Inventory Everything You Own
Take all clothing out of drawers, and all hangers out of the closet. Spread them out on every available surface. Note what you have and what you need. Seeing all your clothes laid out and visible will inspire you to create new outfits from what you already have.
Hit Up Cheap Stores for Staples
Everyone needs basic tank tops, underwear, bras, panties and the like. Stores like Target and Wal-Mart are great places to stock up on these wardrobe stapes for very cheap. When they become worn, toss them out and buy fresh stuff.
Know Where to Hunt for Treasure
To find some real designer treasures on the cheap, try searching at retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Century 21. Build up your stamina before you head in, because it takes some energy to find gold. Remember, however, that sometimes you’ll find the items of your dreams, and sometimes you will walk away empty-handed. It’s a toss-up, because they get their wares from all over and the good stuff goes fast.
Do your Designer Research
Check out fashion websites and magazines to familiarize yourself with designer’s current styles. Once you get an idea of what look you want to go for, search the internet and the mall for similar style. Fashion is one big incestuous family. Mid and low-level designers rip off high end brands constantly. You may be wearing a jacket that looks exactly like a Marc Jacobs, and you had no idea! Once you do, pass it off as that item. No one will ever know.
Splurge When You Should
While you can buy basics at any cheap retailer and look good, there are a few items that you should spend more on, as they will put you together like no other.
- Bags: A handbag should always look expensive on your arm. Splurge on a nice handbag that will go with everything you own, and will carry all of your essentials.
- Shoes: Shoes should always look clean and trendy. Make sure you invest in a classic pair of pointy-toed pumps for the office, going out to dinner, and wherever they’re appropriate!
- Bras: Although buying cheap ones from Wal-Mart is perfectly fine, try to invest in at least one expensive well-fitting piece of lingerie. A good bra will make you look 5 lbs. thinner.
- Coat: Splurge on a great coat, as you will be wearing it almost constantly in the cold winter months. A classic pea coat or trench coat in a flattering color will make you look put-together no matter what you are wearing underneath.
- Bathing Suit: Go to a swimwear shop, and try on a bunch of different suits. Try to find ones with tummy-flattening panels, and make sure you put up a cute sarong or light coverup in case you don’t want to let it all out. Note your problem areas, and try to minimize them, while maximizing your good assets. A bathing suit that makes you look good is worth the price.
- Jeans: Again, try on your size in many different styles and designers. Some will fit, some will be too large, and some will be too small. Every designer cuts their jeans differently. So you have to find the one that’s right for you. Choose the jean style that will look most flattering. Hint: boot cut works for everybody.
Pick a Signature Look
Once you find something that works for you, work it to death! Make it part of you; a sexy signature style. Everyone will want to know your secret for looking so hot, and so you!
