You don’t need to spend a lot of money to look and feel stylish! Little details in body language, grooming (makeup, hair, skincare, etc.) and wardrobe can make a huge difference in your appearance. Karen Le Roux, image consultant and owner of Cameo Image Consulting, shares her wardrobe tips for ensuring you always look classy on a budget.
1. Spend money on structured items in the best quality you can afford
Shoes, handbags, bottoms and jackets set the tone for the rest of your outfit and are well worth investing in. Structured items are normally tailored and often detailed, and give an outfit polish and authority while elevating your look.
2. Don’t spend too much on trendy items
Fashion trends come and go, so you don’t want to invest in trendy items since you’ll probably only wear them for a couple of seasons. Costume jewellery, T-shirts, hair accessories, scarves and hats all are examples of items you can save on. The idea is to balance the more expensive, structured items with cheaper, trendy, seasonal pieces. Trendy items add interest to an outfit, so have fun!
3. Be critical of the items you consider buying
Items look more expensive when they fit your body shape and are well finished. Look at the quality of the fabric and the construction, as well as the fit. A well-finished garment will have no loose threads or buttons, seams which lie completely flat, design elements that line up, straight stitching and fabric which is not see-through. Try on an item of clothing before you buy it! A well-fitting garment should enhance your body shape.
4. Go for a bra fitting (they’re free!)
There is a bra for every woman – you just need to be paired with the correct one by a professional. The aim is to present a smooth silhouette while highlighting your body’s shape. When you wear a well-fitting bra, not only does your clothing look better but you feel more comfortable, too!
5. Plan your wardrobe and set a budget
Determine how much you can spend on your clothing every season and stick to it. The best way to stay within your budget is to only shop for items your closet needs. So plan your wardrobe for the next season and only go shopping with a shopping list. When shopping, look for items you can mix and match with each other. A wardrobe capsule plan will help you dress better with less!
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