Finding your own personal style is a lifelong process, and it can change and develop as you get older, but there’s a lot you can do to improve your look without starting from scratch. You might assume that it would break the bank to make some changes to your wardrobe, but that’s just not the case anymore.
Not only are there incredible bargains to be found on clothing and accessories both on and offline if you know where to look, but it’s also easier than ever to find inspiration and learn about different kinds of fashion. So, you might be wondering how to look better and feel better without spending a ton of money. If you’re hoping to upgrade your look, read on for three simple ways to upgrade your style.
1. Check out your local thrift store.
Thrifting is one of the most fun ways to save money. Not only can you find outfits that you wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else, but you can also save a lot of money too. There are different kinds of thrift stores and secondhand retailers, some cater to those hoping to save money while finding some basics for their wardrobe, while others are pricier and feature rare and creative name brand pieces from past decades.
Whether you’re looking to splurge or save, there’s no doubt that thrift stores and vintage stores offer interesting brands and styles that are not only appealing on a style level, but that also can help you revamp your closet without emptying your savings account in order to do it. Thrift stores are the perfect solution for a smarter shopper who isn’t looking to run up their credit card bill but still wants to dress well and have a little fun.
2. Try a clothing swap with your friends.
When it comes to learning how to shop smart and dress better, there’s no better way to change up your image than doing it without spending any money at all. Everyone has clothes that they just don’t wear, even though they look great and are in fine condition. Maybe they don’t fit properly, maybe you just don’t like them anymore, but there are probably people in your life who would love to try some of your secondhand garments.
Consider getting a group of your friends together who are similar sizes, or you can focus on accessories, and have a day where you can swap and share. You’ll end up with some great new pieces for your wardrobe and you can get rid of some outfits that were just taking up space in your closet to replace them with things you’ll actually use. Ask anyone, and they’ll probably agree that free is the best price of all for new clothes.
3. Learn about fashion and style.
Whether it’s googling articles about 5 ways to upgrade your wardrobe or watching YouTube videos with tutorials on how to dress, the internet provides a great opportunity for anyone looking to improve their style. Finding inspiration is a big part of developing a personal look, and there’s inspiration everywhere, from movies to television shows to old magazine photoshoots. It can be a huge benefit just to peruse as much as you can at first, and once you start noticing the specific types of clothing you like, you’ll have a better idea of where to look when you’re ready to shop.
Everyone has different taste, so there’s no one best way to look, or one best perspective to have on fashion. Still, that doesn’t mean there isn’t universal advice that can help anyone improve their sense of style. Start looking outside your traditional shops and websites to score unique finds and get inspired by new trends if you want ideas on how to stand out, and consider finding people to swap with or secondhand stores to check out. You can find some incredible, one-of-a-kind outfits that way.
The more you try and the more you learn, the more informed your perspective on fashion will become. With some extra effort and a little bit of an investment, you’ll find yourself becoming a style maven quicker than you ever imagined.