Being fashionable and sticking to a budget may seem like two opposing ideas, but in this economy, a fashionista needs to keep a level head. One of the best ways to improve on your ability to express yourself, and inspire other people to do the same, is to get creative about staying stylish without breaking the bank.

You don’t need expensive designer clothes and accessories to look great in what you’re wearing. Here are a few suggestions that will utilize your resourcefulness and make you look like a million bucks (without actually costing you anywhere near a million):

1) Shop at Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are treasure troves to the smart and budget-conscious fashion enthusiast. You'll be amazed at the stylish finds lurking on your local thrift store’s racks. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot a rare vintage piece or two that flew under another shopper’s radar.

The beauty of thrift shopping lies in its affordability. You can snag both heirloom and trendy pieces at prices way below those of ordinary retailers. But you’ll need to be extra patient and willing to scour every nook and cranny if you eventually want to be rewarded with a special piece.

2) Consider Building a Capsule Wardrobe

A capsule wardrobe is a curated collection of versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched to create various outfits. This concept will simplify your fashion choices and minimize the need for excessive spending.

Start with classic go-to pieces that align with your personal style. Invest in a good long-sleeved shirt, dress pants, leggings, and jeans for your casual outfits and staples like opaque tights for your work in tech, media, content marketing, and the like. To make your clothes even easier to mix and match, choose neutral colors for your flagship pieces and then add pops of color through your accessories.

3) Avoid Impulse Purchases

Impulse buying clothing can wreak havoc on your budget. Before making any clothing-related purchases, take a moment to evaluate whether the item actually aligns with your style and fits the rest of your wardrobe. Better yet, shop in your closet first. Know what you already have and note what you actually need.

Will you be attending a wedding soon? If so, you should consider the dresses and gowns that are already hanging in your closet, just waiting for another occasion to shine. You can also raid a friend or family member’s closet to borrow formal wear if you feel like you’ll only wear it once. Attending a special event is not an excuse for you to buy new clothes, even if you see something cute on sale; borrow or use what you already have as often as possible.

4) Stick to Your Budget When Shopping

It’s also crucial for you to set a realistic fashion budget for yourself. Determine how much you can comfortably spend without straining your finances.

For most people on a budget, clothes are the least of their priorities. But for someone who values their creativity and expression through fashion, a well-stocked wardrobe is essential—and that’s honestly okay. What’s important is to not get carried away so that you won’t regret your choices later.

Once you've set your budget, stay disciplined. Avoid fashion boutiques that are beyond your means. In the end, this will help you make more thoughtful and budget-conscious choices rather than impulse buys that you’ll only enjoy once or twice.

5) Sell Your Unused or Seldom-Used Clothes

Do you want to add some cash to your clothing expenses? If so, why not sell the clothes that no longer fit you or that you seldom use? Sell your preloved clothes and other unused items on different online platforms to create some more wiggle room in your budget. Just be honest when writing your product descriptions and uploading photos of your items, and price them fairly.

6) Join Fashion Swap Meets

Fashion swap meets are a fun and eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a dime. Consider participating in or organizing swap meets with friends or other people in your community. This allows you to exchange clothing you no longer need for more unique pieces.

You’ll want to implement rules if you’re taking charge of a clothing swap meet, as it can get messy and disorganized if there are no systems in place to keep the swap event fair for everyone. For instance, you can have a token system, where a piece of clothing is equal to a token that can be traded for another piece.

7) Make New Outfits Out of Genuine Vintage Clothes

Vintage clothing has an enduring charm, and it never goes out of style. Look through your parents’ or grandparents’ closets for vintage gems that are still in good condition or that can be refurbished. Then, pair these pieces with modern items for a unique and charming look that’s inspired by the past.

Photo by MohamadReza Khashay on Unsplash

Re-style your mom’s old vintage denims with a modern top and boots for a vintage casual look. If you can convince your dad to part with his old high school varsity jacket, pair it with a crop top, high-rise jeans, and statement sneakers for a chic, vintage sporty glam look.

8) Learn to Mend Your Clothes

Basic sewing skills are a must for a fashionista on a budget. Imagine how much money you can save if you know how to repair your own clothes and extend their lifespans.

If your dress shirt loses a button, or if a hem on your sweater has just unraveled, you won’t need to spend extra to have them repaired in a shop. And if they’re properly repaired, these clothes are less likely to get pushed to the back of your closet and forgotten.

Fashionable people who are on strict budgets do exist, and they’re among the best role models for a budding fashionista like you. Take a leaf from their look books and exercise proper budgeting, resourcefulness, and creativity when putting together your own outfits!

8 Fashion Tips for Being Stylish While Saving Money at the Same Time