We all know that when you look good, you feel good – and sometimes that can be a saving grace when we’re not feeling particularly great about ourselves. Sometimes, you may find yourself in a style rut or wanting to reinvent your look on a limited budget. Fortunately, there are easy ways to save when it comes to looking and feeling your best. You certainly don’t have to break the bank, so let’s take a look at some tips on how to look your best on a dime!
While it’s essential to start each day with a positive and fresh mindset, that’s not what we’re talking about here. You want to make sure that you are grooming yourself every day. Sounds simple and like everyone would do it, right? Well, whether you’re a busy mother or a young professional, sometimes the day can get ahead of you before you’re even out the front door! So, make sure you’re waking up early enough to take a shower, put on some makeup if that’s your thing, and look clean and put together.
Make sure you’re using products that you love and work for your skin and body type, so you’ll be likely to use them daily. Try to use as natural as possible lotions and deodorants, especially if you’re sensitive. You can even talk to your dermatologist if you have specific concerns and use dermatologist recommended deodorant, makeup, and lotions. Taking time every day to put your best foot forward is inexpensive, and you’ll look fantastic.
Shopping for second-hand clothing can be more time-consuming than shopping right off a mannequin in a major retailer, but it pays in several ways. You’re saving the environment, saving money, and your pieces are much more unique than everyone else’s. If you need some inspiration for what you should be shopping for in thrift shops and vintage stores, head to your local book store and check out the fashion magazines (for free). You can also get inspo from social media, television, wherever you usually would. The thrill is in the hunt of searching for a faux leopard coat or the perfect high-rise jeans. And, when you find them for a much better price than new ones, it’s a special kind of joy! So, make an effort to buy as much of your wardrobe second hand.
While it’s easy to blow your budget shopping online with your credit cards linked to your phone, physically going shopping with a cash budget already in your wallet makes it easy to look nice on a budget. While you can still buy new if you want to, whether it’s clothing or perfume (which when you smell nice, you’ll feel even better), you’ll save money if you have your cash budget set. Carrying cash prevents impulse spending and weighing wants versus needs. So remember, cash is still king!
To some people, trying to shop on a budget but buying high-end or designer may sound counterintuitive. But it’s the exact opposite. Did you know during the Great Depression that women should invest in one expensive dress versus a cheaper one? The reason was simple – the well-made and more expensive ones would stay nice and last much longer than their inexpensive counterparts. So, budgeting for just a few high-quality items that you will wear over and over is saving you money compared to cheaper, fast-fashion items you’ll toss or donate after the season ends.
Before you go out and buy new items, shop your closet, shop your mom’s closet or a friend – people have tons of things they’re ready to part with, and you might love some of it! Additionally, you may have some garments you know you’re not going to wear again, which could equal serious cash. So, it’s worth going through your wardrobe and figuring out what to sell on apps like eBay, Poshmark, or Depop. With the money you make, you can save, of course, or put new things you need in your closet!
Looking great on a budget is easier said than done; it just takes a little know-how and willingness to do so. Implementing the above can save you time, save you money, and have you looking fantastic with serious savings leftover. Happy shopping!
