Dress To Impress (In Budget)

Ten tips to help you look like a million bucks (without spending a million bucks).

Don't you just hate it when you’re clothes shopping and you find that perfect jacket – the one you know would look amazing with your cute mini skirt - but you just can’t commit to buying because of the price tag?

Then, you need these ten tips too.

1. Use what you already have.

You don't need to buy new clothes to impress. How about mixing and matching the clothes you already have? Ironing your clothes – yes, ironing - can give them that 'new' feeling again and it also makes you look very well presented. Sometimes adding accessories such as a belt or a scarf can really tie your outfit together.

2. Hey, Macklemore, can we go thrift shopping?

I love op-shops because you can find nice clothing, shoes and accessories that are hardly worn and really cheap (and sometimes, if you're lucky, name brand items too). It's a great way to get new clothes on a budget, and it can also be really fun with a friend. Flea markets are also a cool way to get cheap clothes.

3. Swap clothes with your friends.

If you both like each other’s styles, it could be a really cool way to switch up your wardrobe for a total of $0. That's a pretty good deal. Ask your friends if they have any clothes they'd like to get rid of and tell them you have some you don't want as well. You can both search through the piles and see if there's anything that catches your eye. (The rest can be donated to charity.)

4. Sales! Sales! Sales!

Keep your eyes peeled for sales! Go online and check out the sales there too, because sometimes they are exclusively for internet shoppers. There are also certain times of the year when sales occur, such as on Boxing Day. (In the U.S., there’s the post-Thanksgiving shopping-fest known as Black Friday; by shopping online you can sweep up those bargains too.) Shop for clothes when they are going out of season because that's when stores are trying to get rid of their stock. Also, sign up for membership cards and get discounts (usually on your birthday).

5. The perks of shopping online.

eBay is super handy for shopping on a budget. Sure, waiting for deliveries to arrive can be a pain, but it's worth the wait knowing you got it for $5. Also, your usual stores should have online websites or apps which you can access. Like I said before, you can get deals that are only available to customers shopping online. Be careful with your sizes though! Remember to make sure you measure yourself and check their size guides. There are no change rooms online!

6. Casual vs. Dressy.

Why not both? Some items can be worn dressed up and dressed down, which is a good way to save money on outfit combos. Clothing that is neutral can be a particularly good investment. You get more use out of them in the long run. Items that I consider handy to have in your wardrobe for these exact reasons are: a day-to-night skirt/dress, cardigans, sunglasses, jewelry, headbands, flats, heels and clutches.

7. D.I.Y.

You can channel your inner creativity by doing your own D.I.Y projects. There are plenty of guides and suggestions online. Make a Pinterest account and gather your ideas. Also, Facebook, Tumblr and Instagram have awesome D.I.Y fashion tips; you just have to know where to look, so use hashtags and follow fashion gurus, style editors, and fashion magazines. If you know how to knit or sew, use those skills to your advantage by making your own clothes and accessories. If you are really good, maybe even try selling your homemade items at flea markets or on web stores like Etsy.

8. Find lookalike items.

If you can't afford something you really like try looking for something that looks similar. Try using The Hunt, a community of fashionistas who help each other by hunting down cheap alternatives. It's a really handy website/ app for those shopping on a budget.

9. Be shoe-smart.

You don't need expensive shoes to impress. Cheaper alternatives with similar styles to expensive brands exist and they help set the tone for your outfit just as well. You should have some casual shoes and some nice going out shoes as a part of your basic wardrobe essentials. Black is great because it goes with anything and you don't have to stress about it screwing up the entire outfit. Also, remember sizes can be different depending on the country, so look carefully on the website for a conversion chart.

10. Start a shopping fund.

Get a money box or money jar and put your spare change in it. You'll be surprised how much money you can actually collect over time. Use this money for whatever you like. You might not have the money for that expensive item you've been eyeing off right now, but eventually, thanks to your shopping fund, you will.