE THEM!

10. Handbags. My weakness. OK, so as much as I love a good designer bag, there are also a lot of really cute ones out there that are super versatile, affordable and timeless. This reversible faux leather tote bag is my go-to and a staple for moms on the go like me because its big enough to fit baby items like diapers and wipes. This Sole Society cross body bag is also a great one because it allows you to be hands free and is large enough to fit the essentials (i.e. wallet, phone, keys). Nordstrom has a great selection of bags starting as low as $20 all the way to top designer bags.

The outfit I’m wearing in these pictures cost me a total of $129 including my hat, shoes and bag. My dress was purchased at Old Navy for less than $14 and my hat was on sale at Banana Republic which I got for $16! The most expensive items are my shoes and bag which cost roughly $50 each.

My Look: Plaid Dress, Straw Hat, Bag, Booties (old, similar stye)

Here are additional items that I’ve recently purchased or am currently coveting:

My favorite “budget” stores are: Target, Old Navy, Loft, Gap and Uniqlo. I would love to hear what your favorite stores are to shop at on a budget. Leave me a comment below!