Fake ballers are so last season; 5 ways to master affordable fashion

BY KIARA B.

Mastering affordable fashion is about being strategic with your spending and developing a creative and resourceful mindset. By combining these tips, you can build a stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank. Let’s make affordability the new black and conquer the fashion game, one fly outfit at a time.

Create a budget. Spend within your means.

Create a monthly budget for your fashion purchases and spend within your means. Fake ballers are so last season. You don’t need expensive, flashy items to be considered a well-dressed individual. In fact, most luxury fashion brands strategically target the middle and lower class, tricking people into thinking that a highly-priced product is the recipe for a good outfit. This is wrong. Money doesn’t buy style. Take advantage of thrift stores, consignment shops, and online platforms for secondhand clothing. You can find unique pieces and designer items at a fraction of the retail price and look just as good.

Follow fashion trendsetters.

“Trendsetters” are not exclusive to celebrities and fashion influencers. A mutual friend, a coworker, or even your favorite aunt are all potential fashion experts that can be huge style inspirations. Don’t count out the underdogs. Finding inspiration from “average” people will likely help you stay within your budget and ensure that your style elevation journey is sustainable.

Once you find who inspires you, stay up to date on their latest posts, unique fashion brands they follow, and their favorite fashion influencers. If it’s someone you know personally, inquire about their style inspiration. If they truly have a passion for fashion, your interest will excite them and they will happily go on and on (and on) with thoughtful fashion advice.

Download Pinterest. You need it.

Pinterest is widely known as the go-to platform for people who wish to elevate their style without draining their pockets. Users can easily navigate through a wide-range of style guides, discover unique and affordable pieces, and clever styling advice. The platform contains user-generated content that unconsciously empowers you to refine your tastes, explore diverse aesthetics, and develop a signature style that aligns with your budget constraints. Pinterest has developed a supportive community of individuals who are unafraid to hyperlink brands that sell their favorite pieces, websites that offer affordable options, and underrated influencers who know just a little something about fashion.

Know what to buy.

Focus on buying high-quality essentials that will last longer, rather than purchasing a large quantity of cheap, disposable items. Quality pieces may cost more initially but can save you money in the long run. After assessing product quality, ensure the pieces you buy are versatile and timeless items that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits. These may include neutral coloured shirts, classic denim jeans, and versatile footwear. Key pieces can be styled in various ways to give the illusion of a larger wardrobe.

Care for your clothes.

Properly care for your clothes to extend their lifespan. Make sure to read and follow care instructions on your products’ labels. Different fabrics and designs may have specific care requirements that help maintain their longevity. For example, you should consider mild detergents and gentle spin cycles for delicate fabrics like: silk, wool, or cashmere. In terms of storage, investing in sturdy, quality hangers for items like suits, dresses, and coats maintains the shape and prevents stretching. Following these maintenance strategies will have your wallet thanking you (and me) in the end.