Let’s face it—everyone wants to look and feel their best. When you dress well and use your wardrobe to express yourself, everything else feels a bit easier. You feel more confident, you’re more likely to go after your goals, and the future looks bright.
However, if you’re looking to save money around the house and reduce your debt, cutting expenses is vital. One side effect of that means having less money to spend on yourself.
The good news is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to look your best. Consider the following tips on how to look great on a budget. With a bit of creativity, you’ll look like a million dollars no matter how much you have to spend.
Shop Secondhand
Op shopping is more popular than ever and for good reason. Op shops are the place to find second-hand clothes, accessories and shoes at very good prices and often in excellent condition. They’re also a fun activity to do with friends and family! You never know what you’ll find, so it’s a bit of an adventure.
Regularly drop by op shops around your home or work to find the best bargains, or head online for a world of op shopping at your fingertips. It takes a bit more time than “traditional” shopping, but it’s worth it to save money around the house.
Markets also can be a great place to source both retro and designer clothing, jewellery, and bags at fantastic prices. You’ll find not just second-hand items but also new creations from local artisans or even up-and-coming designers looking to showcase their wares.
While it might make sense to shop at inexpensive clothing retailers if you’re on a tight budget, no good comes from fast fashion. Not only are these retailers bad for the global community and the environment, but the clothing isn’t designed to last. It’s better to invest in high-quality, secondhand pieces than to waste money on something you’ll need to replace quickly.
Shop and Compare Prices Online
Online bargains aren’t limited to second-hand. Online shopping is not only easy, convenient, and time-saving, it’s also the perfect way to shop around for the absolute best price.
Before purchasing any new clothes, accessories, shoes, hair products, skincare, or makeup, browse online to find what you like and who has it for the best price. You could find steep savings just by taking this extra step.
While you may wish to visit the store to try before you buy, bear in mind that some retailers do offer free exchange for items purchased online should they not fit.
Another way to take advantage of online bargains is to sign up for newsletters so you’ll always know about upcoming sales and membership specials. Sometimes it pays to wait for the right time to shop, like around holidays or during certain off seasons.
Splurge Responsibly
If you want to look great on a budget, you need to learn how to splurge responsibly. Believe it or not, looking like a million dollars doesn’t always mean buying big. At least, you shouldn’t be buying big all the time!
A small purchase such as a scarf, belt, or a plain top in a different colour can change the whole look of an existing outfit. Look for ways to dress up or give a new lease of life to that which you already own. Try to shop for neutral clothes that are easy to mix and match so you always have something on-trend to wear.
When in doubt, remember the lipstick phenomenon. It’s often said that sales of lipsticks tend to boom during recession times, suggesting that for many women, a new lipstick is the best way to look and feel great when money is limited.
Get Clothing Tailored
That $10 shirt you picked up at a thrift store might not look perfect now, but a quick hem could turn it into the perfect fit. Clothes that fit your body well will always look better than expensive clothes that don’t.
Getting a few stitches to fix the fit of a few pieces at a local trailer isn’t expensive at all, and it will help the clothing last much longer.
If you’re crafty, you could also learn to do some basic sewing at home yourself. You don’t even need a sewing machine since most basic changes can be done by hand with a bit of patience. It’s well worth it when you see the finished result!
Wash Clothes Correctly
We’re all guilty of rushing through the wash with our favorite clothes. While that might be fine for athletic and around-the-house staples, go the extra mile to take care of the clothes you have by washing them correctly.
If you see a stain or torn thread in something you wore, take care of it right away. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to fix and the more noticeable it will be.
Though it might sound counterintuitive, don’t wash your clothing as frequently. Washing in a traditional machine is hard of fabric, and it wears them down overtime to make things appear faded. Check the labels on your nice clothes and hand wash when possible.
Put Health and Hygiene First
Being healthy is the absolute best way to feel and look your best, no matter what you’re wearing. Better yet, you don’t need an expensive gym membership to do it.
Watch what you eat and make sure you exercise regularly. If time is limited, try walking part way to work, or heading out at lunchtime. Money difficulties may leave you feeling overwhelmed, and regular exercise can play a significant part in alleviating feelings of stress.
Similarly, take good care of your body. Getting an inexpensive haircut, creating a basic skincare routine, and keeping your nails clean can have a huge effect. These small healthy and hygiene steps not only make you look better, but you feel better as well.
Seek Financial Help
If you want to save money around the home but still look great, these tips are for you. Of course, if the debt is having a major impact on your life, it is important to look at how best to deal with it.
You’re not in this alone. At Debt Busters, we’re here to help. We can offer advice and provide you with the best debt solutions designed to get you back on track and leave you feeling great, all the time.
From making a new budget to finding the right debt plan, we’ll work with you every step of the way. Give us a call today on 1300 368 322 or fill in the enquiry form below.