How To Look Fabulous Without A Fortune

It Can Be Easy and Fun to Stay Fashionable and Stay on a Budget

© Cindy Ming

Jun 1, 2009
The Little Black Dress!, carolinejg
There are lots of ways to build a great wardrobe while living in these rough times. All it takes is a little more research, elbow grease and thinking out-of-the-box.

One doesn't always have to run out, buy new clothes and blow one's monthly budget when needing to build a great, occasion-appropriate wardrobe. Looking fabulous does not have to cost much when one use's a little ingenuity.

Evaluate WardrobePrepare four large boxes. Label them respectively donate, repair, swap and discard. Go through closets and drawers and place clothes in the appropriate boxes. Be honest if alterations are really necessary for certain items or if they have just outlived their time. Do not save things if they are too tight, are uncomfortable in any way or cause stress. Think of being comfortable and at peace with your body. Having a clean, organized closet makes one feel fabulous.

Have A Clothes Swap

Call friends and swap clothes that are clean and in great condition. Everyone will get something special and unique and strengthen bonds of friendship. Put leftovers in the donate box.

Build The Classic Wardrobe

Many of the "make-over" shows keep touting the value of the "ten piece wardrobe". Although one may need a few more pieces than ten, they will essentially help one be dressed appropriately for any occasion.

For women, the Basic Ten are:

  • Basic black dress
  • Trench coat
  • Classic dress pants
  • Classic white shirt
  • Skirt
  • Blazer
  • Day dress
  • Cashmere sweater
  • Jeans
  • A comfortable alternative to a sweatsuit

For men, the Basic Ten are:

  • White polo shirt
  • Versatile blue jeans
  • Dark solid suit
  • Power tie
  • French cuff shirt
  • V-neck sweater
  • Grey wool trousers
  • Khaki pants
  • Winter coat
  • Black loafers

These are suggestions, not rules that are not written in fashionista stone. Adjust these guidelines to fit one's lifestyle. Essentially, build a wardrobe that provides an appropriate look for business, family and play. These classics will last forever. Then splurge a little on accesssories and a few trendy items that will add fun and interest.

Add Great Accessories That "Pop"!

For women, accessories that can embellish and personalize the Basic Ten are: bright and/or textured scarves, a chunky necklace, a pair of great-looking pumps, a leather or faux leather jacket, a pair of comfortable shoes and hats in interesting colors and textures.

Men can liven up their basic ten by adding ties in interesting prints, a leather or faux leather jacket, some casual shirts in solids and an interesting print or two and for versatility, a pair of brown shoes. Brown shoes go great with jeans!

Go For FitBuy clothes that fit. They will make one look slimmer. Baggy clothes tend to ovewhelm the body and actually make it look heavier. There are clothes that are cut for comfort with a slight deconstruction if that is the style one prefers. Comfort, neatness and looking great can exist together in wardrobe harmony.

Now go and enjoy meeting the world head-on looking fabulous!


The copyright of the article How To Look Fabulous Without A Fortune in Women’s Fashion is owned by Cindy Ming. Permission to republish How To Look Fabulous Without A Fortune in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


The Little Black Dress!, carolinejg
Men can be fabulous, too!, carolinejg
     


Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo